Few main courses balance simplicity and elegance like a slow-cooked ham. When paired with the bright zest of oranges and the tart sweetness of cranberries, this classic protein transforms into a show-stopping dish. Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham is not just a holiday recipe—it’s a versatile centerpiece you can prepare for Sunday dinners, special gatherings, or any meal that calls for both comfort and flair. Using a slow cooker keeps the meat juicy and tender while freeing you from constant oven monitoring. With the right balance of sweet, citrusy, and savory notes, this dish guarantees compliments at the table.

Ingredients

For a 6–7 lb fully cooked, bone-in ham (serves 10–12):

1 fully cooked bone-in ham, 6–7 lbs
1 cup (240 ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
Zest of 1 large orange
1 ½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup (120 ml) cranberry sauce (whole berry works best)
¼ cup (85 g) honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening glaze)
2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for slurry if thickening)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ham

Unwrap the ham and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat if desired, but leave a thin layer to keep the meat moist during cooking. Place the ham flat-side down in the crock pot.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, cranberries, brown sugar, cranberry sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves and ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Pour and coat

Pour the cranberry-orange mixture evenly over the ham, making sure it flows into the crevices. Use a spoon or brush to coat the top and sides generously.

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover the crock pot with the lid. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. Baste the ham with juices every hour if possible. The ham is already cooked, so the goal is to heat it through and infuse it with flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the glaze (optional but recommended)

About 30 minutes before serving, carefully transfer 2 cups of the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the saucepan. Simmer until glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the ham to a serving platter. Pour the thickened glaze over the top or serve it in a gravy boat alongside. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries for presentation. Slice and serve warm.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a skillet with a splash of juice or broth to keep them moist.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap ham slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or vacuum-seal. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating whole portions: Cover ham slices with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet-heat balance.
Maple Cranberry Version: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for deeper caramelized notes.
Apple-Cranberry Ham: Substitute half the orange juice with apple cider for a fall-inspired flavor.
Pineapple-Cranberry Ham: Add 1 cup crushed pineapple to the mix for a tropical spin.
Boneless Ham: If using a boneless ham, reduce cooking time slightly (3–4 hours on low).

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Choose the right ham: A bone-in ham delivers the richest flavor and juiciest texture. Spiral-cut hams work well but baste often to keep them from drying out.
Fresh cranberries vs. frozen: Both work, but fresh cranberries provide slightly more tartness. No need to thaw frozen ones before adding.
Balance sweetness: Taste the glaze before cooking. If it feels too tart, add an extra tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Prevent overcooking: Since the ham is already cooked, extended cooking can dry it out. Stick to recommended times.
Use the leftovers wisely: The cranberry-orange glaze doubles as a condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Classic holiday dinner: Pair with scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.
Brunch spread: Serve sliced ham with scrambled eggs, croissants, and a fresh fruit platter.
Light pairing: Combine with roasted Brussels sprouts or a citrus salad to keep the meal refreshing.
Sandwiches: Use leftover slices to make cranberry-orange ham sliders with soft rolls and a smear of Dijon mustard.
Charcuterie board: Thinly slice cold ham and serve with cheese, crackers, and cranberry chutney.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham brings festive flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker ensures tender, juicy meat while the citrus-cranberry glaze adds brightness and depth. Beyond holidays, it adapts easily for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, thanks to its simple prep and flexible variations. From hearty sandwiches to elegant centerpieces, this dish proves the versatility of ham when paired with bold, seasonal ingredients. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual family dinner, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and memorable meal.

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Cranberry Orange Crock Pot Ham: A Festive and Flavorful Dish

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 4 hr 15 min – 6 hr 15 min
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy ham slow-cooked with cranberries, orange juice, and warm spices. A festive yet simple main dish perfect for holidays, gatherings, or Sunday dinners. The citrus-cranberry glaze makes every slice tender, flavorful, and show-stopping.