Elevate your holiday or special occasion ham with this Cranberry-Orange Ham Glaze!
Sweet, tangy, and bursting with festive flavor, this easy glaze combines dried cranberries, orange marmalade, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, and fresh thyme for a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on a spiral-cut ham.
Easy to prepare and perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion, this glaze adds a festive touch and a glossy, irresistible finish to your ham. Impress your family and guests with a juicy, tender, and flavor-packed centerpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
What ingredients do I need?
- Spiral ham – Already cooked and sliced for easy serving; the perfect canvas for a glaze.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the glaze melt smoothly.
- Maple syrup – Sweetens naturally and enhances the caramelization of the glaze.
- Brown sugar – Adds depth and a molasses-like flavor.
- Dried cranberries – Provide tartness and a chewy texture that complements the sweet glaze.
- Orange marmalade – Brings citrus brightness and a slightly bitter-sweet note.
- Fresh thyme sprigs – Adds herbal freshness that balances the sweetness.
Recipe Variations
- Spiced Orange Ham Glaze: Add 1 tsp ground cloves or cinnamon to the glaze for a warm holiday spice.
- Bourbon Cranberry Glaze: Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon to the glaze for depth and subtle smokiness.
- Apricot-Cranberry Glaze: Swap orange marmalade for apricot preserves for a fruity twist.
- Honey-Cranberry Glaze: Replace maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile.
Pro Tips
- Brush glaze on evenly. Use a basting brush to coat the ham fully for an even caramelized finish.
- Add glaze towards the end. Pour and brush the glaze about 30 minutes before the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- Simmer glaze first. Heating the glaze ensures the sugar melts completely and the flavors meld.
- Rest before slicing. Let the ham rest 10–15 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Use a roasting rack. Keeps ham elevated so heat circulates and glaze coats evenly.
Can I Substitute?
Yes! Like always though, any substitutions made to the recipe can result in a change in texture and/or flavor.
- Maple syrup: use honey or agave syrup.
- Dried cranberries: use dried cherries, raisins, or currants.
- Orange marmalade: use apricot preserves or citrus preserves.
- Unsalted butter: use coconut oil or ghee for dairy-free.
- Fresh thyme: use rosemary, sage, or omit for a simple sweet glaze.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store glazed ham covered in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Slice the ham, wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices gently in the oven at 275–300°F with a splash of juice or broth to keep moist.
But, I Still Have A Few Questions…
Can I use a fresh ham instead of spiral?
Yes! Adjust cooking time based on the ham’s weight and whether it’s bone-in.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before applying to the ham.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, slices freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I know when the glaze is done?
The ham should be hot throughout, and the glaze should be bubbly and caramelized on the surface.
Can I double the glaze for a bigger ham?
Yes, just increase ingredients proportionally to ensure full coverage.
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Make sure to tag @thehomechefmomma on Instagram or Facebook, and leave a review or comment if you make these. I always get so excited to see your creations, variations of the recipe, and feedback! Just remember to be kind in your comments, there is still a person behind this screen! 🙂
Cranberry-Orange Ham
Ingredients
- 1 spiral ham
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2/3 c. light brown sugar
- 2/3 c. Dried cranberries
- 1/2 c. Orange marmalade
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300F. Place ham in a roasting pan with rack and cook for 12-15 minutes per pound, covered with foil.
- While ham is cooking, add all ingredients of the glaze to a sauce pan over medium heat. Heat until melted and combined and just starting to boil. Reduce to simmer for 5 minutes.
- About 30 minutes before ham is done, remove ham from oven, increase oven temp to 350F. Uncover and pour over glaze. Use a brush to spread the glaze all over.
- Return ham uncovered back to oven and cook the remaining 30 minutes.
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Nutritional Content Disclaimer
I choose not to include nutritional information with my recipes, as these values can be calculated from the ingredients provided. With my background as a pediatric nurse practitioner and my own family experience with disordered eating, I understand how focusing on numbers can affect our relationship with food. My philosophy is that all foods have a place—sweet, savory, nourishing, or indulgent. I aim to share recipes that support a healthy, joyful approach to eating. My hope is that this space also encourages a balanced, healthy relationship with food for you and your family too.