Oh, let me tell you about the best Thanksgiving ham! It’s not just a dish; it’s the centerpiece that brings everyone together at the table, filling the air with that irresistible aroma of sweet and savory goodness. I remember the first time I made this ham—it was my first Thanksgiving as the designated cook, and I was so nervous! But when I pulled that glorious ham out of the oven, golden brown and glistening with glaze, the entire family let out a collective “Wow!” That moment made all the chaos in the kitchen worth it. Trust me, this recipe will impress your guests and keep them coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something truly special for your holiday feast!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Thanksgiving ham, and I promise this list is simple yet oh-so-delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs) – Look for a quality ham that’s already cooked; this makes things a lot easier and ensures it’s juicy and flavorful.
- 1 cup brown sugar – This adds that rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the ham.
- 1/2 cup honey – A touch of honey brings a lovely floral note and enhances the glaze’s stickiness.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This gives a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – It brightens the flavors and plays nicely with the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – Cloves add a warm, aromatic spice that’s perfect for the holidays.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A sprinkle of cinnamon rounds out the flavor profile and gives that cozy, festive feel.
Make sure to measure everything accurately, as the balance of these ingredients is what makes this ham truly shine. Trust me, you’ll want every bit of that glaze to soak into the meat!
How to Prepare the Best Thanksgiving Ham
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making the best Thanksgiving ham! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think, and I’m here to guide you through it.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the ham cook evenly from the start, ensuring that every bite is tender and juicy. So, set that temperature, and let your oven work its magic while you prep!
Preparing the Glaze
Next, let’s whip up that mouthwatering glaze! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix it all together until smooth and glossy. This glaze is your secret weapon—it’ll add layers of flavor and give your ham that beautiful, sticky finish!
Scoring the Ham
Now, take your fully cooked ham and score the surface in a diamond pattern, about an inch apart. Scoring not only looks impressive but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing the flavor and giving you those gorgeous caramelized edges. Plus, it helps the ham heat through more evenly!
Baking the Ham
Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush that luscious glaze generously all over it. Cover the ham with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours. This initial baking helps keep the ham moist. After that, remove the foil, baste the ham with the drippings, and let it bake for another 30 minutes uncovered. This is where the magic happens—watch it turn a lovely golden brown! To ensure it’s ready, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) using a meat thermometer.
Resting and Slicing
Once your ham is beautifully baked, resist the urge to slice it right away! Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice super juicy and flavorful. When you’re ready to serve, slice against the grain for tender pieces that will have everyone coming back for more!
Tips for Success
Getting the best Thanksgiving ham just right is all about a few key techniques and timing—trust me, these tips will help you shine! First, be sure to use a meat thermometer; it’s the best way to avoid overcooking and drying out your ham. Just aim for that sweet spot of 140°F (60°C). Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking! This step is crucial for juicy slices. If you’re planning to make this ham ahead of time, you can prepare the glaze and score the ham the day before, which saves you time on the big day. Lastly, keep an eye on the glaze during the last half-hour of baking; if it starts to darken too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to nutritional information, I want to remind you that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I’ve provided some typical estimates for calories and nutrients, they’re not set in stone. If you’re keeping a close eye on your intake, you might want to calculate the values based on the exact products you use. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and the flavors, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—let the deliciousness take center stage!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I swear by a fully cooked ham for this recipe, you can definitely explore other options. For instance, a spiral-cut ham will save you some slicing time, and it usually has a lovely glaze already. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try a smoked or honey-baked ham; just be mindful of the flavors they bring to the table. If you choose a fresh, uncooked ham, you’ll need to adjust your cooking times, as it will require a longer roasting time to reach that perfect tenderness. Just remember to check the internal temperature and adjust your baking time accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let any leftover ham cool down to room temperature, then wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it for longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just make sure to use freezer-safe wrap or bags, and it should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still tastes!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Oh, for sure! One of the best things about this Thanksgiving ham is that you can prep it ahead of time. You can mix up that scrumptious glaze and score the ham the night before, keeping it covered in the fridge. This way, all you have to do on the big day is pop it in the oven! Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, which will help it cook evenly. If you’re planning to reheat a fully cooked ham, you can slice it and warm it up with a bit of glaze for added flavor, making it just as delightful as when it was freshly made!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and spices creates a glaze that’s bursting with flavor, ensuring every bite of ham is delicious.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this show-stopping dish, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This ham serves 10-12 people, making it ideal for family feasts and holiday celebrations—everyone will want a slice!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the glaze and score the ham the day before, saving you time on the big day.
- Impressive Presentation: That diamond scoring and glossy glaze make for a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests.
- Leftover Friendly: The ham is just as delicious the next day, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or simply reheating for another meal.
Best Thanksgiving Ham: 7 Tips for Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious recipe for the best Thanksgiving ham that will impress your guests.
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 cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Remove the foil, baste with the glaze, and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: best thanksgiving ham
