Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, *ham recipes for Thanksgiving* that steal the show! This delicious ham recipe is not just any ham; it’s a perfectly glazed masterpiece that will have your guests raving. The combination of brown sugar, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, leaving you with a ham that’s both flavorful and visually stunning. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a centerpiece that not only tastes divine but also fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Trust me, this ham will be the highlight of your holiday feast!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering ham for your Thanksgiving feast:
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
- 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
These ingredients come together to make a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! Feel free to adjust any of the glaze ingredients according to your taste; I sometimes add a hint more honey for that extra sweetness. Just make sure your ham is fully cooked before you dive into this recipe, as it makes the process so much easier!
How to Prepare Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving
Let’s dive into the steps for creating this stunning ham that will wow your family and friends. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is key for ensuring the ham heats evenly and the glaze caramelizes beautifully. While the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Glaze
Now for the fun part—making the glaze! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. If you want a little twist, feel free to tweak the measurements—maybe a bit more honey for sweetness or a dash of extra cloves for spice. You’ll find that it’s hard to go wrong here!
Score and Glaze the Ham
Next, take your fully cooked ham and score the surface in a diamond pattern. This not only looks impressive but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing the flavor. Now, place the ham in a roasting pan and generously brush that delicious glaze all over it. Make sure to get it into those scored sections for the best flavor!
Baking Instructions
Cover the ham with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting it every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan. After that initial baking time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This will give you that gorgeous caramelized finish that makes the ham so irresistible. Don’t skip the basting—it’s essential for keeping the ham moist and flavorful!
Resting the Ham
Once the baking time is up, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice tender and juicy. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you take that first bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful ham. Please note that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
These numbers can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your holiday feast guilt-free!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ham turns out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips. First, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 140°F (60°C) when done. If your ham has a glaze, don’t be shy about basting it regularly for that extra layer of flavor and moisture. If you want a deeper caramelization, consider cranking up the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the last few minutes of baking—just keep an eye on it! And remember, letting the ham rest is key to juicy slices, so don’t rush that part. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully
- Simple ingredients that come together in no time
- Perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations
- Easy to adjust the glaze to suit your personal taste
- Leftovers make for fantastic sandwiches or soups!
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs
This ham recipe is sure to be a hit, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and creating lasting memories around the dinner table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delicious ham, there are so many fantastic options to complement its sweet and tangy flavor! I love pairing it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness. A vibrant cranberry sauce adds a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the ham beautifully. Don’t forget about the bread—soft dinner rolls or cornbread are perfect for sopping up any leftover glaze! And for a fresh touch, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can really brighten up the plate. Trust me, these sides will elevate your Thanksgiving feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover ham properly is key to keeping it delicious! Once the ham has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It should last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it—just slice it first for easy portioning. To reheat, simply place your slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture, ensuring each bite is as tasty as the first!
FAQ Section
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! A spiral-cut ham is a great option and makes slicing super easy. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly since they often warm up quicker.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No problem! You can substitute it with yellow mustard or even whole grain mustard for a different flavor twist. Get creative!
How do I know when the ham is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your ham is perfectly heated. It should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
What can I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham is so versatile! You can use it in sandwiches, add it to soups, or even toss it into a breakfast scramble. The possibilities are endless!
Ham Recipes for Thanksgiving: 7 Glorious Ways to Impress
- Temps Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious ham recipe perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 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).
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze over the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches or soups.
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: ham recipes for thanksgiving, holiday ham, glazed ham
