Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham – A Sweet & Savory Thanksgiving Classic

There are dishes that quietly steal the spotlight on Thanksgiving, and Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham is one of them. While turkey usually holds the crown, a beautifully caramelized ham coated in a glossy, citrus-berry glaze can turn heads and win hearts.

This recipe delivers everything you want from a holiday centerpiece: rich flavor, ease of preparation, and a festive aroma that fills the entire house.

Why This Ham Works for Thanksgiving

Ham can feel almost effortless compared to turkey—it doesn’t require brining, stuffing, or long resting periods. In less than two hours, you can have a stunning dish on the table. The cranberry-orange glaze adds layers of flavor: tartness from cranberries, sweetness from honey, brightness from fresh orange zest, and a touch of warmth from spices like cinnamon and clove. The result is a dish that embodies the essence of Thanksgiving—comfort, color, and celebration.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

Ingredients

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (7–9 lbs)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
• 1 cup water or apple cider (to keep ham moist while baking)

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice (fresh preferred)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 tablespoons butter (for silky finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a deep baking dish. If using cloves, score the ham with shallow diagonal cuts and stud with whole cloves—this helps the glaze stick and adds fragrance.

Pour the water or apple cider into the dish. This will prevent the ham from drying out and create steam that gently warms the meat.

Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, depending on size.

2. Make the Glaze

While the ham warms, prepare your glaze.

In a medium saucepan, add:

• cranberries
• orange juice
• orange zest
• brown sugar
• honey
• cinnamon
• ground cloves
• salt

Heat over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10–12 minutes. Use a spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries to help release flavor.

Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard for depth and butter for shine. Taste and adjust: add more sugar for sweetness, orange juice for tang, or honey for smoothness.

3. Glaze the Ham

After the first hour of baking, remove the foil and brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham. Return it to the oven uncovered.

Continue baking for 30–40 minutes, glazing every 10 minutes. The repeated glazing builds a sticky, lacquered surface that caramelizes beautifully.

When the top becomes glossy and slightly crisp, it’s ready.

4. Rest and Serve

Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the meat tender.

Serve warm, with extra glaze drizzled over the slices or served in a small bowl on the side.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Ham

A bone-in, spiral-cut ham gives the best flavor and presentation. Boneless works too, but the texture is slightly different—denser, less juicy.

Don’t Skip the Citrus

Orange zest gives freshness that balances the richness. Without it, the glaze can taste too sweet.

Use Low Heat

Ham is already cooked—it only needs reheating. Baking it slowly prevents it from becoming dry or rubbery.

Glaze Generously

The beauty of this dish lies in its glossy surface. The more layers, the better.

Serving Suggestions

This ham pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving sides:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green beans with toasted almonds
• Buttery cornbread
• Cranberry stuffing

For a lighter spread, add:

• Arugula and pear salad
• Roasted carrots with thyme
• Warm dinner rolls

Variations

Maple Bourbon Glaze

Replace honey with maple syrup and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze.

Spiced Holiday Ham

Increase cinnamon and cloves and add a pinch of nutmeg for a more Christmas-like flavor.

Pineapple Cranberry Twist

Add ¼ cup crushed pineapple for tropical brightness.

Storing Leftovers

Ham keeps exceptionally well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 5–7 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Leftovers are perfect for:

• sandwiches
• omelets
• soups
• savory breakfast bowls