Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, filled with laughter, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! There’s something truly special about gathering around the table, and the star of the show is often a beautifully glazed ham. I remember my first Thanksgiving hosting the dinner; I was so nervous! But when I pulled that gorgeous ham out of the oven, with its sweet and savory glaze shining, all my worries melted away. Trust me, this ham recipe is a game-changer for any Thanksgiving gathering. It’s not only super easy to make, but it also fills your home with the most incredible aroma. So, if you’re looking to impress your family and friends this year, dive into my favorite ham recipes for Thanksgiving—you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
- 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
How to Prepare Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature to get that ham nice and warm while allowing the glaze to work its magic.
Score the Ham
Next, grab your fully cooked ham and place it on a cutting board. Now, it’s time to score the surface in a diamond pattern. This isn’t just for looks—scoring helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it looks so beautiful when it’s done!
Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, mix together your brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon. This sweet and tangy glaze is what makes your ham truly special! Make sure everything is well combined; you want a smooth mixture ready to coat that glorious ham.
Apply the Glaze
Now, it’s time to brush that delicious glaze all over the ham. Use a pastry brush to ensure an even coating, getting into all those little nooks and crannies. Trust me, the more glaze you can get on there, the better! It’ll caramelize beautifully as it bakes.
Bake the Ham
Place the glazed ham in a roasting pan and cover it tightly with foil. This helps to keep it moist while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure to baste it with the pan juices every 30 minutes—this is key to that juicy flavor! It’s like giving your ham a mini spa treatment!
Caramelize the Glaze
For the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This allows the glaze to caramelize and form a shiny, sticky coating that makes your ham look utterly irresistible. You’re going to want to keep an eye on it during this time to make sure it doesn’t burn—just golden and delicious is what we’re after!
Rest and Serve
Once your ham is beautifully caramelized, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial; it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this flavorful ham when it’s time to serve!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ham turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, ensure your ham is fully thawed if it was frozen; this can take a couple of days in the fridge, but it’s worth the wait for juicy results. Also, don’t skip the basting! Those 30-minute intervals are crucial for keeping the ham moist and flavorful. If you notice the glaze starting to darken too much, feel free to cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Oh, and if you want to kick up the flavor a notch, consider adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan—those scents are heavenly!
Lastly, be patient during the resting period after baking. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it rest for 15 minutes is key to achieving that tender, juicy slice. Trust me, your guests will thank you when they taste the difference! And remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. Each Thanksgiving is a new chance to hone your skills!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your glorious ham, you’ll want to make sure those leftovers are stored safely! Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Trust me, nothing beats a ham sandwich made with last night’s dinner!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the slices in a baking dish. To keep them moist, add a splash of apple cider or broth, then cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You could also use the microwave, but be careful not to dry them out—heat in short bursts and check often. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delightful ham recipe. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Each serving, which is about one slice of ham, contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
This recipe is not only delicious but also a great source of protein for your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! You can use different types of ham, like spiral-cut, bone-in, or even a honey-baked ham. Just keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly. Generally, you’ll want to bake your ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound. So, if you’re using a smaller ham, adjust your cook time accordingly to ensure it heats through perfectly without drying out. The beauty of this recipe is that it can easily adapt to whatever ham you choose!
How do I know when the ham is done?
Great question! The best way to check if your ham is done is by using a meat thermometer. You’ll want the internal temperature to reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham, which ensures it’s warm and safe to eat. If you’re using a raw or partially cooked ham, aim for 160°F (71°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone for the most accurate reading. And trust me, nothing beats the smell of a perfectly cooked ham wafting through your kitchen!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy Thanksgiving days.
- The sweet and savory glaze creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it accommodates various dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or added to soups.
- It fills your home with mouthwatering aromas that will have everyone gathering around the kitchen.
- The juicy, tender slices are sure to impress your family and friends.
- It’s a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table.
Ham Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Tips for Flavor
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 10-12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious and easy ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
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 brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Brush the mixture over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, 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 and serving.
Uwagi
- Use leftover ham for sandwiches.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe can be adjusted for smaller hams.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 900mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: ham recipes thanksgiving
