Jalapeno Cranberry Glazed Ham
This juicy caramelized jalapeño cranberry-glazed ham will be the talk of the table! It’s baked in a slightly spicy sweet glaze made from jalapeños, cranberries, and honey. This delightful flavor combination is sure to make this standout dish the highlight of your feast!
For a non-spicy version, try this cranberry orange glazed ham, pineapple glazed ham, or this honey glazed ham. All so delicious but different from each other!
Before You Get Started
HAM: Choose a fully cooked bone-in ham for this recipe.
BASTE: If you want the most delicious ham, basting is a must! Bake uncovered for 1 hour, then baste every 30 minutes.
DON’T OVERBAKE: Some say you can’t overcook a ham, but yes, you can. It will be dry and tough instead of tender and juicy. Remove from the oven when the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. So a meat thermometer is a must!
SPICE LEVEL: This isn’t an overly spicy ham, just a little something you notice in the background. If you prefer spicier, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapenos.
How To Make Jalapeno Cranberry Glazed Ham
STEP 1: Combine the ingredients to make the glaze. Simmer the cranberries, cranberry juice, diced jalapenos, brown sugar, honey, butter, apple cider vinegar, and spices for 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst.
STEP 2: Puree the glaze. Use a high-speed blender or immersion blender to blend it nice and smooth. Pour it over the ham and bake for 1 hour. Then baste the ham every 30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
***PRO TIP: If your ham has a fat cap, score it before pouring the glaze over the ham. Use a sharp knife to make shallow 1/4 inch deep diamond cuts for glaze absorption and a classic look.
STEP 3: Glaze the ham one more time and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with some of the sauce if desired.
FAQs
I recommend glazing before, during, and after cooking for the best presentation and flavor.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F for already cooked hams.
Cover with foil for the first hour of baking, then finish baking uncovered, basting every 30 minutes.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead
STORAGE: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
REHEAT: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. If reheating multiple slices, cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees F for no more than 10 minutes per pound.
MAKE-AHEAD: Bake a day ahead, slice, and store tightly wrapped with extra glaze. Warm gently before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this beautiful ham with delicious sides such as herb dinner rolls, loaded mashed potato casserole or mashed sweet potatoes; skillet garlic green beans; and butternut squash salad.
We all know baking a big ham is all about the leftovers the next day!! The leftovers make great ham sandwiches!
Related Recipes
- Pear salad with apricots
- Frog eye salad
- Rosemary cornbread
- Garlic herb potatoes au gratin
- Apple sausage stuffing
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Jalapeno Cranberry Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 2 cups (210g) whole fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (235ml) cranberry juice
- 1 cup (240g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) honey
- ½ cup (113g) butter
- 2 large jalapenos, seeds and membranes removed and diced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika
- 1 (10 pound) (4.5kg) bone-in ham
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Add cranberries, juice, brown sugar, honey, butter, jalapenos, vinegar, and spices to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries burst.2 cups (210g) whole fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 cup (235ml) cranberry juice, 1 cup (240g) packed brown sugar, ½ cup (120ml) honey, ½ cup (113g) butter, 2 large jalapenos, seeds and membranes removed and diced, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika
- Puree the sauce with an immersion blender or pour into a high powderd blender. Place ham in a baking pan and pour sauce over the entire ham. Bake for 1 hour uncovered. Then baste every 30 minutes until ham reaches an internal temperature of 140℉. Brush with glaze one more time and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze if desired.1 (10 pound) (4.5kg) bone-in ham
Notes
- NUTRITION: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
