Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to experiment with new flavors and transform the classic ham into a masterpiece of taste. The secret lies not just in the ham itself, but in the glaze that turns each bite into a tantalizing experience.
Imagine the sweet embrace of maple syrup combined with the bold kick of bourbon. This glaze captures the essence of fall in every single bite. With ingredients like maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and a dash of cinnamon, it’s a delightful mix that brings warmth and a hint of spice.
The magic of this glaze lies in its simplicity. The bourbon provides a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup. As the ham bakes, the glaze caramelizes, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that’s hard to resist. It’s a favorite for those who love a little twist on tradition, bringing both sweetness and a subtle, sophisticated edge to your Thanksgiving table.
Sweet and tangy, the honey mustard glaze is a classic that never goes out of style. With just a few ingredients—honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of garlic—it’s an easy go-to for a deliciously sticky finish.
This glaze is all about balance. The honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the savory ham, while the mustard adds a bit of zing. Apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness, ensuring that the flavors are not just layered but also harmonious. It’s wonderfully versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser every single time.
This glaze takes you straight to a tropical paradise with its sweet and slightly tangy profile. Ingredients like brown sugar, pineapple juice, and cloves come together to create a glaze that’s both lush and aromatic.
The beauty of this glaze is in its ability to transform a simple ham into an exotic dish. As the brown sugar melts and mingles with the pineapple juice, it forms a sticky, caramel-like coating, infused with the spicy warmth of cloves. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking to add a little sunshine to your Thanksgiving feast.
People adore this glaze for its nostalgic combination of flavors. It reminds many of family gatherings and holiday dinners, where the sweet scent of pineapple and brown sugar would fill the air. It’s a glaze that brings joy, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia to any celebration.
Spiced apple cider glaze is like wrapping your ham in the essence of autumn itself. With apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it’s a heartwarming blend that’s perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving gathering.
This glaze is special because it captures the comforting flavors of apple pie in a savory setting. The apple cider adds a fruity freshness, while the spices bring warmth and complexity. As the glaze reduces, it becomes a thick, syrupy delight, clinging to the ham and infusing it with flavor.
Bursting with citrusy brightness, the orange marmalade glaze is a refreshing take on the traditional ham glaze. Using orange marmalade, honey, and ginger, this glaze offers a sweet and zesty flavor profile.
What makes this glaze stand out is its vibrant taste and aroma. The orange marmalade provides a bold citrus flavor, while the honey adds sweetness, and the ginger introduces a subtle spice that keeps your taste buds on their toes. It’s a glaze that brings a splash of sunshine to your table, no matter the weather outside.
Perfect for those who love citrusy flavors, this glaze balances sweetness with a hint of tartness. It’s like giving your ham a kiss of sunshine, making it a standout dish on any Thanksgiving table.
This glaze is a sophisticated blend of balsamic vinegar and fig preserves, offering a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. With the addition of rosemary and a sprinkle of black pepper, it’s a modern twist on a classic holiday dish.
The balsamic fig glaze is all about elegance and depth. The balsamic vinegar provides a tart base, while the fig preserves add a natural sweetness that complements the savory ham. Rosemary introduces an herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish.
This glaze is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with something a little different. It’s a conversation starter, with flavors that are both intriguing and delicious. A perfect way to add a gourmet touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
Rating: 4.7 (1523 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 35 min.
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Choosing the Right Ham
Select a bone-in ham for the best flavor and juiciness. The bone helps to retain moisture, and as the ham cooks, it releases additional flavor into the meat and glaze.
Timing the Glaze
Apply the glaze towards the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning. This ensures a perfect caramelized finish without compromising the flavor.
Letting It Rest
Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and succulent.
