Growing up, Thanksgiving was always my favorite holiday. There was just something about the cozy, festive atmosphere and the mouthwatering aroma of Thanksgiving Ham wafting through the house that filled me with pure joy. I can still remember the excitement I’d feel as a kid, watching my grandma carefully prepare her famous Thanksgiving Ham recipe that had been passed down for generations.
She’d start by meticulously scoring the ham’s surface, creating a beautiful diamond pattern. Then, she’d expertly rub the juicy meat with a fragrant blend of brown sugar, mustard, and spices, infusing it with so much flavor. As it roasted in the oven, that irresistible scent would spread throughout the entire house, drawing everyone into the kitchen. I’d practically hover by the oven, waiting with bated breath for the moment we could finally dig in.
When the Thanksgiving Ham emerged, glistening and perfectly caramelized, it was the star of the show. Grandma would carefully slice into the tender, juicy meat, revealing its succulent interior. I can still picture the way the ham’s savory-sweet glaze would ooze out, begging to be mopped up with a warm, flaky dinner roll. It was sheer perfection, and a moment I looked forward to all year long.
Why This Thanksgiving Ham Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Even all these years later, that Thanksgiving Ham recipe from my grandma remains my absolute favorite. There’s just something so special and nostalgic about it that no other ham can quite replicate. But the best part? It’s actually incredibly easy to make at home, with just a few simple tricks that guarantee perfectly juicy, flavorful results every single time.
The Secret Behind Perfect Thanksgiving Ham
The key to this Thanksgiving Ham recipe is all in the preparation. By carefully scoring the ham’s surface and applying a delectable glaze, you end up with a centerpiece that’s not only mouthwatering, but also visually stunning. The scored pattern allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, while the glaze caramelizes to create a beautiful sheen and unbelievable depth of flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– A bone-in, spiral-sliced ham: This gives you the perfect balance of tender meat and crispy, caramelized edges.
– Brown sugar: The secret weapon that creates that signature sweet-and-savory glaze.
– Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that complements the ham’s richness.
– Cloves: Warm, aromatic spice that infuses the ham with holiday flavors.
– Pineapple juice: Helps keep the ham moist and juicy as it roasts.
Step-by-Step Thanksgiving Ham Instructions
Preparing Your Thanksgiving Ham
This Thanksgiving Ham recipe is surprisingly simple, with just a handful of steps that come together to create a showstopping centerpiece. It takes about 2-3 hours from start to finish, including hands-off roasting time, and only requires basic kitchen equipment like a roasting pan and basting brush.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lightly greasing a large roasting pan. Then, use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4-inch deep.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until well combined. Generously rub this flavorful glaze all over the scored ham, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
3- Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan, then place the ham cut-side down. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and roast for 1 hour.
4- After the first hour, remove the foil and continue roasting the ham, basting it every 15 minutes with the juices in the pan, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, about 1-1.5 hours more.
5- Once the ham is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
6- Slice the Thanksgiving Ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top, then dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Thanksgiving Ham turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
– Be sure to score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze. This helps the flavors really penetrate the meat.
– Don’t skip the pineapple juice in the bottom of the pan – it keeps the ham beautifully moist as it roasts.
– Baste the ham frequently during the last hour of cooking to get that gorgeous, caramelized glaze.
– Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
– Avoid overcooking – pull the ham out of the oven as soon as it reaches 140°F internally for the juiciest, most tender results.
Serving and Storing Your Thanksgiving Ham
Perfect Pairings for Thanksgiving Ham
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a showstopping Thanksgiving Ham as the centerpiece. This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with all the classic holiday sides, from creamy mashed potatoes and buttery dinner rolls to roasted Brussels sprouts and savory stuffing. It also makes a fantastic addition to a big, bountiful Thanksgiving buffet.
For drinks, I love serving this Thanksgiving Ham with a crisp apple cider or a bold, full-bodied red wine. And don’t forget the cranberry sauce – it’s the perfect sweet-tart complement to the ham’s rich, savory flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Thanksgiving Ham recipe is that it reheats like a dream. You can easily make it a few days in advance and simply warm it up on the big day. Just store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
When you’re ready to serve, just pop the ham in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also thinly slice the ham and reheat the slices in a skillet with a bit of the cooking juices. This ensures every bite is just as juicy and flavorful as the day it was first made.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Thanksgiving Ham
Creative Thanksgiving Ham Variations
While this classic Thanksgiving Ham recipe is pure perfection as-is, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on it. For a festive twist, try brushing the ham with a glaze made with maple syrup, Dijon, and a dash of cinnamon. Or, for a tropical flair, swap the pineapple juice for orange juice and add some fresh orange zest to the rub.
You can also play around with different spice blends – a savory herb-and-garlic mix would be delicious, or you could go for a smoky-sweet combo with paprika and brown sugar. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this Thanksgiving Ham your own.
Making Thanksgiving Ham Diet-Friendly
Trying to keep things a little lighter this Thanksgiving? No problem! This Thanksgiving Ham recipe can easily be adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs.
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free Dijon mustard in the glaze. And to make it dairy-free, simply omit the butter and use an oil-based cooking spray instead.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can swap the brown sugar in the glaze for a calorie-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. This will give you all the same mouthwatering flavor with fewer carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham?
A: Absolutely! A boneless ham will work just as well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and baste the ham frequently to ensure it stays nice and juicy.
Q: How long does it take to cook a Thanksgiving Ham?
A: For a 10-12 lb bone-in, spiral-sliced ham, you’re looking at a total cook time of 2-2.5 hours. The first hour is covered in foil, then you’ll roast the ham uncovered for an additional 1-1.5 hours, basting every 15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Q: Can I make this Thanksgiving Ham recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this ham reheats beautifully! You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance, then simply warm it up in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving. The leftovers will also keep well in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Q: How much Thanksgiving Ham should I plan per person?
A: As a general rule, plan for about 1/2 lb of ham per person. For a crowd of 8-10 people, a 10-12 lb ham should be the perfect amount. If you want generous portions or lots of leftovers, go for a 14-16 lb ham.
Q: What should I do if the Thanksgiving Ham is overcooking?
A: If you notice the ham starting to dry out or the glaze burning, simply tent it with foil for the remainder of the cooking time. This will help trap moisture and prevent further browning. You can also baste it more frequently to keep it juicy.
Thanksgiving Ham
- Total Time: 165
- Yield: 12
Description
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this show-stopping Thanksgiving Ham recipe. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this foolproof ham is guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 1 (10-12 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
2. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. 3. Brush the glaze mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ham.
4. 4. Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan and bake for 2-2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
5. 5. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For best results, use a fully cooked, bone-in ham. This allows the ham to retain more moisture and flavor during the baking process. You can also experiment with different glaze flavors, such as adding a touch of orange zest or dijon mustard for extra zing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 150
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so special and nostalgic about a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving Ham. It’s the centerpiece that brings the whole family together, filling the air with that mouthwatering aroma we all know and love.
This recipe is my go-to for the holidays because it’s so easy to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results every single time. With its sweet-and-savory glaze, succulent meat, and gorgeous presentation, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
So what are you waiting for? Give this Thanksgiving Ham a try this year – I can practically guarantee it will become your new holiday tradition too. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your pictures! Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy (and delicious) Thanksgiving.