Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a showstopper for your next gathering, this Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham is it! I discovered this recipe during the holidays a couple of years ago, and it quickly became our family’s favorite. The combination of sweet cranberry and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, giving the ham a delightful, sticky crust. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen while it cooks will have everyone drooling in anticipation!
Not only is this dish a total crowd-pleaser, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. I love how you can prep it ahead of time and then let the oven do all the work. Perfect for those busy nights when you still want to impress your guests! Plus, the leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also want to try pairing it with my creamy potato casserole for a deliciously comforting meal!
Why You’ll Love This Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham
- Deliciously sweet and tangy glaze from fresh cranberries and Dijon mustard
- Beautiful caramelization that creates a stunning presentation
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or special celebrations
- Simple roasting method—just pop it in the oven!
- Easy to customize the glaze to suit your taste preferences
- Serves a crowd—ideal for family feasts or potlucks
- Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or salads
This recipe brings together the classic flavors of ham with the unique twist of cranberry and Dijon, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
How to Make Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham
This Oven-Roasted Cranberry-Dijon Glazed Ham is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday gathering or Sunday dinner! It’s sweet, tangy, and simply bursting with flavor. Plus, the vibrant cranberry glaze makes it look as amazing as it tastes!
What You’ll Need:
- Fully cooked bone-in ham – about 6-8 pounds. I recommend choosing a good quality ham from a local butcher for the best flavor.
- Cranberries – 1 cup fresh or frozen. Fresh cranberries work great and give a lovely tartness!
- Dijon mustard – 1 cup. I love using Grey Poupon for its smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Brown sugar – 1 cup. Use light brown sugar for a milder flavor.
- Honey – 1/2 cup. A good quality local honey adds a wonderful sweetness!
- Apple cider vinegar – 1/4 cup. This will enhance the tartness of the glaze.
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon. Adds warmth to the glaze.
- Ground cloves – 1/4 teaspoon. Just a pinch will give a delightful aromatic flavor.
- Fresh thyme sprigs – for garnish. This adds a lovely touch to the presentation.
- Cranberries – for garnish. A few extra for that festive look!
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts for the glaze to penetrate.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Brush half of the cranberry-Dijon glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the pan juices for extra flavor.
- After one hour, carefully remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Continue roasting for another 30 minutes until the ham is heated through and the glaze caramelizes, reaching an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
- Garnish your beautiful ham with fresh thyme and a handful of cranberries for a festive touch. Serve and enjoy!
Your guests will be raving about this delightful dish, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare. Pair it with some roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe works best with a fully cooked bone-in ham, you can use a boneless ham or even a spiral-cut ham for added convenience. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size and type, aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Can I Prepare the Glaze in Advance?
Yes, you can make the cranberry-Dijon glaze ahead of time! Just prepare it as directed, allow it to cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan before brushing it on the ham.
How to Store Leftover Ham?
To store leftover ham, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just slice it first to make reheating easier! Wrap portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve With This Glazed Ham?
This glazed ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, cranberry sauce or sweet potatoes would also complement the flavors nicely.
