Oh, let me tell you, this Thanksgiving ham is nothing short of a showstopper! It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, and I guarantee it’ll impress your guests and make your holiday table shine. Picture a juicy, fully cooked ham glazed with a luscious blend of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard, all baked to perfection. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering, eager to dig in! What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is while still delivering that wow factor. Plus, it’s a fantastic centerpiece that pairs beautifully with all your favorite sides. Trust me, this Thanksgiving ham will become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds) – This is the star of your holiday feast!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – For that perfect sweet caramelization.
- 1/2 cup honey – Adds a delightful sticky sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – A touch of tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – For a hint of acidity that brightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Adds a lovely aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger – For a subtle kick that complements the other flavors.
- 2 cups water – Helps create a moist cooking environment.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Ham
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is crucial for ensuring your ham gets that beautiful, even cook.
- Next, grab your roasting pan and place the ham cut side down. This helps keep it moist while it bakes. Trust me, you want that juiciness!
- Now, let’s make that glorious glaze! In a medium bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. It should smell heavenly!
- Spread this delicious mixture generously over the top of the ham. Don’t be shy—get it in all those nooks and crannies!
- Pour the water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates steam, preventing the ham from drying out as it cooks.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. About halfway through, check it out and baste it with the juices from the pan. This will keep it extra flavorful!
- After 1.5 to 2 hours, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, giving that gorgeous golden finish.
- Finally, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping each slice tender and juicy. Yum!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving ham turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for safe and delicious eating. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking—this step is key for juicy slices, trust me!
If you want to elevate the flavor even more, consider adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze. And when it comes to serving, I love to slice the ham thinly and arrange it on a platter with some fresh fruit like apples or pears for a beautiful presentation. Finally, remember to save those leftovers; they make for fantastic sandwiches or a flavorful addition to soups!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the savory ham.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table that requires minimal effort!
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields about 12 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
- Versatile Leftovers: The ham is just as delicious the next day—think sandwiches, soups, or even breakfast hash!
- A Holiday Tradition: Once you serve this Thanksgiving ham, it’s sure to become a beloved fixture at your holiday feasts for years to come.
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Ham
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delicious Thanksgiving ham, which is about 3 ounces. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, 10 grams of fat (3 grams saturated fat), and 15 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar. It’s worth noting that it has 800 milligrams of sodium and 60 milligrams of cholesterol. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this flavorful dish as part of a balanced meal!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Ham
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a traditional fully cooked ham, you can use a spiral-cut ham or even a bone-in ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check! You want it to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures your Thanksgiving ham is both safe to eat and perfectly warm.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze ingredients a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the ham, and you’ll save some time on the big day!
What should I do with leftovers?
Leftover ham is fantastic! I recommend slicing it thin for sandwiches, or dicing it up for use in soups, casseroles, or even breakfast hash. The possibilities are endless!
Can I freeze leftover ham?
Definitely! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Thanksgiving Ham
Storing your leftover Thanksgiving ham properly is key to keeping it delicious! First, make sure to let the ham cool completely before wrapping it up. I like to slice it into portions, which makes it easier to grab for snacks or meals later on. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or you can place it in an airtight container. Your leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that juicy texture. Preheat it to 325°F (163°C), place the ham in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes per slice, or until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold in sandwiches—yum! Just make sure to savor every last bite!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Ham
When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving ham, the options are endless! I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that delicious glaze. Roasted Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of parmesan add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor. Don’t forget a vibrant cranberry sauce for a pop of tartness that complements the sweetness of the ham. For something refreshing, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish. And if you’re feeling a bit indulgent, serve it alongside buttery cornbread or sweet potato casserole for a true holiday feast!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Ham: 7 Simple Steps to a Flavorful Centerpiece
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A savory and sweet Thanksgiving ham recipe that will impress your guests.
Zutaten
- 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 cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cups water
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Spread the mixture over the ham.
- Pour water into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice (3 ounces)
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: thanksgiving ham, holiday recipes, glazed ham
