The Ultimate Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe for a Show-Stopping Thanksgiving Feast
Looking for the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further! This Honey-Glazed Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make, it’s a family-friendly option that adds a touch of elegance to your holiday table. Get ready for rave reviews with this simple yet stunning dish that will make your Thanksgiving truly memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Honey-Glazed Ham
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: The honey glaze creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love.
- Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with a show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: A fantastic alternative to turkey, or a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of thanksgiving sides dishes.
- Reheats Beautifully: Leftovers are just as delicious, making meal prep a breeze.
Ingredients for Honey-Glazed Ham
- 1 (5-7 pound) pre-cooked ham, bone-in or boneless
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries for garnish (thanksgiving aesthetic!)
Subsstitutions: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
How to Make Honey-Glazed Ham
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut too deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground cloves until well combined.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the honey glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get into all the crevices created by the scoring.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Baste and Glaze Again: Remove the ham from the oven and remove the foil. Brush the remaining honey glaze over the ham. If using, arrange pineapple slices and maraschino cherries in the diamond pattern for a classic thanksgiving food look.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: Increase the oven temperature to broil. Broil the ham for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Rest Before Slicing: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your ham is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
- Don’t Overbake: Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re just reheating it. Overbaking will result in a dry ham.
- Flavor Infusions: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha into the glaze for a spicy honey-glazed ham.
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce the amount of honey if you prefer a less sweet glaze. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey-Glazed Ham is the star of the show, but it shines even brighter when paired with delicious side dishes. Here are a few of our favorite Thanksgiving pairings:
- Classic Thanksgiving Sides: Mashed potatoes, stuffing (thanksgiving stuffing), green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce are always a hit.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes provide a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the rich ham.
- Fall Salad: A fall salad with apples, pecans, and a maple vinaigrette adds a touch of freshness to the meal. Consider a thanksgiving salad.
- Thanksgiving charcuterie board Appetizer: Setout a small appetizer while dinner finishes up.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Honey-Glazed Ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, place the ham in a baking dish with a little bit of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.
FAQ about Honey-Glazed Ham
Q: What size ham should I buy for Thanksgiving?
A: As a general rule of thumb, plan for about 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person or 1/3 pound of boneless ham per person. For a thanksgiving feast, you might want to add a little extra!
Q: Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the honey glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Q: Is Honey-Glazed Ham gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels of your Dijon mustard and brown sugar to ensure they are also gluten-free for gluten free thanksgiving recipes.
Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pre-cooked ham, such as a spiral-cut ham or a picnic ham. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Q: Will this recipe work with thanksgiving turkey recipes?
A: No, this is specifically for ham. It also is fantastic with thanksgiving turkey.
Final Thoughts on Honey-Glazed Ham
This Honey-Glazed Ham recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together. It’s a symbol of warmth, celebration, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Ditch the traditional thanksgiving turkey and bring something new! This Honey-Glazed Ham recipe is sure to impress and delight! Don’t forget your thanksgiving dinner table aesthetic!
Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for future holiday meals! Leave a comment below to let me know how your Honey-Glazed Ham turned out. And be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and Thanksgiving entertaining ideas!
The Ultimate Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe for a Show-Stopping Thanksgiving Feast
Equipment
- Roasting Pan
- oven
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Foil
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 5-7 pound pre-cooked ham bone-in or boneless
Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries Optional garnish for thanksgiving aesthetic
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut too deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground cloves until well combined.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the honey glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get into all the crevices created by the scoring.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Baste and Glaze Again: Remove the ham from the oven and remove the foil. Brush the remaining honey glaze over the ham. If using, arrange pineapple slices and maraschino cherries in the diamond pattern for a classic thanksgiving food look.
- Broil for a Golden Finish: Increase the oven temperature to broil. Broil the ham for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- Rest Before Slicing: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
