Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, enjoying a delicious feast. When it comes to holiday meals, ham recipes for Thanksgiving hold a special place in my heart. The savory aroma wafting through the house as the ham bakes is simply irresistible! This recipe stands out because it combines sweet and tangy flavors that create a mouthwatering glaze, perfect for that festive table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your Thanksgiving will never be the same. It’s a showstopper that everyone will rave about, making it a must-try this holiday season!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this incredible ham! Here’s the lineup:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds) – This is the star of the show, so choose a quality ham that looks good to you!
- 1 cup brown sugar – This sweetener will create that delightful caramelized glaze.
- 1/2 cup honey – For added sweetness and that lovely stickiness!
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This will give your glaze a nice tangy kick.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – It adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – They provide a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For a hint of cozy spice that screams holiday!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just a touch for some subtle heat.
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start, so you can dive right into the cooking process without a hitch!
How to Prepare Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s get that delicious ham ready to shine on your Thanksgiving table! First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the perfect temperature for a nice, slow bake that keeps the ham juicy.
Next, grab your roasting pan and place the ham cut side down. This helps retain moisture and flavors while it cooks. Now, let’s whip up that heavenly glaze! In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. It should smell amazing—trust me!
Brush this luscious glaze generously over the ham, making sure to coat it well. Cover the ham with foil to keep all those tasty juices in. Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s crucial to keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary!
After the initial baking time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes. This is when you can start basting every 10 minutes to get that beautiful caramelized finish. Once done, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice moist and flavorful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Delicious flavor that combines sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Beautifully caramelized glaze that adds a stunning touch to your Thanksgiving table.
- Perfectly juicy and tender ham that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Great for leftovers—use them in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles!
- Customizable glaze options to suit your family’s taste preferences.
This recipe truly brings the magic of Thanksgiving to life with every bite!
Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect ham, here are some of my top tips! First, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—aim for 140°F for that juicy finish. If your ham is larger or smaller than 8-10 pounds, adjust your baking time accordingly; roughly 15 minutes per pound works well. When glazing, don’t be shy—really slather that glaze on! Basting every 10 minutes during the last half-hour helps develop a gorgeous caramel color and flavor. And remember, letting the ham rest for 15 minutes after baking is crucial; it locks in all those delicious juices for every slice!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delicious ham: about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients used. It’s always good to be aware, especially during the holidays!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a classic fully cooked ham, you can use a bone-in or boneless variety based on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Great question! Use a meat thermometer to check that your ham reaches 140°F. This ensures it’s heated through and juicy.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just mix the glaze ingredients and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. It’ll save you time on Thanksgiving day!
What should I serve with the ham?
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a complete Thanksgiving feast.
How should I store leftover ham?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps it juicy and flavorful—just like the first time!
Serving Suggestions
To create a memorable Thanksgiving spread, serve your delicious ham alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and roasted Brussels sprouts. Don’t forget a fresh green salad to add some crunch! And for a festive touch, a warm dinner roll with butter is always a hit. Trust me, your table will be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
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Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Try
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious ham recipes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 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 cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 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, mustard, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1.5-2 hours.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This recipe can be adjusted for smaller or larger hams.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ham recipes for thanksgiving
