The Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe is an absolute showstopper for any holiday table. Imagine a tender, juicy ham perfectly roasted with a glossy, vibrant glaze made from tangy cranberry sauce, zesty Dijon mustard, and a touch of sweet brown sugar. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a festive celebration of flavor with each bite delivering that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Whether you’re cooking for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion, this ham recipe promises to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large, round cooked meat dish sits in a black cast iron skillet, placed on a stovetop burner. The meat has a dark brown, crispy outer layer with a slightly shiny texture showing glaze or sauce, topped with small red bits that look like chopped berries or sauce. The skillet handle extends outwards on the right side. The background is a stainless steel stove and white marbled surface surrounding the stove area. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each one plays a key role in building the complex, irresistible glaze that coats the ham and creates that signature caramelized finish you’ll love.

Ham (8–10 lb fully cooked): The star of the dish, make sure it’s fully cooked so we’re just focusing on roasting and glazing.
Cranberry sauce (1 cup): Adds vibrant color and a brilliant tang that brightens every bite.
Dijon mustard (¼ cup): Brings a mild heat and depth that balances the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Essential for that sticky, caramelized finish and sweet undertone.
Honey (2 tbsp): Provides natural sweetness and helps create that gorgeous glaze texture.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle acidity to cut through the richness of the ham.
Cloves (½ tsp, optional): Just a hint brings warm, aromatic complexity if you want that holiday spice touch.

How to Make Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ham

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect roasting temperature. While the oven warms, take your fully cooked ham and use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern. Not only does this look beautiful, but it also allows the glaze to seep deeper into the meat for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cloves if you’re using them. Stir everything together until smooth and glossy. This glaze is where the magic happens — the cranberries add brightness, the mustard adds tang, and the sugar and honey give you that perfect caramelization when baked.

Step 3: Glaze and Roast

Place the scored ham in a roasting pan and brush it generously with the cranberry Dijon glaze. Be sure to cover every inch so it bakes into the ham beautifully. Pop the pan into the oven and roast for about 1½ to 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the pan juices and more glaze to build layers of flavor and create that irresistibly sticky coating.

Step 4: Caramelize the Finish

In the last few minutes of cooking, switch your oven to the broiler setting. Broil the ham for 2–3 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes into a gorgeous, shiny crust. Keep a close eye on it here because it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe

A white paper plate with a blue and white pattern holds a serving of food with five layers arranged side by side: in the front are two thick slices of pinkish cooked ham with a slightly browned edge, next to the right is a golden yellow layer of baked macaroni and cheese with a slightly browned top, behind the ham to the left is a bright red layer of chunky cranberry sauce, behind that and in the center is a dark green, slightly glossy layer of cooked leafy greens with bits of orange mixed in, and to the right behind the macaroni is a darker brown layer of what looks like cooked sweet potatoes or yams with some uneven edges. A white plastic spoon is seen sticking out from the top left segment of the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface with a white textured napkin below the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme pairs wonderfully with this ham and adds a pop of green that brightens the presentation. Consider scattering fresh cranberries around the serving platter for an alluring festive touch that complements the glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

This ham recipe plays beautifully with classic holiday sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green bean almondine. The rich, tangy glaze balances out hearty, savory sides and adds a splash of color and flavor to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve sliced ham on a bed of fresh arugula or baby spinach with a drizzle of leftover glaze as dressing. You can also create individual ham sliders using soft rolls and a dollop of mustard for easy entertaining. Presentation can be as simple or elegant as you like — this recipe holds up beautifully either way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover ham cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen as it rests, making cold slices perfect for sandwiches or quick meals the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save ham for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap slices or the whole ham tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, the ham can stay delicious for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, place ham slices in a baking dish and cover with foil to keep moist. Warm in a 275°F (135°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. You can brush with leftover glaze midway through reheating for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! This Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe works wonderfully with spiral-cut hams as well as bone-in varieties. The glaze seeps right into the cuts, making each slice flavorful and moist.

Is this glaze suitable for a fresh, uncooked ham?

This recipe is designed for fully cooked hams, which just need glazing and reheating. If using a fresh ham, you’ll need to adjust cooking times to ensure it’s cooked through safely before applying the glaze.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the glaze a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before brushing onto the ham. This helps save time on the day of cooking and allows the flavors to meld even more.

What if I don’t have cranberry sauce? Is there a substitute?

While cranberry sauce lends the signature tang and sweetness, you could substitute with other fruit sauces like cherry or raspberry preserves. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile.

How can I make sure my ham stays moist?

Scoring the ham and regularly basting it with glaze and pan juices throughout roasting helps keep it moist and flavorful. Also, covering the ham loosely with foil during roasting (if it browns too quickly) can prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings joy to the table and warmth to the heart. With its tantalizing blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped around tender ham, it easily becomes the star of any celebration. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it transforms your holiday gatherings into an unforgettable feast.