Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham: A Festive and Flavorful Recipe

Few dishes capture the holiday spirit like a beautifully glazed ham. The combination of tender, juicy meat and a sweet-savory glaze makes it a centerpiece that never fails to impress. If you want a recipe that balances festive flavors with effortless cooking, Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham delivers exactly that. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, while the cranberry and orange glaze infuses the ham with a rich, tangy sweetness. This dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any gathering where you want to serve something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients (Detailed Measurements)

To achieve the best results, measure your ingredients carefully. For an average 8–10 serving ham, you’ll need:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 pounds)

• 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)

• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• Zest of 1 large orange

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening glaze)

• 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry if using)

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Instructions (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Remove the ham from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If it comes with a rind or thick layer of fat, trim it down to about ¼ inch. Score the top in a diamond pattern with shallow cuts to allow the glaze to penetrate.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Arrange in Crock Pot

Place the ham cut side down into your crock pot. Pour half of the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts. Reserve the other half of the glaze for later basting.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, depending on the size of your ham. Baste the ham with reserved glaze every 1–2 hours to enhance flavor.

Step 5: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)

When the ham finishes cooking, transfer it to a serving platter and tent with foil. Pour the liquid from the crock pot into a saucepan. If you want a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir it into the saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it thickens into a glossy sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Brush the thickened glaze generously over the ham, slice, and serve warm. Drizzle extra glaze over each portion for added flavor.

Conservation and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat slices in a covered baking dish with a little leftover glaze or orange juice to prevent drying out. Heat at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat.

• Herbal Note: Mix in 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory undertone.

• Tropical Style: Replace orange juice with pineapple juice and swap cranberry sauce for apricot preserves.

• Honey Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons honey for a richer sweetness and glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or buttery dinner rolls.

• Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans almondine, or glazed carrots.

• Salads: A crisp spinach and mandarin salad or cranberry walnut salad complements the citrus notes.

• Wine Pairing: Try a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a slightly sweet white like Riesling.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham combines simplicity with festive flavors. The tart cranberry balances the sweetness of orange and brown sugar, while warm spices add depth. The slow cooker guarantees tender, juicy meat without constant attention. With its versatility in variations, easy storage, and crowd-pleasing presentation, this dish is a reliable go-to for holiday feasts and family dinners alike.

When you want a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this ham proves that the crock pot is as much a holiday hero as the oven.