Thanksgiving is one of those magical times of the year when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter and stories over a feast that warms the heart. For me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a beautifully glazed ham wafting through the house, setting the tone for the day. The perfect ham for Thanksgiving is more than just a dish; it’s the centerpiece that brings everyone together. I always look forward to that first slice, the sweet and savory glaze perfectly caramelized, and the way it complements everything on the table. Trust me, once you serve this ham, it’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
To make this mouthwatering ham for Thanksgiving, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 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
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you won’t want to skip any of these! Each one adds a layer of deliciousness that makes this dish unforgettable.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get down to the fun part: preparing this fabulous ham! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure a nice, even bake. Once that’s ready, place your ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This helps keep it juicy and tender.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. This fragrant glaze is what makes your ham truly special! Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep it moist while baking. Now, pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure to baste it every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep that glaze nice and sticky. For the final 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize beautifully. Once it’s done, take it out and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing into those delicious pieces. Wow, can you smell that already? It’s going to be amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes perfectly
- Easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks
- Impressive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table
- Juicy and tender meat that everyone will rave about
- Perfect for leftovers or sandwiches the next day
This ham truly brings the festive spirit to your gathering, making it a dish that will be remembered long after the last bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your ham turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you can, choose a bone-in ham; it adds so much flavor and moisture. Don’t rush the basting—every 30 minutes is key for that lovely glaze. If you want a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of apple juice or orange juice to the glaze mixture for a fruity twist! For presentation, slice the ham just before serving, and arrange it beautifully on a platter with fresh herbs or fruit for a festive touch. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this fabulous ham for Thanksgiving, the options are endless! I love pairing it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy, which perfectly complement the sweet glaze. Don’t forget about roasted Brussels sprouts or green bean casserole for that crunchy texture! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a tangy cranberry sauce or a refreshing apple salad to balance the flavors. And for a fun twist, serve it with some cornbread or sweet potato casserole! Each bite will be a delightful explosion of flavors that everyone will enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for this delicious ham for Thanksgiving. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
This ham is not only a crowd-pleaser but also provides a satisfying serving of protein for your holiday feast!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect ham for Thanksgiving? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use a different type of ham? Yes, you can! While I recommend a fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor, spiral-cut or boneless hams work great too—just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How do I know when the ham is done? You’ll want to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance? Absolutely! You can mix the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it.
What should I do with leftovers? Leftover ham is fantastic! Slice it for sandwiches, toss it in salads, or even add it to soups for a flavor boost. The possibilities are endless!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions—I’m here to help! Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy! Once your ham has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to slice it first for easy serving later!
To reheat, place the slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. This keeps it moist and delicious, ready for your next meal!
Print
Ham for Thanksgiving: 5 Tips to Make It Unforgettable
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious glazed ham 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 (165°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a bone-in ham for more flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your taste.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ham for thanksgiving
