Description
A tender, juicy ham slow-cooked in a tangy cranberry-orange glaze with warm spices. Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 pounds)
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1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
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1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
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½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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Zest of 1 large orange
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for glaze thickening)
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2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry, if using)
Instructions
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Prepare Ham: Pat ham dry. Trim excess fat to ¼ inch. Score in a diamond pattern.
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Make Glaze: Whisk cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon, cinnamon, cloves, and zest until smooth.
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Assemble: Place ham cut side down in crock pot. Pour half the glaze over it. Reserve the rest.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Baste with reserved glaze every 1–2 hours.
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Thicken Glaze (optional): Transfer juices to a saucepan. Stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer until glossy.
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Serve: Brush thickened glaze over ham. Slice, serve, and drizzle with extra sauce.
Notes
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For a spicier kick, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
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Swap orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical variation.
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For storage, refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 8 oz cooked ham with glaze)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 1450 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham, slow cooker ham, holiday ham recipe