Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, filled with family, laughter, and, of course, mouthwatering food! When it comes to the centerpiece of our feast, nothing beats a beautifully glazed *Thanksgiving ham*. It’s not just about the flavors but also the memories we create around the table. This recipe is a game-changer—it’s easy to prepare, and trust me, your guests will be raving about it long after the last bite. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully, making every slice a delight. So, let’s dive into this delicious tradition that’s sure to impress everyone this holiday season!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Ham
Here’s what you’ll need to create a stunning Thanksgiving ham that’s bursting with flavor:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds) – This is the star of the show, so choose a quality ham that fits your family size.
- 1 cup brown sugar – For that irresistible sweetness and lovely caramelization.
- 1/2 cup honey – Adds a beautiful shine and depth to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This gives a tangy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – A splash of acidity to brighten all those rich flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Just a pinch for that warm, spicy aroma that says “holiday.”
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy feel to the dish.
Make sure to gather everything before you start, and you’re on your way to a scrumptious *Thanksgiving ham*! Trust me, these ingredients work together like a holiday miracle in your oven.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Ham
Preparing your *Thanksgiving ham* is a breeze, and I’m excited to guide you through it! Let’s get started:
- First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the perfect temperature to let those flavors meld beautifully.
- Next, take your fully cooked ham and score the surface in a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but allows the glaze to seep in.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Mix until you have a smooth, sticky glaze.
- Spread that luscious mixture all over the ham, making sure to get into those scores for maximum flavor!
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The foil helps to keep it moist and tender.
- For the last 30 minutes, uncover the ham to let the glaze caramelize. Your kitchen will smell divine at this point!
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This ensures all those juices stay inside, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
And there you have it! Your *Thanksgiving ham* is ready to dazzle your guests!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Ham
To make sure your *Thanksgiving ham* turns out perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First, always choose a ham that’s fully cooked—this cuts down on cooking time and ensures a juicy result. Keep an eye on the cooking time; generally, it’s about 15-18 minutes per pound, but every oven is different, so a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for that ideal serving heat.
When applying the glaze, don’t shy away from slathering it on generously! Feel free to baste the ham every 30 minutes, as this helps build those beautiful layers of flavor. Lastly, let it rest for that crucial 15 minutes before slicing; I promise, it makes a world of difference in keeping all those delicious juices inside. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Ham
Got questions about making the perfect *Thanksgiving ham*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! One of the most common questions I hear is about cooking times. A fully cooked ham generally takes about 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). So, for an 8-pound ham, you’re looking at around 2 to 2.5 hours. Don’t forget to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) before serving!
Now, if you’re wondering about glaze variations, the possibilities are endless! You can swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile or add a splash of orange juice for a fruity twist. Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating some crushed pineapple into the glaze for a tropical touch!
As for leftovers, store your *Thanksgiving ham* in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for future meals—just wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at a low temperature to keep it juicy.
With these tips, you’ll be a *Thanksgiving ham* pro in no time!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Ham
When it comes to enjoying your *Thanksgiving ham*, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 3 ounces):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of ham and glaze. It’s always good to check your labels if you’re counting anything specific. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations of Thanksgiving Ham
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your *Thanksgiving ham*! One of my favorite variations is to use a pineapple glaze—just mix crushed pineapple with brown sugar and a hint of ginger for a sweet, tropical twist. You could also experiment with an apple cider glaze, combining apple cider, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon for a cozy autumn flavor.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, why not add some spicy mustard or a splash of sriracha to your traditional glaze? It creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness! And if you’re a fan of herbs, consider adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic touch. Each variation brings a little something special to the table, making your *Thanksgiving ham* a delightful surprise every year!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Ham
Now that your *Thanksgiving ham* is ready to steal the show, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I absolutely love pairing it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy—there’s just something magical about that combination. Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your plate, while sweet potato casserole brings a delightful sweetness that complements the savory ham perfectly.
And don’t forget some tangy cranberry sauce! It adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the ham. For beverages, I recommend a nice, chilled apple cider or even a light red wine—both pair beautifully with the flavors of your holiday feast. Trust me, these combinations will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Ham
After that glorious meal, you’ll likely have some *Thanksgiving ham* leftovers, and trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite! To store your ham, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and juicy in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you find yourself with more ham than you can eat, don’t worry! You can freeze it for those future cravings. Just slice it up, wrap each piece well, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to two months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat the slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) to keep them moist. You could also pop them in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes dry ham! Enjoy your delicious *Thanksgiving ham* again and again!
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Thanksgiving Ham: 7 Secrets for a Perfectly Glazed Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious Thanksgiving ham recipe that is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Spread the mixture over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Uncover the ham for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the weight of the ham.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: thanksgiving ham, holiday ham, glazed ham
