Imagine a ham so tender, so gloriously glazed, that it becomes the star of your holiday table. This Slow Cooker Orange Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. With minimal prep and maximum taste, you'll create a show-stopping dish that looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, your slow cooker does all the hard work.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 lbs)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until well combined, creating a smooth and fragrant glaze.
- Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, positioning it with the fat side facing up to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to coat all exposed surfaces of the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for 5-6 hours. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C) when fully heated.
- Every 2 hours, use a basting brush to redistribute the glaze over the ham, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optional: If desired, pour the remaining glaze from the slow cooker into a small saucepan and reduce over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to create a thicker sauce for serving.
- Slice the ham and serve warm, drizzling the reduced glaze over the top or passing it alongside as a condiment.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Glaze Distribution: Baste the ham every couple of hours to create a rich, glossy exterior that's packed with flavor.
- Don't Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) without becoming dry.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute, guaranteeing moist, succulent meat.
- Bonus Hack: Reduce the leftover glaze in a saucepan for an extra-concentrated sauce that will elevate your ham to gourmet status.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
