5 Best Thanksgiving Ham Recipes

thanksgiving ham recipe ideas

So, you're gearing up for Thanksgiving and wondering what to serve? Ham can be a total game-changer for your feast! Imagine sinking your teeth into a Honey Glazed Ham, oozing with sweetness, or a Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham that packs a punch of flavor. Each recipe brings something special to the table. Curious about how to make these mouthwatering dishes? Let's investigate the top five ham recipes that'll wow your guests this holiday season!

Honey Glazed Ham

Honey glazed ham is a classic dish that brings warmth and sweetness to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham, resulting in a tender and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it the perfect choice for both novice and seasoned cooks.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut too deep. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves for extra flavor.

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.

Place the ham in a roasting pan, brush half of the glaze over the surface, and cover loosely with foil. Bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.

Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows for more even cooking.

If you have leftovers, honey glazed ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; it's delicious in sandwiches or added to soups. To reheat, cover the ham with foil and warm it in a low oven to prevent it from drying out.

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Consider serving the ham with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete your Thanksgiving meal.

Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham

sweet maple bourbon glaze

For a delicious twist on the traditional holiday ham, try this Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham. The combination of sweet maple syrup, rich bourbon, and a hint of mustard creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, offering a flavorful centerpiece that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart.

In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.

Place the ham in a roasting pan, brush half of the glaze over the surface, and cover loosely with foil. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Extra Tips:

When selecting your ham, choose one that's labeled "fully cooked" for the best flavor and ease of preparation.

If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, consider increasing the amount of bourbon in the glaze, but be cautious as it can overpower the other ingredients.

Allow the ham to rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing; this will help the juices redistribute and make for a juicier, more flavorful ham.

Pair your Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham with traditional sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete holiday feast.

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham is a delightful dish that brings a sweet and savory twist to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of brown sugar and pineapple creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the ham cooks, infusing it with moisture and flavor.

This easy-to-follow recipe will have your guests raving about your ham, making it the centerpiece of your holiday feast.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 can (20 ounces) sliced pineapple, drained
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
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Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.

In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and ground cinnamon to create the glaze. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and, if desired, stud it with whole cloves.

Brush the glaze generously over the ham and arrange the pineapple slices on top, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the ham is heated through and caramelized.

Extra Tips:

For a more intense flavor, prepare the glaze a day in advance and allow it to rest in the refrigerator, letting the ingredients meld together.

If you wish to create a beautiful presentation, reserve some fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries to garnish the ham before serving.

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C) for safety and peak flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham!

Herb-Crusted Ham

savory herb covered ham

Herb-Crusted Ham is a delightful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast, combining the savory flavors of herbs and spices with the juicy tenderness of a perfectly cooked ham. This recipe will enhance your meal with a fragrant crust that complements the natural sweetness of the ham.

With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dish that will impress your guests and become a holiday tradition.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked ham
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to create a paste.

Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep, and rub the herb mixture generously over the entire surface.

Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.

Remove the foil for the final 20-30 minutes of cooking to allow the crust to caramelize and become golden brown.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) before removing it from the oven.

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Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, let the herb crust sit on the ham for at least an hour before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.

You can also experiment with other herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to suit your taste.

If you want a sweeter glaze, add a splash of maple syrup or honey to the herb mixture.

Finally, let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing; this will help retain the juices and keep the meat moist.

Enjoy your delicious Herb-Crusted Ham!

Mustard and Apricot Glazed Ham

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends, and what better centerpiece for your festive table than a beautifully glazed ham? The combination of tangy mustard and sweet apricot preserves creates a delightful balance of flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

This Mustard and Apricot Glazed Ham isn't only easy to prepare but also makes for a stunning presentation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enhance your holiday meal and impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.

In a medium bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until well combined. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to cover all exposed surfaces.

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color.

The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor, consider scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before glazing, which allows the flavors to penetrate deeper.

If you want to make the glaze a bit more complex, you can add a splash of orange juice or a hint of ginger for an extra zing.

Make sure to reserve any leftover glaze to drizzle over the sliced ham when serving. This dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.


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