Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and indulging in mouthwatering dishes that warm the heart. One of my favorite ham recipes for Thanksgiving has this incredible blend of sweet and savory flavors that just dances on your palate! Trust me, the moment you take that first slice, you’ll be hooked. I can still remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the aroma of baked ham, and how we all eagerly awaited the moment we could dig in. This recipe has become a staple at our holiday feasts, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy and warmth it brings to your table. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together this Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in ham (10-12 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
Prepping the Ham
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 325°F (165°C). This is crucial to ensure your ham cooks evenly and turns out just right. While that’s warming up, grab your beautiful bone-in ham and place it on a sturdy cutting board. Now, here comes my favorite part—scoring the surface! Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the top of the ham. Not only does this help the glaze seep in, but it also gives your ham that gorgeous presentation for the feast. Don’t worry if it looks a little rustic; it’s going to be delicious!
Making the Glaze
Now onto the glaze, which is truly the star of the show! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Add in the ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper for that warm, inviting flavor. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. This glaze is so versatile—you can always adjust the sweetness or the tanginess based on your family’s preference. If you want a little extra zing, add a splash more of vinegar or a touch more honey for sweetness. Taste as you go; this is your creation!
Baking the Ham
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Place your scored ham in a roasting pan and generously brush the glaze all over the surface. Cover it with foil to keep that moisture locked in, and bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens! About halfway through, check on it and give it a little baste with the drippings. After the initial cooking time, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully. Remember, the key to a perfectly cooked ham is using a meat thermometer—aim for 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part of the ham. Once it’s reached that temperature, take it out and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets those juices redistribute, making every slice tender and juicy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
- The sweet and savory glaze creates a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Perfect for large gatherings, serving up to 12 people with ease.
- It fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for delicious sandwiches or breakfast hashes.
- This ham recipe brings a comforting touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
Tips for Success
To make sure your ham turns out perfectly, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the scoring step; it really helps the glaze penetrate the meat and adds that beautiful look. Also, if you can, let your ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps it cook more evenly. Keep an eye on the internal temperature with your meat thermometer—aim for that sweet spot of 140°F (60°C). If your ham starts to brown too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover it with foil again to prevent burning. And remember, resting the ham is crucial! Let it sit for those 15 minutes after baking for juicy, flavorful slices. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what to expect per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
This ham recipe is not only a showstopper but also a satisfying dish that fits nicely into your holiday meal plan!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this ham recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a bone-in ham for its flavor, you can use a boneless ham or even a smoked one. Just adjust the cooking time based on its size and type.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches or adding to soups!
Can I freeze the ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftover ham! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should keep for about 2-3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat the ham without drying it out?
To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist!
Can I adjust the glaze ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess to your taste. Add more honey for sweetness or a bit more mustard for tang—make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover ham is super simple! Just make sure it’s cooled down first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to 5 days, perfect for those delicious sandwiches or breakfast hashes! If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it—just wrap it well and toss it in the freezer for 2-3 months. When it’s time to reheat, pop those slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist and flavorful. Enjoy every juicy bite!
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Ham Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Irresistible Flavors to Enjoy
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in ham (10–12 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 (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ham recipes thanksgiving
