When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is undoubtedly the best Thanksgiving ham. It’s that glorious centerpiece that not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas but also brings everyone together around the table. I mean, who can resist that sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making every slice a celebration of flavors? Trust me, this ham isn’t just food; it’s a tradition, a memory-maker, and the perfect dish to elevate your holiday feast. So, let’s dive in and create a ham that’ll have everyone raving about your cooking skills long after the last bite!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole ham (8-10 pounds)
- 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 the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 325°F (165°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your ham cooks evenly and all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully from the start. Trust me, you want to start with a hot oven!
Preparing the Ham
Now, grab your ham and place it on a sturdy cutting board. To really get the flavor in there, you’ll want to score the surface. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the skin. This helps the glaze seep into the meat and gives it that gorgeous look when it’s cooked. Don’t worry if your diamonds aren’t perfect; they just need to be deep enough to let that glaze work its magic!
Making the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Mix it all together until it forms a thick, sticky glaze. You want it well blended, so take your time here! The sweet and spicy aroma will have your mouth watering, I promise.
Applying the Glaze
Now it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Rub that glorious glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover every inch. Don’t skimp on this part, as the glaze is where all the flavor comes from. You want it to be evenly coated so every slice is bursting with that sweet, savory goodness!
Baking Instructions
Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it tightly with foil. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 2 hours. After that, it’s time to remove the foil and bake it for an additional 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—baste the ham every 10 minutes to keep it juicy and help that glaze caramelize into a beautiful glaze. The total cooking time will be about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and oh boy, the smell will be heavenly!
Resting and Slicing
Once your ham is beautifully caramelized and cooked through, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice tender and juicy. You’ll be amazed at how much better it tastes when you allow it to rest! Now, go ahead and slice it up and get ready to share the joy at your Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare – Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this ham comes together effortlessly!
- Deliciously sweet and savory flavor – The perfect balance that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings – It’s a show-stopper that’ll impress everyone at your Thanksgiving table.
- Gluten-free option – Great for accommodating any dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
- Can be made a day in advance – Save time on the big day and enjoy less stress while still delivering a fantastic meal!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s talk about a few tips to make sure your best Thanksgiving ham turns out absolutely amazing! First, when scoring the ham, aim for even cuts to allow the glaze to really penetrate the meat. This little detail can make a big difference in flavor! And don’t forget to grab a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the ham, and you’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Also, keep an eye on your basting! Basting every 10 minutes during that last 30-minute bake will help create that gorgeous caramelized crust we all love. Trust me, it’s worth the effort! Lastly, if you want to elevate your leftovers, consider adding a touch of mustard or a sprinkle of herbs when reheating. It’ll bring the flavors back to life! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying the best Thanksgiving ham, it’s good to have an idea of the nutritional content, though keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s an estimated breakdown for a serving size of about 3 ounces:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
These numbers can help you plan your meal better, especially if you’re keeping an eye on dietary needs. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t hesitate to adjust portions according to your guests‘ preferences! Happy feasting!
FAQ Section
What size ham should I buy?
For the best Thanksgiving ham, I recommend going for a whole ham that weighs between 8 to 10 pounds. This size typically serves about 12 people, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. If you have a smaller crowd, you can always go for a smaller ham, but I say, why not have leftovers?
Can I make this ham in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making this ham a day in advance can save you a lot of stress on Thanksgiving Day. Just prepare it as instructed, then let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. You can reheat it gently before serving for the best flavor!
What can I serve with this ham?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing this ham with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and a fresh cranberry sauce. Toss in some roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness, and you’ve got a well-rounded feast!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftover ham, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 3 to 5 days. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Definitely! If you want to switch things up, you can use pineapple juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter glaze. And if Dijon mustard isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it for yellow mustard or even a spicy brown mustard—whatever tickles your tastebuds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover best Thanksgiving ham properly is key to enjoying those delicious flavors for days to come! Once the ham has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container—just make sure it’s sealed well to prevent any moisture loss. Your leftover ham will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you want to do it gently to keep that juicy goodness intact. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a baking dish and add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to lock in the steam, and heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you want to give it a little extra love, remove the foil for the last few minutes to help caramelize the glaze again. Wow, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible! Enjoy those tasty leftovers just as much as the first serving!
Drucken
Best Thanksgiving Ham: 7 Secrets for Unforgettable Flavor
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious recipe for the best Thanksgiving ham.
Zutaten
- 1 whole 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
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Rub the mixture all over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 2 hours.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- This ham can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can use pineapple juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 3 ounces
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 12g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving ham, best ham recipe, holiday ham
