Thanksgiving is all about gathering, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! One dish that always steals the spotlight is a perfectly glazed ham. Trust me, this simple yet amazing ham recipe for Thanksgiving will have everyone raving about your cooking skills. The combination of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Whether it’s your first time making ham or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress. I can already smell the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen—let’s get started!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Thanksgiving ham. Grab these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds): Make sure it’s pre-cooked for easy preparation; this is the star of the show!
- 1 cup brown sugar: This will help create that delightful sweetness in the glaze.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a rich, natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Just enough tanginess to balance the sweet flavors.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This will bring a lovely acidity that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: A warm spice that adds depth to the glaze.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this ham! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a showstopper ready in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your ham cooks evenly.
- Next, take your fully cooked ham and score the surface in a diamond pattern. This not only looks great but also helps the glaze seep into the meat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Give it a good stir until it’s all mixed together into a lovely glaze.
- Brush this sweet mixture generously over the ham, making sure to get it into all those nooks and crannies.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil. This keeps it moist while it bakes.
- Now, pop it into the oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan. This keeps the flavor locked in!
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow that glaze to caramelize beautifully. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Once done, let the ham rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.
And there you have it! A stunning Thanksgiving ham that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this ham in the oven before you know it!
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet glaze of brown sugar and honey combined with the tangy mustard creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Effortless Cooking: Since the ham is already fully cooked, most of the work is done for you. Just bake and enjoy!
- Impressive Presentation: Scoring the ham gives it a beautiful look, making it a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for gathering everyone around the table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your ham turns out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked hams. Also, don’t skip the basting step! Basting every 30 minutes keeps the ham juicy and flavorful. If you find the glaze is getting too dark, cover it with foil for the last part of baking to prevent burning. And remember, letting the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing is crucial—it helps keep those delicious juices in. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your Thanksgiving ham to the next level!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this fabulous ham, it’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a general idea of the nutritional values per serving (3 ounces). Remember, these are estimates, so your actual values may vary a bit. You can expect around 250 calories, 10 grams of fat (with 3 grams of saturated fat), and 20 grams of protein. There’s also about 20 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of sugar, and 1200 mg of sodium. With these numbers in mind, you can savor your Thanksgiving feast even more!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect ham for Thanksgiving? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get.
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe works great with a fully cooked ham, you can also use a bone-in or spiral-cut ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the weight and type!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftover ham (which is rare, trust me!), just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment!
What sides pair well with ham?
Think classic Thanksgiving sides! Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or cranberry sauce complement the sweet glaze beautifully. The combinations are endless!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before brushing it on the ham.
How can I tell when the ham is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way! Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked hams. It’s a foolproof way to ensure your Thanksgiving ham is perfectly done!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After your delicious Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with some tasty ham leftovers. To store them properly, make sure to wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container; it’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the ham! Just slice it into portions and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply reheat the ham in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your glorious ham is ready, let’s talk about the perfect sides to complement this delicious centerpiece! You can’t go wrong with classic mashed potatoes—creamy and buttery, they pair beautifully with the sweet glaze. Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a balsamic reduction add a pop of color and flavor. For something a bit sweeter, consider serving a tangy cranberry sauce; it balances the richness of the ham perfectly. And don’t forget a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to lighten things up. These sides will create a well-rounded Thanksgiving feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Imprimer
Ham Recipes Thanksgiving: 7 Tips for an Amazing Feast
- Temps Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and delicious ham recipe for Thanksgiving.
Ingrédients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Brush the mixture over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Pair with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 3 ounces
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 10 grams
- De Sodium: 1200 mg
- La graisse: 10 grams
- Graisses Saturées: 3 grams
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5 grams
- Les Gras Trans: 0 grams
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20 grams
- La fibre: 0 grams
- La protéine: 20 grams
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60 mg
Mots-clés: ham recipes thanksgiving
