Savory Cranberry Maple Glazed Ham
A festive centerpiece for any holiday feast, this Savory Cranberry Maple Glazed Ham is a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors. The juicy ham, enhanced by a luscious glaze made from whole berry cranberry sauce, rich maple syrup, and zesty cider vinegar, creates an impressive dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Perfectly cooked and easy to prepare, this dish not only delights the taste buds but also brings a warm, inviting aroma that fills your home, making your celebrations even more special.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 (16 ounce can)
Maple Syrup
1/2 (cup)
Cider Vinegar
1/4 (cup)
Ground Mustard
1-1 1/2 (teaspoon)
Boneless Fully Cooked Ham
1 (5 lb)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, maple syrup, cider vinegar, and ground mustard. Mix well until smooth.
3
Set aside 1 cup of this mixture to use as a serving sauce later.
4
Line a shallow roasting pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and place a rack inside the pan. Position the boneless, fully cooked ham on the rack.
5
Cover the ham with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour.
6
After 1 hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with some of the cranberry glaze mixture.
7
Continue baking uncovered for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10 minutes, until the meat thermometer registers 140°F (60°C).
8
While the ham is finishing, heat the reserved sauce in a saucepan until warmed through.
9
Once done, remove the ham from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve with the warm cranberry sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cranberry Maple Glazed Ham?
It is a festive holiday main dish featuring a boneless ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of cranberry sauce, maple syrup, and cider vinegar.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 5 lb boneless, fully cooked ham.
How many people does a 5 lb ham serve?
Typically, a 5 lb boneless ham will serve approximately 10 to 15 people depending on serving sizes.
What ingredients are in the glaze?
The glaze is made from whole berry cranberry sauce, maple syrup, cider vinegar, and ground mustard.
Can I use jellied cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
Yes, you can use jellied sauce, but whole berry cranberry sauce adds more texture and visual appeal to the glaze.
At what temperature should I cook the ham?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
How long does it take to bake the ham?
The ham bakes for an initial hour covered, followed by 35 to 45 minutes uncovered for basting.
Should the ham be covered while baking?
The ham should be covered with foil for the first hour of baking to retain moisture, then uncovered during the basting phase.
What is the target internal temperature for the ham?
The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
How much glaze should I save for serving?
You should set aside 1 cup of the cranberry mixture before you start basting to use as a serving sauce later.
How often should I baste the ham?
Once the ham is uncovered, you should baste it with the glaze every 10 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.
Is cider vinegar necessary for the recipe?
Yes, the cider vinegar provides a zesty tang that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and cranberries.
What does ground mustard add to the glaze?
Ground mustard adds a subtle sharp spice that complements the richness of the pork.
How do I prepare the roasting pan?
Line a shallow roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a rack inside to hold the ham.
Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in ham, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in hams usually take longer per pound.
How do I heat the reserved serving sauce?
Place the reserved cup of sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it is warmed through.
Should I let the ham rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the ham rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven helps keep the meat juicy when slicing.
Is this ham suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, its festive flavors and ingredients like cranberry and maple make it a perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Is this a good recipe for Christmas?
Absolutely, it is an impressive and traditional dish that fits perfectly with Christmas celebrations.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
Yes, honey is a suitable substitute if maple syrup is unavailable, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are typically gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on the ham and ground mustard to be sure.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked ham?
Yes, cooked ham can be frozen for up to 1-2 months for the best quality.
What side dishes pair well with this ham?
This ham pairs well with roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh autumn salad.
Can I double the recipe for a larger ham?
Yes, you can double the glaze ingredients if you are preparing a larger ham, such as a 10 lb ham.
How do I ensure the ham doesn't dry out?
Keeping the ham covered for the majority of the cooking time and frequent basting at the end helps maintain moisture.
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is minimal as it only involves mixing the glaze and setting up the roasting pan.
Can I add extra spices to the glaze?
Yes, spices like cloves, cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne would work well with these flavors.
What should I do if the glaze is too thick?
If the glaze is too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon of water or extra cider vinegar.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, because it uses a fully cooked ham and a simple mix-and-baste glaze, it is very beginner-friendly.