Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table to celebrate and give thanks. And let me tell you, nothing steals the show quite like the *best Thanksgiving ham*. This recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also super easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Picture this: a beautifully glazed ham, glistening and fragrant, as everyone gathers around to savor its deliciousness. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it long after the last bite! Plus, the combination of brown sugar, honey, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully, adding that perfect touch of sweetness. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this standout centerpiece for your holiday feast!
Ingredients List
- 1 fully cooked bone-in 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
These ingredients come together to create that delectable glaze that makes this the *best Thanksgiving ham* you’ve ever tasted! Make sure your ham is fully cooked before you start, as this adds to the ease of preparation. It’s all about bringing out those wonderful flavors while keeping things simple and delicious!
How to Prepare the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your ham cooks evenly and that glaze caramelizes perfectly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Score the Ham
Next up, grab a sharp knife and score the surface of your ham in a diamond pattern. This might sound fancy, but it’s really simple! Scoring helps the glaze penetrate deep into the meat, infusing all that deliciousness. Plus, it gives your ham a gorgeous presentation when it’s all finished.
Prepare the Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that amazing glaze! In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Mix it all together until it forms a nice, smooth consistency. You want it to be thick enough to stick to the ham but not so thick that it won’t spread. This is where your ham gets its incredible flavor!
Brush the Glaze
Once your glaze is ready, it’s time to brush it over the ham. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface. Make sure every nook and cranny gets some love! This is key to achieving that sweet, sticky crust we all adore.
Bake the Ham
Place your beautifully glazed ham in a roasting pan and cover it tightly with foil. This will help keep it moist while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Don’t forget to baste it every 30 minutes! This keeps the glaze juicy and flavorful—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Caramelize the Glaze
For the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This is where the magic happens! The exposed glaze will caramelize and turn that beautiful golden-brown color. Your ham will look absolutely irresistible at this point!
Rest and Slice
Finally, once your ham is cooked to perfection, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite juicy and tender. Now, slice it up and get ready to serve the best Thanksgiving ham your guests will ever taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful with a perfect blend of sweetness and spice
- Simple preparation—perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests
- Great for feeding a crowd with 12 hearty servings
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are delicious and versatile
- Fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that make everyone eager to dig in
This recipe for the *best Thanksgiving ham* truly combines ease and deliciousness, making it a must-try for your holiday feast!
Tips for Success
To ensure you make the *best Thanksgiving ham*, here are a few tips that I’ve learned through my own holiday cooking adventures! First, always check the label to confirm your ham is fully cooked before you start. This saves you time and stress! When scoring the ham, be careful not to cut too deep; you just want to create shallow grooves for the glaze to seep in.
Also, don’t skimp on basting! Those 30-minute intervals are crucial for keeping the ham moist and flavorful. If you find your glaze is getting too thick while baking, feel free to add a little apple cider or water to loosen it up. Lastly, resist the urge to slice the ham too soon after baking. Letting it rest for 15 minutes really helps those juices stay put. Trust me, your guests will appreciate the juicy, tender slices!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. For a serving size of 3 ounces of the *best Thanksgiving ham*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
These values are a great guide to help you understand what you’re serving up at your holiday table!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a bone-in ham for flavor, you can use a boneless ham or even a spiral-cut ham. Just adjust your cooking time if necessary, as these may vary in thickness.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Your ham should be heated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal flavor and safety. No one wants an undercooked ham at Thanksgiving!
Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and score the ham a day in advance. Just cover it well and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving, simply brush on the glaze and bake as directed. It’s a great time-saver!
What can I serve with this ham?
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh cranberry salad. You could also throw in some roasted veggies for color and nutrition!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Store leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed the *best Thanksgiving ham*, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep them delicious! First, let the ham cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, it’ll last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend slicing the ham into serving pieces and placing them in a baking dish. Cover with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of apple cider or a bit of broth will help keep it moist and flavorful. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
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Best Thanksgiving Ham: 7 Secrets for Flawless Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious recipe for the best Thanksgiving ham that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves in a bowl.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover 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 the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the ham is fully cooked before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: best thanksgiving ham
