Name: cranberry orange glazed ham with herb roasted potatoes for christmas
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4 servings

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The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the tradition of gathering around the table with loved ones to share a delicious meal. For me, Christmas has always been a time to create lasting memories with family and friends, and the centerpiece of our holiday feast is often a beautifully glazed ham. This year, I'm excited to share with you my recipe for a stunning cranberry orange glazed ham with herb roasted potatoes that's sure to become a new favorite. As I reflect on past holiday meals, I'm reminded of the importance of taking time to appreciate the little things in life. The aroma of a roasting ham, the sound of laughter and conversation, and the warmth of a lovingly prepared meal all come together to create an unforgettable experience. My cranberry orange glazed ham with herb roasted potatoes is more than just a recipe – it's a way to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in this dish is a perfect representation of the holiday season. The cranberry orange glaze adds a beautiful, sticky coating to the ham, while the herb roasted potatoes provide a delicious and satisfying side dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday tradition.

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham with Herb Roasted Potatoes for Christmas

Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy holiday cooks, as it requires minimal preparation and can be made ahead of time.
Impressive Presentation: The cranberry orange glaze adds a beautiful, sticky coating to the ham, making it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday meal.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in this dish is a perfect representation of the holiday season.
Herb Roasted Potatoes: The herb roasted potatoes provide a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with the glazed ham.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday cooks.
Customizable: You can customize this recipe to fit your tastes and preferences, making it a great option for holiday meals.
Perfect for Large Gatherings: This recipe is perfect for large gatherings, as it makes a big batch of delicious food that's sure to please a crowd.
Memorable Holiday Tradition: This recipe is sure to become a new holiday tradition, as it's a delicious and memorable dish that's perfect for special occasions.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for cranberry orange glazed ham with herb roasted potatoes for Christmas

The key ingredients in this recipe are the ham, cranberry orange glaze, and herb roasted potatoes. The ham is the star of the show, and you'll want to choose a high-quality ham that's perfect for glazing. The cranberry orange glaze is made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and brown sugar, and it adds a beautiful, sticky coating to the ham. The herb roasted potatoes are made with diced potatoes, olive oil, and a blend of herbs and spices, and they provide a delicious and satisfying side dish. When selecting your ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham with Herb Roasted Potatoes for Christmas

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and that the glaze caramelizes perfectly.

Prepare the Ham:

Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful, caramelized crust.

Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

In a blender or food processor, combine the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.

Glaze the Ham:

Brush the cranberry orange glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful, caramelized crust.

Roast the Potatoes:

Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they're tender and golden brown.

Finish the Dish:

Once the ham is glazed and the potatoes are roasted, it's time to finish the dish. Slice the ham and serve it with the herb roasted potatoes and your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Results

Choose the Right Ham:

When choosing a ham, look for one that's labeled as "bone-in" or "smoked." These hams have a more robust flavor and a better texture than boneless hams.

Don't Overglaze:

While the cranberry orange glaze is delicious, it's easy to overdo it. Start with a thin layer and add more as needed, rather than applying too much glaze at once.

Use Fresh Herbs:

When making the herb roasted potatoes, be sure to use fresh herbs rather than dried. This will give your potatoes a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Let it Rest:

Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and the ham to stay moist.

Add Some Color:

To add some color to your dish, try adding some fresh cranberries or orange slices to the plate. This will add a pop of color and create a beautiful presentation.

Make it Ahead:

This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday cooks. Simply prepare the ham and potatoes, then refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to serve.

Experiment with Flavors:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Try adding some honey or maple syrup to the glaze, or using different types of potatoes for the roasted potatoes.

Have Fun:

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of cooking. This recipe is a great way to bring people together and create lasting memories, so be sure to savor the experience and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Ham: One of the most common mistakes when cooking a ham is overcooking it. This can make the ham dry and tough, rather than juicy and flavorful. To avoid this, be sure to use a meat thermometer and cook the ham to the recommended internal temperature.
Fix: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the recommended internal temperature. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to help the juices redistribute.
Not Scoring the Ham: Scoring the ham is an important step in creating a beautiful, caramelized crust. If you don't score the ham, the glaze may not penetrate the meat as well, and the crust may not be as crispy.
Fix: Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
Not Using Fresh Herbs: When making the herb roasted potatoes, it's tempting to use dried herbs instead of fresh. However, this can result in a less flavorful dish.
Fix: Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs when making the herb roasted potatoes. This will give your potatoes a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Not Letting the Ham Rest: Letting the ham rest is an important step in creating a juicy, flavorful dish. If you don't let the ham rest, the juices may not redistribute, and the ham may be dry and tough.
Fix: Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and the ham to stay moist.

Variations & Substitutions

Glazed Pork Chops:

Try using the cranberry orange glaze on pork chops instead of a ham. Simply brush the glaze over the pork chops during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

Herb Roasted Carrots:

Try using the herb roasted potatoes recipe on carrots instead. Simply toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.

Cranberry Orange Sauce:

Try using the cranberry orange glaze as a sauce instead. Simply serve the glaze over the ham or pork chops, or use it as a dipping sauce.

Maple Glazed Ham:

Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the cranberry orange glaze. This will give the ham a rich, maple flavor.

Bourbon Glazed Ham:

Try using bourbon instead of orange juice in the cranberry orange glaze. This will give the ham a rich, boozy flavor.

Spiced Apple Cider Glaze:

Try using spiced apple cider instead of orange juice in the cranberry orange glaze. This will give the ham a warm, spicy flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

The glazed ham can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the ham to prevent foodborne illness.

Refrigerator:

The glazed ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply wrap the ham in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer:

The glazed ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the ham in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the ham in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

What type of ham should I use?

You can use any type of ham you like, but I recommend using a bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. Look for a ham that's labeled as "smoked" or "cured" for a more robust flavor.

Can I substitute the cranberries with something else?

Yes! You can substitute the cranberries with cherries or raspberries for a different flavor. Simply use the same amount called for in the recipe and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, and let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Glaze the ham with the cranberry orange glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the ham cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze. The ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe makes a large batch of glazed ham and herb roasted potatoes, perfect for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients as needed to feed your guests.

What are some other sides that go well with this recipe?

Some other sides that go well with this recipe include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green beans. You can also serve the glazed ham with a side of cranberry sauce or orange slices for a pop of color and flavor.