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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
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 your oven to 325°F (160°C). This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and that the glaze caramelizes perfectly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the cranberry orange glaze. This will give the ham a rich, maple flavor.
Try using bourbon instead of orange juice in the cranberry orange glaze. This will give the ham a rich, boozy flavor.
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
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.
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.
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.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham with Herb Roasted Potatoes for Christmas
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
- Score the ham. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Glaze the ham. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
- Roast the ham. Roast the ham in the preheated oven for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Prepare the potatoes. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they are evenly coated.
- Roast the potatoes. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown.
- Let the ham rest. Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve. Slice the ham and serve with the roasted potatoes and any additional desired sides.
Recipe Notes
- To ensure the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- If using a spiral-cut ham, you can skip scoring the ham and go straight to glazing it.
- To make the recipe more festive, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to the glaze.
- You can also use this recipe for a smaller or larger ham, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat the ham, wrap it in foil and heat it in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes per pound.
