What To Know
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
- What’s the difference between a bone-in ham and a boneless ham.
- A bone-in ham has the bone still in it, while a boneless ham has the bone removed.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. And no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a perfectly baked ham. But with so many different hams to choose from, how do you know which one is the best?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best baked ham for Thanksgiving, including:
- The different types of ham
- How to choose the right size ham
- How to cook a ham
- And more!
Types of Ham
There are two main types of ham: fresh ham and smoked ham.
- Fresh ham is uncured and unsmoked. It has a mild flavor and is typically less expensive than smoked ham.
- Smoked ham is cured and smoked. It has a more intense flavor than fresh ham and is typically more expensive.
Choosing the Right Size Ham
The size of ham you need will depend on the number of people you’re serving. A good rule of thumb is to allow 1/2 pound of ham per person.
If you’re not sure how many people you’ll be serving, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get a larger ham. You can always freeze the leftovers!
Cooking a Ham
Cooking a ham is easy! Here are the steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the ham for 1 hour per pound.
4. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Glazing a Ham
Glazing a ham is a great way to add flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it:
1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard.
2. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Carving a Ham
Carving a ham can be tricky, but it’s easy if you follow these steps:
1. Place the ham on a cutting board.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut along the bone.
3. Once you’ve cut around the bone, you can remove the ham from the bone and slice it.
Leftover Ham
Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:
- Ham sandwiches
- Ham soup
- Ham salad
- Ham and cheese omelets
The Perfect Pairing
Ham is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Sweet potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Cornbread stuffing
- Cranberry sauce
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What’s the difference between a bone-in ham and a boneless ham?
A: A bone-in ham has the bone still in it, while a boneless ham has the bone removed. Bone-in hams are typically more flavorful than boneless hams, but they can be more difficult to carve.
Q: How long can I store leftover ham?
A: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze leftover ham?
A: Yes, leftover ham can be frozen for up to 2 months.
