Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Ham

This Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Ham is a holiday-worthy dish that’s both incredibly easy and bursting with flavor. Juicy ham slow-cooked to perfection with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a touch of brown sugar creates a deliciously sweet-savory glaze. It’s a stress-free dish ideal for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love set-it-and-forget-it meals that taste like they took hours of effort, this Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Ham will become your go-to recipe. The slow cooking process allows the ham to soak up the sweet, tangy, and slightly tart flavors of cranberries and oranges, while the glaze caramelizes beautifully for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday feast or a weeknight meal, the minimal prep work makes it a winner. Plus, the ham stays moist and flavorful without the risk of drying out in the oven. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive yet requires very little effort!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Trim the ham: If your ham has a thick rind or excess fat, trim it down slightly to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
• Baste Often: For extra flavor, baste the ham with its juices every hour.
• Use a slow cooker liner: Makes cleanup effortless, especially when dealing with sticky glazes.
• Low and slow is best: Cooking on low heat ensures that the ham stays moist and tender.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Yield: Serves 8

Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Ham

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This Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Ham is sweet, tangy, and effortlessly tender—perfect for holiday feasts or easy family dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup water (for moisture)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker. If it’s too large, trim it slightly to fit or use a larger oval slow cooker.
2. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth.
3. Pour and Coat: Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring that it seeps into the slices if using a spiral-cut ham.
4. Add Moisture: Pour 1/2 cup water around the ham to prevent burning and keep the meat extra juicy.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours (or HIGH for 2-3 hours). Baste with the glaze every hour for best results.
6. Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you want a thicker glaze, transfer some of the juices to a saucepan and simmer until it reduces.
7. Rest & Serve: Once done, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra glaze over the top for more flavor!

Notes

• This recipe works well for bone-in or boneless ham.
• Leftovers? Use them in sandwiches, omelets, or soups!
• For a caramelized finish, broil the ham for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 152Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 11mgSodium 221mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 1gSugar 29gProtein 4g

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: You can use a bone-in or boneless fully cooked ham. If it’s spiral-cut, the glaze will soak into every slice, making it even more flavorful. A shank or butt portion will work well, too.
• Cranberry Sauce: Both homemade and store-bought cranberry sauce work beautifully. Whole berry cranberry sauce adds texture, while jellied cranberry sauce creates a smoother glaze.
• Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice provides a natural sweetness and acidity that enhances the glaze. The zest adds extra citrusy brightness.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the caramelized notes in the glaze, balancing the tartness of the cranberries and oranges.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): Adds depth and a slightly floral sweetness that pairs well with ham.
• Dijon Mustard: A little bit of tang helps cut through the sweetness and adds complexity.
• Spices (Cinnamon & Cloves): Warm, aromatic spices elevate the holiday flavors and complement the cranberry-orange combination beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Citrus: Instead of oranges, try using tangerines or mandarins for a unique twist. Lemon juice can add a sharper tang if you prefer a bit more acidity.
• Pineapple Twist: Substitute half the orange juice with pineapple juice for a more tropical flavor profile.
• Honey Glaze Alternative: Replace the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweetened version.
• Spice it Up: For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the glaze.
• Bourbon Kick: A splash of bourbon in the glaze creates a deeper, more complex flavor—perfect for an adult-friendly holiday dish!

Storage Options

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap sliced ham tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, or in the microwave with a splash of orange juice to keep it moist.

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