Thanksgiving is such a magical time of year, isn’t it? I can still remember the delicious aroma of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the best Thanksgiving ham was always the star of the show. This recipe is my go-to for creating that same warm, festive feeling in my own home. It’s simple, yet so flavorful, thanks to the perfect blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices that create a glaze you won’t be able to resist. Trust me, your friends and family will rave about this ham! It’s not just a meal; it’s a heartwarming tradition that brings everyone together around the table. Let’s get started on making some holiday magic!
Ingredients for the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Thanksgiving ham that everyone will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs) – I prefer a bone-in ham for that extra flavor boost!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This adds a lovely sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- 1/2 cup honey – Adds a rich, sticky sweetness that helps form that beautiful glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This gives a nice tang that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – A splash of acidity to brighten up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Just a hint of warmth and spice; it’s a holiday must!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – This will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma as it bakes!
Make sure everything is ready to go before you start cooking, and you’ll be all set for a delicious Thanksgiving feast!
How to Prepare the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Prepping the Ham
Let’s kick things off by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature to let our ham warm up and soak in all those delicious flavors. While that’s heating up, grab your ham and place it on a cutting board. Carefully score the surface in a diamond pattern—this not only looks gorgeous but also allows the glaze to seep in beautifully. Now, let’s whip up that irresistible glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. It should look like a sweet, sticky dream!
Baking Instructions
Now it’s time to get that ham into the oven! Place it in a roasting pan, and don’t forget to brush that gorgeous glaze all over the top. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the first part of baking. You’ll want to bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here’s the fun part: every 30 minutes, take the ham out and baste it with the juices that collect in the pan. This keeps it juicy and flavorful! About 30 minutes before it’s done, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize and turn that beautiful golden brown. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach around 140°F (60°C). Once it’s perfectly baked, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this will make it even juicier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple—perfect for cooks of all levels!
- The glaze is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors.
- This ham creates that warm, festive atmosphere we all love during the holidays.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for delicious sandwiches the next day!
Tips for Success
To make sure you achieve the best Thanksgiving ham, start by selecting a quality bone-in ham—it’s juicier and has more flavor! When baking, remember to keep an eye on the basting; it really helps lock in moisture and flavor. If your glaze starts to darken too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning. Also, let your ham rest after baking; this is crucial for juicy slices! And don’t forget, serving it alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies elevates the whole meal. Enjoy the process and the deliciousness that follows!
Nutritional Information
When enjoying the best Thanksgiving ham, it’s good to know what you’re savoring! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 3 oz):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ham you choose. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Can I use a spiral-cut ham? Absolutely! A spiral-cut ham is a great option since it’s already sliced, making serving super easy. Just follow the same baking instructions for a delicious result.
How do I store leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you tuck it away!
Can I make this ham ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just brush it on the ham before baking, and you’ll be ready to impress your guests!
What should I do if the glaze gets too dark? If you notice the glaze darkening too quickly, simply cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.
Is this ham gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone at the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftovers properly is key to enjoying that delicious best Thanksgiving ham even after the big feast! Once the ham has cooled down, slice it and place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), cover the slices with foil to keep them moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants dry ham! Enjoy every last bite!
What to Serve with the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Pairing the best Thanksgiving ham with delicious sides is the secret to a festive feast! I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up that sweet glaze. Roasted green beans add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to the plate. Don’t forget about classic stuffing; it’s a holiday must-have! For beverages, a crisp apple cider or a light white wine complements the flavors beautifully. And if you want to add a touch of sweetness, a fresh cranberry sauce is a fantastic addition. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal to the next level!
Z nadrukami
Best Thanksgiving Ham Recipe for Heartwarming Feasts
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 10-12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
This recipe provides a simple way to prepare the best Thanksgiving ham.
Składniki
- 1 fully cooked 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
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Uwagi
- Choose a bone-in ham for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 3 oz
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 900mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 18g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: best thanksgiving ham
