There’s just something magical about the aroma of a beautifully glazed ham wafting through the house during Thanksgiving, isn’t there? I can picture it now—family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air, and that golden-brown ham taking center stage. This recipe for ham is not just a dish; it’s a tradition that binds us together, a celebration of love and togetherness. The sweet and tangy glaze, with hints of cinnamon and cloves, creates a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the savory sides we all adore. Trust me, this ham will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast, leaving your guests asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). So, let’s dive into this delicious journey together and make some unforgettable memories around the dinner table this year!
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs) – This is the star of the show, so choose one that looks juicy and well-marbled!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This will give your glaze that deep, caramelized sweetness that’s just irresistible.
- 1/2 cup honey – Adds a lovely floral note and a sticky texture to your glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – A little tang goes a long way in balancing the sweetness!
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – This will brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the ham.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Just a dash for warmth and a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Adds that festive aroma and a unique flavor twist that will make your ham unforgettable.
How to Prepare Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
Prepping the Ham
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 325°F (165°C). This is the magic temperature for roasting, and it’s going to ensure your ham gets that perfect golden crust. While the oven is warming up, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. This glaze is going to be the flavor bomb that takes your ham to the next level!
Now, here comes the fun part—scoring the ham! Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the surface. This isn’t just for looks; it allows the glaze to seep into the meat, making every bite more delicious. You want that flavor to penetrate, so take your time with this step!
Baking the Ham
Alright, once your ham is prepped and scored, place it in a roasting pan. Now, brush that beautifully mixed glaze all over the surface. Make sure it’s evenly coated—don’t be shy with it! Cover the ham with foil to keep it moist while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens as the ham warms through and the glaze caramelizes.
After that initial baking time, carefully remove the foil. Here’s where you can start basting! Spoon some of that lovely glaze over the top every 10-15 minutes for the last 30 minutes of baking. You’ll want to see it glisten and get that beautifully deep color. Once it’s done, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute, making for tender, juicy slices. Trust me, your guests will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham recipe is truly a gem for your Thanksgiving table! First off, it’s super easy to prepare—seriously, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll impress everyone with minimal effort. The blend of sweet and tangy flavors in the glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone raving about your cooking skills.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with all those traditional Thanksgiving sides we love! Imagine slices of this succulent ham next to creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and that buttery stuffing you can’t resist. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and they make for stunning plate presentations. And let’s not forget, leftovers—this ham shines in sandwiches or as a topping for a cozy soup! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
To ensure your ham turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few trusty tips that I always follow. First, make sure to distribute that glaze evenly across the surface of the ham. You want every inch to be coated with that delicious mixture so every bite is bursting with flavor!
Another important tip is to monitor the internal temperature of the ham as it bakes. You’ll want it to reach about 140°F (60°C) for optimal warmth and juiciness. A meat thermometer is your best friend here—just insert it into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone.
And don’t skip the resting step once it’s out of the oven! Letting the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing allows those delicious juices to redistribute, making each slice moist and tender. Trust me, this little detail makes a big difference in the final result!
Lastly, if you have any leftover glaze, feel free to drizzle it over the sliced ham just before serving. It adds that extra pop of flavor that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this ham recipe and make it your own! Let’s dive into some delicious variations that can elevate your Thanksgiving ham to new heights.
- Maple Glaze: Swap out the honey for pure maple syrup for a rich, sweet twist. It adds a lovely depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with the natural savoriness of the ham.
- Pineapple Upside-Down: Add some crushed pineapple and brown sugar to your glaze for a tropical flair! This creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Spicy Mustard: For a little kick, use spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon. It gives the glaze a spicy edge that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic touch. Just a few sprigs can transform the flavor profile and bring a lovely freshness to your ham.
- Apple Cider Glaze: Replace the apple cider vinegar with apple cider for a sweeter, fruitier glaze. It’ll add a lovely depth that really complements the ham.
- Smoky Flavor: If you love a smoky taste, sprinkle some smoked paprika or chipotle powder into your glaze. This gives it a wonderful depth and a hint of heat!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or even come up with your own unique spin! The beauty of this ham recipe is how versatile it is, and experimenting with different flavors can lead to delightful surprises. Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After that scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner, you might find yourself with some delicious ham leftovers, and trust me, you’ll want to save every bite! To store your ham properly, let it cool down a bit first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep the moisture in and prevents it from drying out in the fridge. You can also cut it into slices and place it in an airtight container—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Once stored, your ham will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you know you won’t finish it all within that time, consider freezing it! Just wrap those slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy your ham for up to 2 months later. Just make sure to label the bag with the date so you know when it was frozen!
When it comes time to reheat, the key is to do it gently to maintain that juicy texture. I recommend placing slices in a baking dish, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, and covering it with foil. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to check that it’s heated through but be careful not to overcook it—nobody likes dry ham! If you’re in a rush, you can also use the microwave; just cover the ham with a damp paper towel and heat it in short intervals, flipping halfway through. Enjoy those leftovers—they’re just as fabulous as the first day!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delicious ham recipe, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a quick breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (that’s about one slice of ham). Keep in mind these are estimates based on standard serving sizes, so actual values may vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use and how you slice it.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This ham is not only delicious but also a good source of protein, making it a satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving feast. So go ahead, enjoy every flavorful bite and celebrate the joy of the season!
FAQ Section
What’s the best way to determine cooking times for different ham sizes?
Great question! As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to bake your ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). So, for an 8-pound ham, you’re looking at roughly 2 to 2.5 hours. Just make sure to check the internal temperature; it should reach 140°F (60°C) to be perfectly heated through.
What are the best sides to serve with ham?
Oh, the options are endless! I love pairing my ham with classics like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a tangy cranberry sauce. You can’t go wrong with stuffing or a vibrant salad, either. Just think about those comforting flavors that complement the sweet and savory notes of the ham!
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Spiral-cut hams are fantastic for this recipe, as the glaze seeps into all the delicious crevices, making every slice flavorful. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as they may cook a bit faster. Aim for that same internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
How do I reheat leftover ham without drying it out?
Reheating can be tricky, but don’t worry! I recommend placing slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water to keep things moist. Cover it with foil and warm it up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, using the microwave works too—just cover the ham with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts, flipping halfway through!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Making the glaze a day in advance is a fantastic idea. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, give it a good stir and brush it onto the ham before baking. It’ll save you some time on the big day!
What should I do if my ham is too salty?
If you find your ham a bit saltier than you’d like, try serving it with sweeter sides, like applesauce or honey-glazed carrots. You can also soak it in water before cooking to draw out some of the saltiness, but be cautious with this method, as you don’t want to lose all that flavor!
Ham Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Delicious ham recipe for Thanksgiving dinner.
Zutaten
- 1 fully cooked bone-in 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 cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze over the surface.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches or soups.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Roasting
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: ham recipes thanksgiving
