Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s one of my absolute favorite times of the year. The air is filled with the scent of roasted turkey, spiced pumpkin pie, and of course, my show-stopping ham! Trust me, this ham recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about. I love how easy it is to prepare; you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones instead of sweating in the kitchen. Picture this: a beautifully glazed ham, glistening and caramelized, stealing the show as your family gathers around the table. Seriously, it’s a dish that brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering ham for Thanksgiving. I promise you, these ingredients come together beautifully!
- 1 whole ham (8-10 lbs) – I recommend a pre-cooked ham for easier preparation!
- 1 cup brown sugar – This adds that sweet caramel flavor we all love.
- 1/2 cup honey – Trust me, it makes the glaze extra sticky and delicious.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – For a little tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – This gives the glaze a nice zing!
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Adds a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Because what’s Thanksgiving without a hint of cinnamon?
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just a bit for a subtle kick!
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Ham
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect cook on your ham! Next, grab your beautiful whole ham and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only looks stunning but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing the flavors. Make sure to get about a quarter inch deep with those cuts—just enough to make an impact without cutting all the way through!
Making the Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that irresistible glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. I like to use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. You want to make sure the brown sugar is dissolved and that you have a nice sticky consistency. Trust me, this glaze will take your ham to the next level!
Baking the Ham
Time to bake! Place your scored ham in a roasting pan, and generously rub that luscious glaze all over the surface, getting into those diamond cuts for maximum flavor. Cover the ham with aluminum foil—this helps to keep it moist during the cooking process. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, and don’t forget to baste the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes. This step is key to achieving that caramelized, sticky finish that everyone loves!
Finishing Touches
With about 30 minutes left to go, carefully remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize. Keep an eye on it; we want that beautiful golden color! Once the ham is done baking, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is so important because it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every slice is tender and juicy. Now, slice it up and get ready to impress your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham recipe is truly a gem for your Thanksgiving feast, and here’s why it’ll become a staple in your holiday celebrations!
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can have a stunning centerpiece without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of sweet and savory from the glaze is simply irresistible—your taste buds will thank you!
- Perfect for Large Gatherings: This recipe serves 10-12 people, making it ideal for family reunions or holiday parties.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the glaze in advance, saving you time on the big day!
- Leftovers for Days: Trust me, this ham tastes even better the next day in sandwiches or as part of a hearty breakfast.
- Impressive Presentation: The diamond scoring and glistening glaze make for a visually stunning dish that’ll wow your guests.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Thanksgiving ham is a showstopper, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!
- Choose the Right Ham: Go for a pre-cooked ham. It saves time and ensures it’ll be juicy and tender.
- Score Deeply: When scoring, aim for about a quarter inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat beautifully.
- Baste Often: Don’t skip the basting! It keeps the ham moist and helps develop that delicious glaze. Set a timer to remind you!
- Monitor the Temperature: An internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is ideal for fully cooked ham. Use a meat thermometer to check!
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making every bite tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to tweak the glaze! Add some orange juice or ginger for a refreshing twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for this delicious Thanksgiving ham recipe. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 20g
This ham is not only a treat for your taste buds but also provides a good source of protein for your festive feast. Enjoy every bite guilt-free, knowing it’s part of your Thanksgiving spread!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love using a pre-cooked ham for this Thanksgiving recipe, you can also use a bone-in ham or a boneless ham if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the size and type of ham you choose. If you’re using a fresh ham (not pre-cooked), you’ll need to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure it reaches the right temperature. No matter what, the glaze will work its magic on any ham you pick!
How do I store leftovers?
Oh, the leftovers! They’re one of the best perks of making this ham! To store your leftover ham, let it cool down first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just slice it up, wrap it well, and it’ll last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have delicious ham ready for sandwiches or a quick reheat!
Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking to lighten your load on Thanksgiving Day, consider preparing the glaze a day or two in advance. Just mix it up and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. You can even score the ham ahead of time and apply the glaze before baking. Just remember to let it sit out for about 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday while still serving up an amazing ham!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your stunning ham ready to shine at the Thanksgiving table, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! These side dishes will not only complement the flavors of the ham but also create a beautiful, festive spread that your guests will adore.
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must! They soak up the delicious glaze drippings perfectly and provide a comforting, hearty element to your meal.
- Green Bean Casserole: This traditional dish adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate. The creamy sauce paired with crispy onions is so satisfying!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, these little gems caramelize beautifully in the oven. Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the ham wonderfully.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Don’t forget the sweet potatoes! Topped with marshmallows or a crunchy pecan streusel, this dish is a delightful contrast to the savory ham.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce is the perfect finishing touch. It cuts through the richness of the ham and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are essential for sopping up all those delicious juices and glaze. Serve them with a pat of butter for extra indulgence!
- Fall Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, apples, walnuts, and a citrus vinaigrette adds a fresh note to your meal, balancing out the richness of the ham.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your family’s favorites or any seasonal produce you have on hand. The key is to create a well-rounded meal that highlights the deliciousness of your Thanksgiving ham while bringing everyone together for a feast to remember!
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Ham Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 whole ham (8–10 lbs)
- 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 (163°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a pre-cooked ham for easier preparation.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ham recipes thanksgiving
