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Perfect Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

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A tender and flavorful slow cooker ham glazed with a tangy-sweet cranberry orange mixture, perfect for festive meals with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 5 pounds bone-in ham, pre-cooked and spiral sliced if possible
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade, slightly chunky preferred)
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or a few whole cloves (optional)
  • Zest of one medium orange
  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  2. Remove the ham from packaging. If not pre-scored, lightly score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/2 inch deep. Optionally, stud the ham with whole cloves.
  3. Pour water or apple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the ham inside, flat side down.
  4. Spoon about half of the glaze over the ham, spreading evenly with a basting brush. Reserve the rest for later.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until heated through and tender.
  6. About halfway through cooking (around 2 hours), remove the lid and brush the ham with more glaze.
  7. When the ham reaches an internal temperature of about 140°F, turn off the slow cooker and let rest for 15 minutes.
  8. Optional: Transfer ham to a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes for a stickier glaze, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Slice along pre-cut lines or carve as desired. Spoon extra glaze over slices before serving.

Notes

Use a spiral-cut pre-cooked ham for easiest serving. Score the ham to help glaze penetrate. Baste twice for best flavor and glaze texture. Keep ham moist with water or apple juice in slow cooker. If broiling for glaze finish, watch carefully to avoid burning. Glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, verify mustard and marmalade labels. Substitute orange marmalade with fresh orange juice and honey or maple syrup if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ham, cranberry orange glaze, holiday ham, festive ham recipe, easy ham recipe, holiday main dish

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/perfect-slow-cooker-cranberry-orange-glazed-ham-recipe-for-easy-festive-meals/