This Cranberry Orange Ham is a crockpot holiday treat! Tender ham simmers in a vibrant cranberry-orange glaze. Easy, succulent, and festive, it’s perfect for any occasion—let the slow cooker create a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that’s both comforting and delightfully bright!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Ham Fit: Trim if needed—fits snugly in the crockpot.
- Low Heat: Cook on low—keeps it moist and tender.
- Baste Often: Spoon juices over hourly—infuses flavor.
- Glaze Simmer: Reduce post-cook—thickens into a sticky sauce.
- Score Surface: Light cuts—helps glaze soak in deep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Cranberry Orange Ham—it’s a slow cooker sensation that’ll fill your home with festive aromas and your heart with cozy cheer! You’ll love how the crockpot turns a simple ham into a juicy, tender delight, wrapped in a bright, sweet-tart cranberry-orange glaze that’s both comforting and refreshingly vibrant. It’s perfect for those busy holiday prep days when you want a hands-off meal that feels special, or those everyday dinners where you crave a touch of celebration without the fuss—just set it and let it simmer into perfection.
The cranberries bring a tart pop, while the orange adds a zesty lift, blending with brown sugar into a glaze that’s pure magic, leaving you with a ham that’s effortless yet tastes like a festive feast. Drizzle that thickened sauce over the top, and you’ve got a versatile, crowd-pleasing winner that’s ideal for holiday tables, family gatherings, or a quiet night in—its bright flavor and tender texture will make it a go-to. This recipe’s sweet, citrusy bliss will steal your heart—pure, slow-cooked perfection every time!
Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Ham
Festive ham in cranberry-orange glaze—crockpot cheer!
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (8 lbs)
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 orange)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup apple juice (or cider)
- Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)
- Optional: fresh thyme or cranberries for garnish
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s whip up a Cranberry Orange Ham in the crockpot that’ll make your dinner easy and oh-so-festive! Grab that big, beautiful ham—give it a quick rinse if it’s salty, and trim any extra fat so it fits nice in your slow cooker. Score the top lightly with a knife—little crisscross cuts—then nestle it in, flat side down—ready for some holiday vibes!
- In a bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper—stir it up until it’s a smooth, tangy-sweet glaze that’s bursting with cheer. Pour that apple juice around the ham—keeps it juicy—then spoon half the glaze over the top, letting it drip into those scored lines. Pop the lid on, set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 if you’re short on time), and let it simmer—your kitchen’s about to smell like a holiday dream!
- If you’re around, peek in every couple hours and spoon some of that juicy goodness over the ham—keeps it soaked in flavor. When it’s done—tender and practically falling off the bone—carefully lift it out onto a platter with tongs or a big spoon—look at that festive glow! Pour the leftover glaze and juices into a small saucepan, simmer it on the stove for 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a sticky, vibrant sauce, then drizzle it over the ham or serve it on the side.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes—makes slicing a cinch—then carve it up, sprinkle with fresh thyme or a few cranberries for that extra holiday touch, and dig into this slow-cooked treat—it’s sweet, tart, and oh-so-succulent!
Notes
- Score the ham—lets glaze sink in for max flavor!
- Baste if you can—keeps it juicy and festive.
- Perfect for leftovers—sandwiches, salads, or breakfast hashes!
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 122Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 7mgSodium 138mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 3g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Ham: Bone-in, fully cooked—shank or butt, 6-8 lbs.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry canned—adds texture and tartness.
- Orange Juice: Fresh or bottled—bright citrus kick.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark—sweetens and glazes.
- Honey: Sticky sweetness—maple syrup swaps in.
- Orange Zest: Fresh for zestiness—optional dried peel works.
- Cinnamon: Pinch or stick—warm spice note.
- Apple Juice: Keeps it moist—cider subs nicely.
Variations and Substitutions
This ham loves a remix! Swap cranberry sauce for fresh cranberries or jam—adjust sweetness as needed. No orange juice? Use pineapple or apple juice—keeps it fruity. Trade brown sugar for white sugar, molasses, or skip for less sweet. Add heat with chili flakes, cayenne, or ginger—spices it up! Use lemon zest instead of orange—tangy twist. Gluten-free? It’s naturally there—just check sauce. Boost flavor with cloves, rosemary, or a splash of bourbon—serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or rolls for a fuller meal. This recipe bends to your pantry and taste buds—make it yours!
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days—flavors meld.
- Freezer: Freeze slices or chunks for up to 3 months; wrap tightly.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F with glaze, or microwave with juice.
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