Slow Cooker Orange Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham Recipe

This slow cooker orange cranberry ginger glazed ham is an effortless and flavorful centerpiece for holiday meals. The glaze combines bright citrus, tart cranberries, warm ginger, and a hint of clove to create a glossy, delicious coating without a lot of hands-on time.

Prefer to skip the extras? Use the recipe jump or the table of contents at the top to go straight to the instructions.

At Sweet C’s I share tips so home cooks of any level can feel confident in the kitchen. This recipe is written for simplicity: minimal prep, a one-pot slow cooker finish, and clear steps so you can spend more time with family and less time tied to the stove.

Slow Cooker Orange Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham

Christmas mornings are busy—gifts, gatherings, and traditions leave little time to fuss over a stove. This slow cooker glazed ham is ideal for holiday brunch or dinner: it requires just a few ingredients and simple prep, then the slow cooker does the rest. The result is a tender ham with a bright, sticky glaze and minimal cleanup.

The slow cooker method keeps things easy and hands-off while concentrating the citrus and cranberry flavors into a syrupy glaze that clings to the ham. It’s a great option when you want a delicious main dish without extra stress.

How to make Slow Cooker Orange Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham

Gather these ingredients:

• Orange juice – adds bright citrus sweetness to the glaze.
• Unsweetened cranberry juice – balances the orange and brown sugar with tartness.
• Orange – thin slices add fresh citrus aroma and visual appeal.
• Brown sugar – forms the sweet, caramelized base of the glaze.
• Ground ginger – adds warm, spicy depth.
• Ground mustard – contributes an earthy, slightly sharp counterpoint.
• Fresh garlic – thinly sliced for savory contrast.
• Cloves – whole cloves pushed into the ham infuse warm, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh cranberries – offer tart bursts and a festive look.

Method

Prep: Place the ham in the slow cooker. Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern so the glaze penetrates, and press 1 teaspoon of whole cloves into the surface for aroma.

Make the glaze: In a saucepan combine orange slices, orange juice, cranberry juice, brown sugar, ground ginger, ground mustard, and the remaining teaspoon of whole cloves. Simmer for about 5 minutes over medium heat until the mixture is reduced by half and slightly thickened. Pour half the glaze over the ham and reserve the rest for basting during cooking.

Cook: Cover and cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours. Every hour, spoon or brush some of the reserved glaze over the ham. In the final hour, baste every 20–30 minutes to develop a rich, sticky coating.

Finish and serve: When the ham has taken on a deep, glossy glaze, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest briefly before slicing. For a crisper finish, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil on high for 5–10 minutes, watching closely so the glaze doesn’t burn.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Glazed Ham:

Baste regularly. Basting every 30 minutes (or more often in the last hour) helps build a thick, caramelized glaze.

Broil to crisp. If you like a crunchy exterior, broil the glazed ham for a few minutes at the end to caramelize the sugars—monitor it closely to prevent burning.

Line the slow cooker. Lining the insert with foil or a slow cooker liner makes cleanup quick and easy.

Recipe FAQ’s

Other Easy Christmas Dishes You’ll Love:

Here are a few popular holiday recipes that pair well with this ham:

Muddy Buddy Cookies

Easy Champagne Fizz Cocktail

Holiday Drinks

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

We love Christmas here—the lights, the smells, and the big meal shared with family. For more sides and drinks that pair beautifully with this ham, try buttery dinner rolls, creamy mashed potatoes, or a festive sangria.

• The Best Easy Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe — light and buttery rolls that complement glazed ham.
• The Best Ribeye Roast Recipe — a smaller prime rib-style roast for special dinners.
• Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe — rich, smooth mashed potatoes.
• Easy Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash — a savory, seasonal side dish.
• Traditional French Vin Chaud (Mulled Wine) Recipe — warm spiced wine for holiday gatherings.
• Easy Cranberry Sangria Recipe — a fruity drink to serve alongside your meal.

Slow Cooker Orange Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham Recipe

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