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.
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.
Notes
Subs: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Pro tips include using a meat thermometer, avoiding overbaking, adding splash of bourbon or rum, spicy additions like sriracha or red pepper flakes, and adjusting sweetness with lemon juice.
This ham pairs well with classic Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, fall salad, and Thanksgiving charcuterie board appetizers.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze wrapped tightly for 2-3 months. Reheat: Bake covered with broth or water at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through; microwave slices individually.