19+ Recipe To Cook Ham For Thanksgiving Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 9, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying a hearty feast. And when it comes to traditional Thanksgiving dishes, a succulent ham is always a crowd-pleaser. But cooking a whole ham can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who have never done it before. But fear not, with the right recipe and some helpful tips, you can cook a perfect ham for your Thanksgiving feast. Here is a professional and well-organized guide on how to cook a ham for Thanksgiving.
Main Ingredients: Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Ham
This creamy and indulgent dip is the perfect appetizer for any beer can chicken feast. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and spicy sausage creates a rich and flavorful dip that will have your guests coming back for more. Serve it with crispy baguette slices or tortilla chips for a delicious and satisfying treat.
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Classic Monte Cristo Sandwich
Main Ingredients: White Sandwich Bread, Ham, Gouda, Mayonnaise, Large
Take your leftover beer can chicken and turn it into a mouthwatering sandwich. The classic Monte Cristo combines ham, cheese, and chicken in between two slices of french toast. Serve it with a side of strawberry jam for a sweet and savory flavor explosion.
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Easy Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Main Ingredients: Potato, Ham, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Milk, Cheddar
This simple yet delicious side dish is the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe. Layer thinly sliced potatoes, ham, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly. Serve it with a side of green beans or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
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Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Baked Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Dark Brown Sugar, Whole Grain Mustard, Cider
If you're looking for a show-stopping main dish, look no further than this glazed ham recipe. The combination of brown sugar and spicy mustard creates a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that will take your beer can chicken to the next level. Serve it with roasted potatoes and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
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Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar, Beer, Cloves
Don't let your leftover beer can chicken go to waste – turn it into a delicious ham dish. Whether it's a ham and cheese omelette, ham and potato hash, or ham and vegetable stir-fry, there are endless possibilities for incorporating ham into your meals.
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Leftover Ham Casserole
Main Ingredients: Butter, Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Dried
This hearty casserole is the perfect way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Combine ham, rice, vegetables, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve it with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
This breakfast casserole is a holiday tradition for many families. Layer bread, ham, cheese, and eggs in a baking dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake it and enjoy a delicious and easy breakfast. Serve it with a side of fruit salad for a balanced meal.
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Ham Casserole
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Ham, Vegetable Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery
If you're looking for a comforting and easy weeknight meal, this ham casserole is the answer. Combine ham, egg noodles, vegetables, and cream of mushroom soup in a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
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Arancini
Main Ingredients: Arborio Rice, Fresh Mozzarella, Ham, Butter, Parmesan
Elevate your beer can chicken leftovers with this delicious Italian dish. Arancini are risotto balls filled with ham and mozzarella cheese, then breaded and fried until crispy and golden. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Ham and Bean Soup
Main Ingredients: Bone, Ham, Navy Beans, Celery, Carrots, Onion, Garlic
This hearty and comforting soup is the perfect way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Combine ham, beans, vegetables, and broth in a pot and simmer until the flavors have melded together. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a warm and satisfying meal.
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Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Mayonnaise, Brown Sugar, Salt, Black
This classic Hawaiian dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. The combination of ham, elbow macaroni, vegetables, and mayonnaise creates a creamy and flavorful salad that pairs perfectly with any grilled meat. Serve it with a side of grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts Boneless, Salt, Pepper, Swiss Cheese
Put a twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu by using leftover beer can chicken instead. Roll ham and swiss cheese into chicken breasts, bread them, and bake until crispy and golden. Serve them with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Egg Foo Yung
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Bean Sprouts, Green Onion, Bamboo Shoots, Water
This Chinese-inspired dish is a great way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Mix ham, vegetables, and eggs together and cook in a pan until golden and fluffy. Serve it with a side of rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
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Ham and Cheese Quiche
Main Ingredients: Frozen Pie Shell, Large Eggs, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream
This classic brunch dish is a great way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Mix ham, cheese, and eggs together and pour into a pie crust. Bake until the quiche is set and serve it with a side of fresh fruit for a delicious and easy meal.
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Ham & Cabbage Soup
Main Ingredients: Ham, Olive Oil, Onion, Large Carrots, Celery, Garlic
This hearty and comforting soup is a great way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Combine ham, cabbage, potatoes, and broth in a pot and simmer until the flavors have melded together. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a warm and satisfying meal.
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Ham Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Ham, Olive Oil, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic
Spice up your beer can chicken leftovers with this delicious and flavorful jambalaya. Combine ham, sausage, rice, and vegetables in a pot and cook until the rice is tender. Serve it with a side of cornbread for a taste of the South.
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Ham and Spaghetti Alfredo
Main Ingredients: Ham, Spaghetti, Broccoli Florets, Light Alfredo Sauce
This simple and delicious pasta dish is a great way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Toss ham, spaghetti, and alfredo sauce together and top with parmesan cheese. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying and easy meal.
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Easy Glazed Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Honey, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious main dish, this glazed ham recipe is the answer. Simply glaze your leftover beer can chicken with a mixture of brown sugar and pineapple juice, and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Ham & Rigatoni Casserole
Main Ingredients: Ham, Rigatoni, White Sauce Mix, Swiss Cheese, Dijon
This hearty and comforting casserole is a great way to use up your leftover beer can chicken. Layer rigatoni pasta, ham, tomato sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying and easy meal.
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Ham Pinwheels
Main Ingredients: Tortilla, Cream Cheese, Yellow Mustard, Ham, Romaine
These savory and delicious pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for any beer can chicken feast. Spread a mixture of cream cheese, ham, and green onions onto tortillas, roll them up, and slice into bite-sized pieces. Serve them with a side of salsa for dipping.
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to cooking a ham for Thanksgiving, the first step is choosing the right one. There are different types of ham available, such as smoked, cured, or fresh. For a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a smoked ham is the most popular choice. It is already cooked and only needs to be reheated, making it a convenient option for a busy holiday cooking schedule. However, if you prefer a more flavorful and juicy ham, a fresh ham is the way to go. It requires more time and effort to cook, but the end result will be worth it.
Prepping the Ham
Before cooking the ham, it is essential to prepare it properly. If you are using a fresh ham, it is recommended to soak it in cold water overnight to remove excess salt. Then, pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. For a smoked ham, remove it from the packaging and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly.
Basting and Glazing the Ham
One of the keys to a flavorful ham is basting and glazing it while it cooks. Basting involves spooning the juices and drippings from the ham over the top to keep it moist and add flavor. You can use a baster or a spoon for this step. Glazing, on the other hand, involves brushing a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and spices over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the ham a beautiful and delicious caramelized crust.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a ham will vary depending on the type and weight of the ham. Generally, a ham needs to be cooked for about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. It is crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F, which is the safe temperature for consumption.
Serving the Ham
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the ham moist. When carving, slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve the ham with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
With this recipe and tips, you can confidently cook a delicious ham for your Thanksgiving celebration. Whether you choose a smoked or fresh ham, remember to baste and glaze it for maximum flavor, and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to perfection. Your guests will be impressed by your cooking skills, and your ham will be the star of the Thanksgiving feast. Happy cooking!
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