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

ingredients cranberries ham honey sugar mustard

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.

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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).