Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and savoring delicious food that warms the heart. And let’s be honest, nothing quite steals the show like a beautifully glazed ham for Thanksgiving! It’s the centerpiece that everyone looks forward to, and I can’t help but get excited just thinking about the sweet, savory aroma wafting through the house as it bakes. This ham recipe is my go-to for holiday feasts, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think! Let’s dive into making a dish that will have everyone raving and asking for seconds.
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for this festive ham is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs): This is the star of the show! Make sure it’s a good quality ham that’s already cooked.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This will add that lovely sweetness and caramelization to the glaze.
- 1/2 cup honey: For an extra layer of sweetness and a sticky texture that everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: This adds a little tang and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This brings a nice acidity to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: For that warm, aromatic flavor that screams holiday!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This adds a cozy spice that makes everything feel festive.
These ingredients come together to create a glaze that will make your ham shine at the table!
How to Prepare the Ham for Thanksgiving
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure your ham heats evenly and gets that gorgeous glaze. While the oven warms up, grab your ham and place it cut side down in a roasting pan. This helps keep those juices in and makes for a super tender ham. If your ham has a thick layer of fat, feel free to score it in a diamond pattern; this not only looks beautiful but also allows the glaze to seep in. Let’s get that ham ready for its sweet transformation!
Make the Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that heavenly glaze that’s going to take your ham to the next level! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Then, sprinkle in the ground cloves and cinnamon. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and you have a thick, sticky glaze. It should smell absolutely divine! Make sure you have it ready to slather on your ham because this is where the magic happens.
Bake the Ham
Time to bake! Spread that luscious glaze all over your ham, making sure every inch is covered. Cover the roasting pan with foil to keep the moisture in—this is key for a juicy result. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here’s the fun part: every 30 minutes, take it out and baste it with the drippings. This helps build that sticky, caramelized crust we all love. In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the glaze get that beautiful golden color. Once it’s done, let your ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing; this ensures every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Wow, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham for Thanksgiving is a showstopper that brings everyone together! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Incredible flavor: The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a deliciously sticky glaze that everyone will rave about.
- Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen!
- Perfect for gatherings: This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- Leftover versatility: Enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches, salads, or even breakfast dishes!
- Festive appeal: The beautiful glaze and presentation make this ham a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Tips for Success
To ensure your ham turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the basting—this is key to achieving that glorious caramelized crust. Every half hour, make sure to coat it well to lock in moisture and flavor. Also, if your ham is particularly large, consider using a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal juiciness. And if you want to avoid a dry ham, resist the urge to cook it too long—overcooking can lead to tough slices. Lastly, let it rest before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful pieces!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious ham for Thanksgiving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
How do I store leftover ham? Once your ham has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for those post-Thanksgiving sandwiches!
Can I use a different type of ham? Absolutely! While this recipe is great for a fully cooked ham, you can use bone-in, spiral-cut, or even a smoked ham for a different flavor twist. Just adjust the cooking time based on its size.
What sides pair well with this ham for Thanksgiving? Think classic! Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad make excellent companions to balance the richness of the ham.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Sliced ham can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in your favorite recipes.
How can I reheat the ham without drying it out? To keep it juicy, gently reheat slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) covered with foil, adding a splash of water or broth to the pan to create steam.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover ham is a breeze! Once the ham has cooled down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and flavorful. You can also place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 5 days. When it comes to reheating, the key is to keep it juicy! Gently warm the slices in the oven at a low temperature of about 250°F (120°C), covering them with foil. Adding a splash of water or broth to the pan helps create steam, ensuring your ham stays moist and delicious!
Drucken
Ham for Thanksgiving: 5 Secrets to a Perfectly Glazed Feast
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Halal
Beschreibung
A delicious ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Zutaten
- 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
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Spread the mixture over the ham.
- Cover the pan 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 it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 12g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: ham for thanksgiving
