Cherry Glazed Ham Recipe Easy and Delicious for Holidays

There’s something undeniably festive and comforting about a beautifully glazed ham, especially when it boasts a vibrant cherry glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re preparing for a special holiday gathering, a Sunday family dinner, or simply want to impress guests with an elegant yet straightforward dish, this cherry glazed ham recipe is sure to be a showstopper.

The luscious cherry glaze not only provides a stunning glossy finish but also infuses the ham with fruity depth and subtle warmth, making every slice a delightful experience.

In this post, I’ll guide you through crafting the perfect cherry glaze, selecting the best ham, and achieving that ideal caramelized crust that elevates your dish to restaurant-quality. Plus, you’ll find tips for variations, equipment recommendations, and serving ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive in and make your next meal unforgettable with this cherry glazed ham recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cherry glazed ham recipe combines the classic, savory richness of baked ham with the sweet, tangy brightness of a cherry glaze. It’s a perfect harmony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting for the palate.

The glaze is easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, yet it transforms the ham into a centerpiece worthy of any celebration.

Not only is this recipe straightforward and approachable for cooks of all skill levels, but the results are consistently impressive. The glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that enhances the ham’s natural juiciness.

Plus, the recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your preferred sweetness level or spice additions, making it ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 (7 to 8 pounds) bone-in fully cooked ham, spiral sliced
• 1 cup cherry preserves (preferably natural or low sugar)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
• 2 tablespoons water

Equipment

• Roasting pan with a rack
• Basting brush
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife (for scoring the ham if desired)
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a rack in a roasting pan. If your ham isn’t spiral sliced, you can score the surface in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
2. Prepare the cherry glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the cherry preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the preserves melt and the mixture is smooth and bubbling slightly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken, then remove from heat.
3. Brush half of the cherry glaze evenly over the surface of the ham. Reserve the rest for basting during baking.
4. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until heated through (internal temperature about 140°F for pre-cooked ham). Baste with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes to build layers of flavor and a sticky crust.
5. Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful, shiny finish. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
6. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.
7. Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For best results, choose a high-quality, fully cooked bone-in ham with spiral cuts. This type of ham absorbs the glaze beautifully and slices easily.

Want a fruitier glaze? Substitute cherry preserves with raspberry or apricot preserves for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of ground ginger or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.

You can also experiment with adding fresh or frozen cherries to the glaze for extra texture and a burst of natural tartness. For an even richer glaze, a splash of bourbon or brandy added during glazing can add depth and complexity.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cherry glazed ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, or a fresh cranberry orange salad. The fruity glaze also complements sweet and savory side dishes such as glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole, or even a tangy coleslaw.

For a lighter meal, serve thin slices of the ham alongside a crisp spring mix salad with a vinaigrette that echoes the cherry glaze’s fruity notes. Leftover ham is perfect in sandwiches, omelets, or added to pasta dishes for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

This cherry glazed ham recipe is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of savory and sweet in one delicious package. The combination of a tender, juicy ham with a sticky, flavorful cherry glaze creates a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a family dinner, or simply craving something special, this recipe is easy enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough for festive occasions.

By following the simple steps and tips above, you’ll achieve a beautiful, glossy finish and a rich flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to experiment with different glaze variations and side dishes to make this recipe your own.

Happy cooking!

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