Oh, let me tell you about the joy of Thanksgiving ham! There’s just something magical about it sitting at the center of the table, gleaming and glistening, waiting to be sliced. It’s not just a meal; it’s the highlight of the holiday feast! I remember the first Thanksgiving I made this recipe—my family couldn’t stop raving about how flavorful and tender it was. The sweet, sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a perfect contrast to the savory ham. Every bite melts in your mouth, and the aroma? It fills your home with that warm, cozy holiday spirit. Trust me, when you present this glorious ham, everyone will gather around to share stories and laughter. It’s truly a feast that brings people together. So, let’s dive into my favorite Thanksgiving ham recipe that will make your holiday unforgettable!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Ham
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Thanksgiving ham a showstopper! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs) – Make sure it’s ready to eat, as we’re just warming and glazing it.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This adds a delightful sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1/2 cup honey – For that rich, sticky goodness that enhances the glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – Adds a hint of tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – This brings a nice acidity to the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – A warm spice that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that cozy, holiday aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just a touch of spice to round everything out.
Make sure to have all these goodies on hand, because you’re going to want every single one of them to create that mouthwatering glaze!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Ham
Preparing your Thanksgiving ham is an exciting part of the holiday cooking experience! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning centerpiece that everyone will rave about.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your ham cooks evenly and gets that lovely caramelized glaze. Give it about 15-20 minutes to heat up while you prepare the ham.
Prepare the Ham
Now, let’s get that ham ready! Place your fully cooked ham in a roasting pan with the cut side down. This positioning helps retain moisture and allows the glaze to soak in beautifully. It’s like giving your ham a cozy little bed to rest on while it bakes!
Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. This glaze is where the magic happens! Each ingredient plays a role—sweetness from the sugar and honey, tang from the mustard and vinegar, and warmth from the spices. Mix it well until it’s smooth and creamy.
Apply the Glaze
Grab a brush (or a spoon if you don’t have one) and generously brush the glaze all over the ham. Make sure you cover it evenly, getting into all those nooks and crannies. Don’t worry if it gets a little messy; that sticky goodness is what makes it so delicious!
Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting it every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist. After the first hour and a half, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This is when the glaze will caramelize and create that beautiful golden crust!
Rest and Slice
Once it’s done baking, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Thanksgiving ham recipe is a true winner for so many reasons! Not only does it taste incredible, but it also makes the whole process a breeze. Here’s why you’re going to absolutely adore this dish:
- Effortless preparation—just mix the glaze and let the oven do the work!
- Rich, sweet, and savory flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Perfect centerpiece that brings everyone together around the table.
- Customizable glaze allows you to adjust flavors to suit your taste.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for delicious sandwiches or casseroles.
- It’s a gluten-free option, so everyone can enjoy it!
Trust me, this ham will not only be the star of your holiday table but also a recipe you’ll want to make time and time again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I believe the real magic happens when you take that first bite, it’s always good to know what you’re working with. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious Thanksgiving ham (about 3 oz):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1000mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, every bite is worth it!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving ham turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips that I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t be afraid to tweak the glaze! If you love a little extra sweetness, toss in a splash more honey or brown sugar. Want a kick? A dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Also, be sure to baste regularly while it’s baking; this keeps the ham moist and flavorful. If you find the glaze is caramelizing too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil again for the last stretch of baking. And remember, let it rest before slicing! This step is crucial for juicy slices, as it allows the juices to settle. Follow these tips, and you’ll impress everyone at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover Thanksgiving ham?
Storing leftover Thanksgiving ham is super easy! Just wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze it! Just make sure to slice it first for easy thawing. Wrap each piece individually or place them in a freezer bag, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months. Trust me, there’s nothing better than pulling out leftover ham for a quick meal!
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe is perfect for a fully cooked ham, you can also use a bone-in ham, spiral-cut ham, or even a smoked ham if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of ham you choose, so make sure to adjust accordingly. Each type of ham brings its own unique taste to the table, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
What sides go well with Thanksgiving ham?
When it comes to sides, the possibilities are endless! Some classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and green bean almondine. You can also serve it with a fresh, tangy cranberry sauce for a burst of flavor. Don’t forget about a warm, buttery roll to soak up all that delicious glaze! A crisp salad or roasted Brussels sprouts can add a nice contrast to the rich ham. So, mix and match your favorites to create the perfect Thanksgiving spread!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your Thanksgiving ham is ready to shine, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments to elevate your feast! I love pairing this savory centerpiece with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up all that glorious glaze. A tangy cranberry sauce adds a delightful contrast, bringing a pop of freshness to each bite.
Don’t forget about roasted vegetables—think Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots that add color and nutrition to your plate. A warm, buttery roll is also a must; it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover juices! And if you want something refreshing, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the ham. Trust me, these sides will create a memorable and festive meal that your family will rave about long after the holiday!
Z nadrukami
Thanksgiving Ham: 5 Tips for a Perfect Holiday Centerpiece
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 10-12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious and flavorful Thanksgiving ham recipe that will be the star of your holiday table.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Brush the mixture over the ham, covering it evenly.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Uwagi
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 3 oz
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 1000mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving ham, holiday ham, glazed ham
