Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather ’round, and the aroma of delicious food fills the air. For me, the star of the show has always been the best Thanksgiving ham. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, where the ham would be the centerpiece of our feast, lovingly glazed and caramelized to perfection. The joy on everyone’s faces as we carved into that tender, juicy ham was priceless. It’s not just food; it’s a tradition, a moment of connection with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or a cozy dinner, this ham brings everyone together, making it a must-have for any holiday table. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this festive delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
To make the best Thanksgiving ham, you’ll need some simple yet delightful ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients blend beautifully to create a sweet and savory glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste—it’s all about making it your own!
How to Prepare the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Preparing the best Thanksgiving ham is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with warmth and mouthwatering aromas. Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide to ensure your ham turns out perfect every time!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s warming up, grab a sharp knife and score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but allows the glaze to seep into the ham, enhancing the flavor. You’ll want to use a roasting pan to catch all those tasty juices, so have that ready too!
Make the Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended into a smooth, sticky glaze. My favorite tip? Give it a taste! If you want it sweeter or spicier, feel free to adjust those ingredients to match your palate.
Apply the Glaze
Next, it’s time to apply that glaze! Using a brush or even a spoon, generously coat the ham with the glaze, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens! For an extra touch, you can reserve a bit of glaze to brush on during baking, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Baking Instructions
Place the ham in the roasting pan, and cover it loosely with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, which usually means around 2 hours for an 8-10 pound ham. Don’t forget to baste it every 30 minutes with the pan juices—this keeps it juicy! About 30 minutes before it’s done, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize and get that gorgeous golden color. When the internal temperature hits 140°F (60°C), it’s ready to come out. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing, and enjoy every bite of your beautifully prepared ham!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving ham turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to customize the glaze—add a splash more honey for sweetness or a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; the best way to ensure it’s done is by using a meat thermometer to check for that magical 140°F (60°C). If you find the glaze isn’t caramelizing as much as you’d like, just pop it back in the oven for a few extra minutes uncovered. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your ham to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, so these numbers are approximate. For this wonderful Thanksgiving ham, a typical serving size (1 slice) contains about 250 calories, 12g of fat, 18g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a classic fully cooked ham, you can also use a spiral-cut ham or even a bone-in ham. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to two months—just make sure to slice it first for easy use!
What sides pair well with ham?
This ham is delicious alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a bright cranberry salad. They all complement the flavors beautifully!
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it on the ham.
How can I tell when the ham is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way! Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for perfectly heated ham. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The sweet and savory glaze creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this ham is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Festive Presentation: The beautiful caramelized exterior makes it the centerpiece of your holiday table, impressing your guests effortlessly.
- Versatile Leftovers: Enjoy the ham in sandwiches, casseroles, or even as a hearty breakfast addition the next day!
- Tradition and Comfort: This recipe carries the warmth of family gatherings, making it a cherished part of your Thanksgiving tradition.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have this stunning ham ready to impress, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I absolutely love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes—there’s nothing better than that velvety texture soaking up all those delicious juices. You can’t go wrong with a fresh green bean casserole for a pop of color and crunch, either! If you want something sweet, a tangy cranberry sauce is a fantastic complement that balances the richness of the ham perfectly. And don’t forget some fluffy dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that amazing glaze. Your holiday table will be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
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Best Thanksgiving Ham Recipe to Impress Your Guests
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and festive ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, covering it evenly.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Glaze can be adjusted to your taste.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or casseroles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: best thanksgiving ham, holiday ham, glazed ham
