Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, filled with warmth, laughter, and, of course, delicious food! There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories, and creating memories. While turkey often steals the spotlight, I believe that *ham for Thanksgiving* deserves just as much love—and for good reason! A beautifully glazed ham not only serves as a stunning centerpiece, but it also fills the room with a mouthwatering aroma that has everyone eagerly anticipating the feast. Trust me, this ham will have your guests raving long after the last slice is gone. Let’s dive into how to make this holiday staple a star at your table!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a fantastic glazed ham that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 whole ham (10-12 pounds, bone-in recommended for extra flavor)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (this will give it that lovely caramelized sweetness)
- 1/2 cup honey (because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (adds brightness and acidity)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (a must for that aromatic depth)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (for a warm, spiced flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (because it’s Thanksgiving, and cinnamon is a must!)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (just a hint of spice to round it all out)
Make sure you have everything on hand, and let’s get ready to create some holiday magic!
How to Prepare Ham for Thanksgiving
Preparing your ham for Thanksgiving is easier than you might think, and I’m here to guide you through every step! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that juicy, tender ham we all love. Next, grab your whole ham and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern—this not only looks beautiful, but it also helps the glaze to soak in, making every bite even more flavorful.
Prepping the Ham
Once your ham is scored, it’s time to create that glorious glaze! In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and forms a lovely, thick consistency. Now, take that delicious glaze and brush it generously all over the ham, making sure to get it into those scored cuts. This will ensure the flavors penetrate deeply while it bakes. Cover your ham with foil and it’s ready to go into the oven!
Baking Instructions
Now for the fun part—baking! Place your ham in a roasting pan and pop it into the preheated oven. You’ll want to bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your ham. Remember, the last 30 minutes are crucial; remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize beautifully. This step gives the ham that gorgeous, sticky finish we all drool over! Once it’s done, be sure to let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and packed with flavor!
Tips for Success
To ensure your ham turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years:
- Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for the best results.
- Let it rest: Don’t skip the resting time! It allows the juices to settle and makes for a more flavorful slice.
- Glaze multiple times: For an extra sticky and flavorful crust, brush the glaze on a couple of times during the last hour of baking.
- Keep the bone: If you can, leave the bone in! It adds flavor and makes for fantastic leftover soups or stocks.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to tweak the glaze ingredients according to your taste—add spices or even fruit for a unique twist!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your delicious glazed ham, it’s always good to be mindful of the nutritional values. Here’s a general breakdown per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy your ham without guilt—it’s a special treat for the holidays!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover glazed ham is super simple! Just wrap any uneaten portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to savor that deliciousness longer, you can freeze the ham! Just slice it first, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through, or use the microwave, making sure to cover it to keep it moist. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor explosion: The sweet and savory glaze creates a mouthwatering taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen!
- Perfect for gatherings: This ham is a showstopper that feeds a crowd, making it an ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving.
- Leftovers galore: Enjoy delicious sandwiches and soups for days after the feast!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match flavors in the glaze to make it your own!
FAQ About Ham for Thanksgiving
Got questions about making the perfect *ham for Thanksgiving*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use a pre-cooked ham?
Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust your baking time since it’s already cooked; you’re mainly warming it up and adding that tasty glaze.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can substitute it with yellow mustard or even honey mustard if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I store leftover ham?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
How can I tell when the ham is done?
Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for perfectly juicy ham.
Ham for Thanksgiving: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious glazed ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 whole ham (10–12 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, removing the foil for the last 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a bone-in ham for more flavor.
- Save leftovers for sandwiches.
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ham for thanksgiving
