Hey friends!
I hope you’re all having a wonderful time this season. Whether you’re prepping for a festive family gathering or just looking for something special to make your weeknight dinners shine, I’ve got a recipe that’ll knock your socks off: Cranberry Sauce Glazed Ham! It’s not only delicious but also has that extra zing of flavor that’s perfect for small or large gatherings. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on a classic dish, making it a win-win for everyone cheering for Healthy Food Recipes.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into this sweet, tangy, and oh-so-yummy delight that’s sure to be the star of your table:
### Cranberry Sauce Glazed Ham
**Ingredients:**
– 1 spiral-cut ham (about 7-9 pounds)
– 1 cup cranberry sauce (You can use canned, but I encourage you to make your own for that fresh, personal touch — more on that later!)
– 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
**Optional for Garnish:**
– Fresh cranberries
– Orange slices
– Fresh rosemary sprigs
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is the perfect temperature to heat the ham through and allow those wonderful flavors to seep in without drying it out.
2. **Prepare the Ham:** Place your spiral-cut ham on a large roasting pan cut side down. Make sure to line the pan with foil for easier clean-up later.
3. **Mix the Glaze:** In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, allspice, and ginger. Allow everything to melt together smoothly, stirring often. Once well-combined, let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. **Apply the Glaze:** Generously brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it in between all those lovely spiral cuts. The more glaze, the merrier!
5. **Roast the Ham:** Pop the ham into your preheated oven. Roasting times can vary, but generally you’ll want to bake your ham for about 10-12 minutes per pound — so around 1.5 to 2 hours for an average-sized ham. Keep basting with the glaze every 30 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
6. **Final Touch:** For an extra festive touch, about 20 minutes before the ham is done, garnish it with fresh cranberries and orange slices. They’ll caramelize beautifully with the glaze and add eye-catching color to your presentation!
7. **Rest and Serve:** Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps keep those juices in when slicing.
**Tips and Tidbits:**
– **Homemade Cranberry Sauce:** I like to make my cranberry sauce from scratch. Here’s a quickie: Simmer fresh cranberries with some water, orange zest, and a bit of honey until they burst and thicken. Voila! Fresh, tangy goodness.
– **Leftover Marvels:** Don’t worry if you have leftovers. Cranberry Sauce Glazed Ham makes the most scrumptious sandwiches, omelets, or even a surprise element in your morning healthy food recipes like a ham-cheddar scone.
– **Make It Yours:** Feel free to play around with spices and flavors. A touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm twist, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of bourbon in your glaze can elevate it to new heights.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Cranberry Sauce Glazed Ham as much as I do. It’s comforting, festive, and ticks all the boxes for wholesome, hearty, and Healthy Food Recipes. Plus, it leaves your home smelling divine!
Happy cooking, and let me know in the comments how your ham turned out or any twists you’ve added to the recipe. I’m all ears for your foodie tales!
Bon Appétit,
[Your Name]