Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, the thought of preparing a showstopping main course can feel a bit daunting. But fear not, my fellow home cooks! I’ve got the perfect solution to ease your holiday stress – an easy, 30-minute ham recipe that will have your guests raving.
Growing up, my grandma’s Thanksgiving ham was the stuff of legends. The way the sweet and savory glaze caramelized on the outside, the perfectly tender and juicy meat on the inside… it was enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it. Over the years, I’ve perfected her recipe, tweaking it to create a version that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with irresistible flavor.
So, if you’re ready to impress your loved ones with a show-stopping Thanksgiving main course, let’s dive into this must-try ham recipe!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This easy ham recipe is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving feast. Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but it also delivers mouthwatering results every single time. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, achieved through a quick-and-easy glaze that caramelizes to perfection in the oven.
But it’s not just the flavor that sets this recipe apart. The texture of the ham is simply out of this world – tender, juicy, and practically melting in your mouth. And with a total cook time of just 30 minutes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying quality time with your family and friends.
Ingredients
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
The key ingredients that make this ham so delectable are the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. The brown sugar and honey create a sweet and caramelized glaze, while the Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick that balances out the flavors perfectly. The cinnamon and cloves provide a warm, autumnal touch that’s simply irresistible.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Score the Ham: Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a crisscross pattern, cutting through the outer layer but not all the way to the bone. This will allow the glaze to better penetrate the meat.
- Glaze the Ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the warm glaze over the top, using a basting brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the ham.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 12 servings.
• Protein: 31 g
• Sodium: 1,850 mg
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
How to Customize This Recipe?
• To Make it Vegetarian: Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarians, as it contains ham. However, you could try substituting the ham with a plant-based protein, such as a soy-based roast or a large portobello mushroom cap.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: If you’d like to add a little heat to your ham, try mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of spiciness.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the ham with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and a drizzle of the remaining glaze from the pan for a truly stunning presentation.
• Beverage Pairing: This ham pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing apple cider or a spiced pumpkin latte would also be a delightful accompaniment.
Your Guide to a Flawless Execution
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Allowing the glaze ingredients to come to room temperature before heating them will help ensure a smooth, well-blended mixture. Cold ingredients may cause the glaze to seize up or become lumpy.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Properly preheating your oven is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelization on the ham. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the glaze may not set and the ham may not cook through evenly.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
• Freezing: This ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
• Reheating: To reheat the ham, place it in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also slice the ham and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar in the glaze?
Absolutely! While the apple cider vinegar provides a lovely flavor, you can certainly substitute it with other types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar. Just keep in mind that balsamic vinegar will result in a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor profile.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
Since the ham is fully cooked before you start, your main goal is to heat it through and caramelize the glaze. You’ll know the ham is ready when the glaze has a deep, rich color and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer.
Can I use a spiral-sliced ham without the bone?
Yes, you can use a boneless spiral-sliced ham for this recipe. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so be sure to keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time as needed to achieve the perfect caramelized glaze.
How far in advance can I make the glaze?
The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat the glaze in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and pourable.
Can I add other spices or herbs to the glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile. Some tasty additions could include rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, or even a touch of ginger.
Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a perfectly glazed ham filling your kitchen as you prepare for your Thanksgiving feast. This easy, 30-minute recipe is the secret to a show-stopping main course that will have your guests raving. With its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and warm spices, this ham is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your loved ones with this unbelievably delicious ham recipe. Happy Thanksgiving!
🍗 Easy, 30-Minute Ham Recipe for Thanksgiving
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a crisscross pattern, cutting through the outer layer but not all the way to the bone. This will allow the glaze to better penetrate the meat.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour the warm glaze over the top, using a basting brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
- Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
