Juicy Cranberry Glazed Ham

Hey there, friends!

Looking to impress at your next dinner? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!

Today, I’m sharing my mouthwatering cranberry glazed ham.

It’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ideal for any holiday or just a cozy dinner at home.

Let’s dive into this festive delight!

Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution

Whole cranberry sauce can be substituted with fresh or frozen cranberries blended with a bit of sugar and water. This alternative provides a fresher flavor and allows control over sugar content. For a lower-sugar option, consider using unsweetened applesauce mixed with cranberry juice concentrate. Brown sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar or a sugar-free brown sugar substitute for those watching their sugar intake. These alternatives maintain the molasses-like flavor while offering different nutritional profiles. Orange juice concentrate can be swapped with fresh orange zest and juice for a more natural citrus flavor. Alternatively, use pineapple juice for a tropical twist that complements the ham well. Adjust the amount to taste, as fresh juices may be less concentrated than the original ingredient.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	90-120 minutes
Total Time	100-135 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 4500-4800
• Protein: 300-320 g
• Fat: 250-270 g
• Carbohydrates: 400-450 g

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 ounces) whole cranberry sauce
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup concentrated orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Approximately 10 pounds spiral-sliced, fully cooked ham

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, sugar, orange juice, and spices.

Place the saucepan over low heat on the stove.

Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a smooth glaze.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350º Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before you start baking the ham.

Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Ham

Take a pre-cooked, spiral sliced ham and place it in a baking pan or casserole dish.

Spoon about ½ cup of the prepared cranberry glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and flavors.

Bake the ham for 1 hour.

Step 4: Glaze and Continue Baking

After the initial baking period, remove the foil and glaze the ham with another ½ cup of cranberry sauce.

Re-cover the ham and return it to the oven for an additional 30 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Final Cooking and Glazing

After 30 minutes, glaze the ham one last time with the cranberry sauce.

Continue baking the ham until its internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

This final cooking step usually takes about 10-15 minutes per pound of ham, so plan for a total cooking time of approximately 90-120 minutes, depending on the size of the ham.

Step 6: Serve the Ham with Leftover Glaze

Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed to your preference, remove it from the oven.

Serve any remaining cranberry glaze over the ham slices for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your delicious cranberry-glazed ham!