Cranberry Glazed Ham: A Festive Family Favorite
This cranberry glazed ham is a total showstopper perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or any special occasion when you want to impress without stress. The sweet and slightly tart cranberry glaze gives it a gorgeous ruby-red finish that makes everyone reach for seconds.
I’ve been making this for years during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. This recipe is straightforward, kid-approved, and smells incredible while baking.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Glazed Ham
This ham is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. The cranberry glaze adds a unique holiday twist that makes it stand out on any dinner table. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the oven does most of the work. Plus, the leftovers are just as amazing perfect for sandwiches, breakfast hash, or even tucked into rolls.
Simple Ingredients
Just a few basic ingredients bring big flavor:
- Bone-in ham: Juicy and flavorful, bone-in ham stays tender while roasting.
- Cranberry sauce: The sweet-tart base for the glaze.
- Brown sugar: Adds richness and deep caramelized notes.
- Dijon mustard: Balances the sweetness with a little tang.
- Orange juice: Adds brightness and citrusy flavor.
- Ground cloves: A warm spice that enhances the holiday feel.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
What is Needed
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 1.5 hours.
- While ham is baking, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and cloves in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- After 1.5 hours, remove foil and brush glaze over ham generously. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting once more halfway through.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Top Tips
- Use whole berry cranberry sauce for the best texture in the glaze.
- Don’t skip resting the ham this keeps it juicy when slicing.
- For extra flavor, score the ham in a diamond pattern before baking.
- Double the glaze if you want extra for serving!
- Save the ham bone for soups or stews tons of flavor!
Recipe Variations
- Swap orange juice for apple cider for a different twist.
- Use honey mustard instead of Dijon for a sweeter glaze.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or ginger to the glaze for extra warmth.
Recommended Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Sharp carving knife
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the glaze 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm before using.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat slices gently in the oven, covered, at 300°F until warm.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry apple salad
- Warm dinner rolls
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or cranberry spritzer
- Wine: Riesling or Pinot Noir
- Cocktail: Cranberry mimosas or a bourbon-orange punch
Leftover Ideas Section
Many families love having leftover ham, so give them creative ideas:
- Cranberry Ham Sandwiches: Add cream cheese and arugula on a ciabatta roll.
- Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole: Great for post-holiday mornings!
- Ham Fried Rice: A quick, kid-friendly meal using leftover rice and veggies.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Use the bone for broth and simmer with white beans.
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
Ham has long been a traditional holiday centerpiece, and this cranberry-glazed version offers a modern fruity twist. The idea of pairing ham with fruit dates back centuries, and cranberries native to North America make a perfect seasonal match. This is a no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings comfort and elegance to your table.
More Christmas Recipes
Try these you will love them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham just adjust the cooking time as it may bake a bit faster.
Do I need to baste the ham more than once?
Once halfway through the final bake is enough, but for a thicker glaze you can baste every 10 minutes.
Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
Yes, but the texture will be smoother. Whole berry gives a nice pop and rustic finish.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4–6 hours, adding the glaze during the last hour uncovered (if your slow cooker allows).
Cranberry Glazed Ham
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan
- Basting brush
- Sharp carving knife
Ingredients
- 1 8-10 lb bone-in ham
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 1.5 hours.
- While ham is baking, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and cloves in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- After 1.5 hours, remove foil and brush glaze over ham generously. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting once more halfway through.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]