Imagine the tantalizing aroma of a succulent ham infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry and orange wafting through your home. Our Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that transforms any meal into a festive occasion! Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
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 5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat if desired, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, positioning it with the fat side facing up to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the cranberry-orange glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it covers most of the surface and drips down the sides.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting to allow for slow, gentle cooking.
- Cook the ham for 5-6 hours, or approximately 1 hour per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Occasionally baste the ham with the accumulated juices in the crock pot during cooking to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Once done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: While the ham rests, reduce the remaining sauce in the crock pot on high heat for a few minutes to create a thicker glaze for serving.
- Slice the ham and serve warm, drizzling additional reduced glaze over the top if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a fully cooked bone-in ham weighing between 5-7 lbs for optimal flavor and tenderness. The bone adds richness to the dish, making each bite incredibly juicy.
- Prep for Success: Pat the ham dry with paper towels to help the glaze adhere better. Trimming excess fat is optional, but leaving a thin layer will enhance the flavor during cooking.
- Perfect Glaze: For the best results, whisk the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. This ensures a well-distributed glaze that penetrates the meat beautifully.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat for 5-6 hours allows the flavors to meld and the ham to become tender. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F ensures your ham is heated perfectly.
- Baste for Flavor: Don’t forget to baste the ham occasionally with the juices from the crock pot. This not only keeps the meat moist but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Rest Before Slicing: Letting the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in slices that are juicy and flavorful.
- Thicken the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply reduce the leftover sauce in the crock pot on high heat while the ham rests. This makes for a delicious drizzle over your sliced ham.
- Serve with Sides: Complement this dish with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 327kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
