Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd
The centerpiece of many holiday tables, ham has long been a symbol of joyous gatherings, especially during Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd, stands out as a beloved classic, uniting tradition and irresistible flavor.
The sweet, sticky honey glaze beautifully balances the savory and smoky notes of a well-cooked ham, ensuring it appeals to all palates and complements the cornucopia of side dishes. A whole, bone-in ham can feed a large group, making it highly cost-effective for holiday celebrations.
Originating as a celebratory meat in Europe, ham became associated with American Thanksgiving due to its availability and festive appeal. Many prefer honey glazed ham for its signature caramelized crust and its ability to stay moist and flavorful even when made ahead.
Hosting a crowd can be stressful, but this easy-to-follow recipe ensures your Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd will be the star. This guide covers everything from history to serving tips, ensuring every detail is handled with care.
For more on the culinary history of ham, visit Smithsonian Magazine (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/unlocking-the-traditions-of-holiday-ham-52435779/).
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham, unsliced
- 1 ¼ cups honey
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
- Fresh rosemary and orange slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions for Making Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the ham by removing it from packaging. If desired, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a criss-cross pattern, about 1/2 inch deep. Optionally, stud with whole cloves where the cuts intersect.
- Place the ham in the prepared roasting pan, flat side down. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning in early stages.
- Bake the ham for about 1 hour (12 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved and the mixture turns syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Brush the ham generously with half of the honey glaze. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) for the final glazing.
- Return ham to oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes. Every 10-15 minutes, reapply glaze to develop a deeply caramelized crust.
- Once the exterior is beautifully browned, remove the ham from the oven. Tent loosely with foil, letting it rest 20 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd.
Nutritional Information
A slice of Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd (about 3 ounces) typically contains 180-200 calories, with 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and a robust 18 grams of protein.
Ham is a rich source of B-vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, which are essential for energy production and red blood cell health.
The honey and brown sugar in the glaze do add some simple carbohydrates, but when served alongside a balanced Thanksgiving plate rich in vegetables and whole grains, the meal remains nutritious and satisfying.
For those monitoring sodium, be aware that prepared hams can be high in salt; choosing a low-sodium ham and rinsing it before baking can help reduce overall intake. Additionally, look for pasture-raised or nitrate-free options for a healthier holiday centerpiece.
According to the USDA Nutrition Database (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/), ham is also a good source of zinc, selenium, and phosphorus, essential for immune and bone health. Enjoying ham as part of a varied diet can offer both culinary delight and important nourishment during the festive season.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd
Wine and beverage pairings enhance the flavor of Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd. Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Riesling or Chenin Blanc, whose balanced acidity and touch of sweetness complement the honeyed glaze.
Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are excellent red wine options, offering light tannins and fruity notes that blend smoothly with the savory-sweet flavors. If you prefer beer, opt for a Belgian-style ale or a wheat beer to match the ham's richness.
Non-alcoholic options like sparkling apple cider or hibiscus iced tea provide festive alternatives that cleanse the palate and echo the meal's bright flavors.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Bring your Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd to the next level with these expert tips. Always start with a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the juiciest results and the best flavor.
Scoring the surface not only creates an impressive look but also allows the honey glaze to permeate deeply. Studding the ham with whole cloves adds classic holiday aroma but can be omitted if preferred.
For an extra dimension of flavor, try substituting maple syrup for half the honey, or add a splash of bourbon or orange juice to the glaze for complexity.
If your ham is larger or smaller than the recipe suggests, adjust baking time accordingly—use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) before serving. For guests watching sugar intake, halve the glaze ingredients or opt for a sugar-free syrup.
To avoid dryness, always baste generously with the glaze and pan juices during and after cooking. Leftovers can be reinvented into hearty soups or sandwiches, making this the perfect holiday entrée for large gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd can be a show-stopping event in itself. Place the ham on a large platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for an extra pop of color and aroma.
Pair your glazed ham with classic Thanksgiving sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, roasted root vegetables, cranberry sauce, and a crisp green salad. For larger groups, consider slicing all the ham in advance for easy serving, or carve at the table for dramatic effect.
Offer a side of extra glaze for guests who crave an additional touch of sweetness. Don’t forget fresh rolls or cornbread to mop up the irresistible glaze.
For a buffet-style meal, arrange slices shingled on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, keeping the ham warm in a chafing dish if needed. No matter how you present it, this recipe ensures your ham remains the festive centerpiece and brings people together in gratitude and celebration.
Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd Health Benefits
While Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd is deeply comforting, it can also offer meaningful health benefits. Ham is an excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and repair. The B-vitamins found in ham play a pivotal role in energy production and cognitive health.
Additionally, trace minerals such as zinc and selenium support immune function, which is particularly important during colder months. Using honey instead of refined sugar in the glaze adds a natural sweetener with antibacterial properties and antioxidants.
If you are mindful of sodium or sugar intake, choose a reduced-sodium ham and use the glaze sparingly. Over time, substituting some brown sugar with pureed fruit such as apricot or apple can further boost nutrition while maintaining a deliciously sweet finish.
As part of a balanced Thanksgiving meal, this ham recipe can be both festive and nourishing.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd
How far in advance can I prepare Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd?
You can bake the ham up to two days ahead and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, covered with foil, at 325°F until warmed through, and brush with reserved glaze before serving.
Can I use a spiral sliced ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Spiral sliced hams work perfectly for this recipe. Simply follow the same instructions, taking care when applying the glaze so the slices remain moist and juicy.
How do I prevent my ham from drying out?
Cover ham loosely with foil during the first stage of baking. Baste with the glaze and pan juices regularly, and allow the ham to rest after baking for maximum juiciness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool leftover ham, store tightly covered in the refrigerator, and enjoy within 4-5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions for soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before applying to your ham.
Thanksgiving Honey Glazed Ham – Perfect for Serving a Crowd is the quintessential centerpiece for any festive table. This recipe brings together tradition, irresistible flavor, and the ability to satisfy a large group with ease. The harmonious blend of sweet honey glaze and savory ham delivers a memorable main course while allowing for straightforward preparation and flexible serving options. By following these step-by-step instructions and expert tips, you can confidently host a successful Thanksgiving feast that will have guests returning for seconds. Celebrate gratitude, warmth, and the coming together of loved ones with this timeless recipe, ensuring your holiday meal is as effortless and joyful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham, flat side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan.
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2Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Cover loosely with foil.
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3In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
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4Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Bake covered in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
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5Remove foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 1 hour, basting occasionally, until the ham is golden and heated through.
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6Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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