Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without a beautifully glazed ham taking center stage on the table, right? I remember the excitement in my family every year as we gathered around, the warm aroma filling the kitchen. My grandma always prepared her special ham, and it quickly became the star of our holiday feasts. I love how this recipe has that perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making each bite a flavor explosion! It’s not just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings everyone together, sparking laughter and stories. Trust me, your loved ones will rave about this ham for years to come! So, let’s dive into the details of making this unforgettable dish that will surely have your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Ingredients for Ham for Thanksgiving
Let’s gather our ingredients! It’s super important to have everything ready before we start cooking. Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering ham:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs) – I recommend a bone-in ham for that extra flavor and moisture. It’s the heart of the dish!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – This will give your glaze a delightful sweetness. Make sure it’s packed tight for the best results.
- 1/2 cup honey – Adds a wonderful floral note and sticky texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This brings a touch of tanginess that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – A splash of acidity brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the ham.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – This spice adds warmth and depth to your glaze. It’s one of my favorite secrets!
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Just a touch of this spice will elevate your glaze and give it that holiday aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick goes a long way! It balances out the sweetness beautifully.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re off to a fantastic start. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect holiday ham flavor, so don’t skip any of them! Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking!
How to Prepare Ham for Thanksgiving
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing the ham! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than it looks. Follow these simple steps for a ham that will steal the show!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Trust me, this step is crucial! Preheating ensures that the ham cooks evenly and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully. So, while you’re preparing the ham, let that oven warm up and get ready to work its magic!
Scoring the Ham
Next, let’s score the ham! This means making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the surface. Use a sharp knife and be careful not to cut too deep—just enough to create little pockets for the glaze to seep into. Scoring not only makes for a pretty presentation but also allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing that delicious taste!
Preparing the Glaze
Now, onto the star of the show—the glaze! In a mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it forms a smooth, thick mixture. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more vinegar or honey to get the consistency just right. This glaze is going to make your ham shine!
Baking the Ham
Place the scored ham in a roasting pan and brush on that glorious glaze, making sure to cover every inch. Then, cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes per pound. You’ll want to baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the pan every 30 minutes—this keeps it moist and flavorful! In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize to a beautiful golden brown. The aroma will have your mouth watering!
Resting and Slicing
Once your ham is out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy. When you’re ready, slice it against the grain for the best texture. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information for Ham for Thanksgiving
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for this delicious ham. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical portions and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. For a serving size of 3 oz, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These numbers give you a good idea of what to expect, so you can enjoy your holiday meal guilt-free!
Tips for Success with Ham for Thanksgiving
To ensure your ham turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, when selecting your ham, go for a bone-in variety if you can. It adds so much flavor and moisture to the dish. Also, don’t be afraid to taste your glaze before applying it—adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. A little extra honey or mustard can make a big difference!
When scoring the ham, take your time to make those cuts even and shallow; this helps the glaze penetrate better. And remember, basting is key; it keeps the ham juicy and flavorful. If you want to impress your guests, try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan for an aromatic touch. Trust me, these small details will elevate your holiday ham to a whole new level!
Variations of Ham for Thanksgiving
If you want to switch things up a bit with your ham, there are so many fun variations to try! For a tropical twist, consider using a pineapple glaze by mixing crushed pineapple with brown sugar and a splash of soy sauce. It adds a fantastic sweetness and depth. You could also experiment with a maple syrup glaze for a rich, earthy flavor that’s just divine!
As for sides, roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tangy cranberry relish pair beautifully with the ham. And don’t forget about those classic dinner rolls—they’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious glaze! Get creative, and let your taste buds lead the way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover ham is one of the best gifts from your Thanksgiving feast! To store it properly, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it too! Just slice it into portions, wrap each piece well, and pop it in a freezer bag. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, gently reheat the ham in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through. This method helps maintain that juicy flavor and texture we all love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation, perfect for cooks of all levels
- Deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that your family will rave about
- Creates a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table
- Great for feeding a crowd—serves 10-12!
- Leftovers are just as tasty, perfect for sandwiches or breakfast
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear about your Thanksgiving ham adventures! Did you try any fun variations? Or maybe you have a tip that made your ham even better? Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or rate the recipe. Your feedback makes this cooking journey even more special for all of us!
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Ham for Thanksgiving: 7 Secrets to a Flavorful Feast
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 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 cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 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, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a bone-in ham for more flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
- Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ham for thanksgiving, holiday ham, baked ham
