Ham with Spiced Cherry Sauce

Elevate your holiday table with this show-stopping Ham with Spiced Cherry Sauce, a perfect blend of savory and sweet that's as visually stunning as it is delicious. This recipe features a tender, juicy bone-in ham baked to perfection and paired with a luscious spiced cherry sauce made from dark sweet cherries, brown sugar, and a touch of balsamic vinegar for depth. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, the sauce is simmered to aromatic perfection and thickened to a glossy, spoonable consistency. Ideal for special gatherings or festive occasions, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also effortlessly impresses. Serve it with a drizzle of the cherry sauce and garnish with orange zest or fresh herbs for a sophisticated finish. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe promises a flavorful centerpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 5-7 lb bone-in ham
• 2 cups dark sweet cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoons allspice (ground)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2

Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Step 3

While the ham is baking, prepare the spiced cherry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and allspice over medium heat.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and the flavors meld together.

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the cherry sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Once the ham is finished baking, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 7

Serve the ham warm with the spiced cherry sauce drizzled over the top or on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1237.3 grams (1237.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1592

Total Fat 27.10g	35%
Saturated Fat 9.10g	45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 250mg	83%
Sodium 5495mg	239%
Total Carbohydrate 237.30g	86%
Dietary Fiber 8.00g	29%
Total Sugars 213.50g
Protein 101.00g	202%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 237mg	18%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 2639mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.3%

Protein: 25.3%

Carbs: 59.4%