Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without a show-stopping ham on the table, right? This ham recipe is not just a main dish; it’s a centerpiece of warmth and nostalgia for my family. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of brown sugar and honey-glazed ham, making everyone eager for that first slice. The unique flavor profile of this recipe combines tangy Dijon mustard with the sweetness of honey and brown sugar, creating a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Trust me, this ham will impress your guests and become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving traditions!
Ingredients for Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this ham recipe a showstopper. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds): I prefer a bone-in ham for that extra flavor and moisture. It’s the star of the show!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that delightful caramelized crust.
- 1/2 cup honey: Honey brings a floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: This gives a nice tangy kick that balances the sweetness. Trust me, it works wonders!
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten the flavors and enhance the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a warm, aromatic touch that makes your kitchen smell divine.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a hint of spice to round out the sweetness.
Make sure to have everything ready before you start, as it makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare This Ham Recipe for Thanksgiving
Now, let’s dive into the glorious process of preparing this mouthwatering ham! Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures the ham cooks evenly and develops that beautiful glaze.
Next, take your fully cooked ham and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only looks impressive but allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing the flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mix it well until you have a smooth, sticky glaze. Brush this heavenly mixture generously over the scored ham, making sure to get into all those lovely cuts.
Now, place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This keeps it moist while baking. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it juicy and flavorful. In the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize beautifully.
Once it’s done, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This ham recipe is not just delicious but also fairly balanced. A typical serving size of one slice contains approximately 250 calories, making it a hearty addition to your Thanksgiving feast. You’ll find about 10 grams of fat, with 3 grams being saturated fat. For protein lovers, it packs a solid 18 grams of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. It also has around 18 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of sugar—perfect for those sweet cravings! Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Ham Recipe for Thanksgiving
- Quick cooking time: With only 1.5 to 2 hours in the oven, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece without spending all day cooking.
- Easy preparation: The scoring and glazing process is simple, making it perfect for even novice cooks.
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that everyone will rave about.
- Perfect for leftovers: This ham is just as delightful the next day in sandwiches or breakfast dishes!
- Family tradition: It’s a recipe that brings everyone together, making your Thanksgiving even more special.
Tips for Success with Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
Want to make sure your ham turns out perfect? Here are my top tips to elevate your Thanksgiving feast!
- Choose the right ham: Go for a bone-in ham; it’s juicier and has more flavor. Look for one that’s labeled “fully cooked” for ease!
- Score thoughtfully: When scoring the ham, make those cuts deep enough to let the glaze seep in, but don’t slice all the way through. This technique enhances both flavor and presentation!
- Baste regularly: Don’t skip the basting! Every 30 minutes, brush that lovely glaze over the ham. It keeps it moist and helps create that gorgeous caramelized crust.
- Perfect caramelization: Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn!
- Let it rest: After baking, let your ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful!
With these tips, you’ll have a show-stopping ham that your family will love! Happy cooking!
Variations on Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this ham recipe! One of my favorites is a maple syrup glaze—just replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that’s simply divine. You can also try adding some pineapple juice to the glaze for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the savory ham.
If you love a little heat, a touch of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick. And don’t forget experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist! Each variation can bring new flavors to your Thanksgiving table, so have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Ham Recipes Thanksgiving
Now that you’ve got this delicious ham recipe ready, let’s talk about the perfect sides to complement it! I highly recommend serving creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up the sweet and tangy glaze beautifully! Another great option is green bean almondine, which adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate. If you want to keep things festive, roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze are a fantastic choice, balancing the flavors perfectly. And don’t forget about homemade cranberry sauce for that tart kick—it’s a classic pairing that everyone loves! Enjoy your feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers properly is key to enjoying your delicious ham for days to come! Once your ham has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend slicing the ham before warming it up. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This way, your ham stays juicy and flavorful—just like the first day!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a bone-in ham for the flavor, you can use a spiral-cut or even a smoked ham. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the ham is done?
For best results, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham. It’ll be succulent and ready to slice!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and brush it on before baking. Super convenient!
What can I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham is so versatile! Try it in sandwiches, omelets, or even soups. It adds fantastic flavor to any dish!
Is this ham recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this ham recipe is gluten-free! Just double-check your Dijon mustard and any other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Ham Recipes Thanksgiving: 5 Tips for an Irresistible Feast
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious ham recipe 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
- 1/2 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, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Choose a bone-in ham for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- 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: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ham recipes thanksgiving
