Guide

The Best Bone-in Ham For Thanksgiving: A Guide To Choosing The Perfect Holiday Ham

Chef Emily Clark is the editor-in-chief and leading culinary expert at Cookupexperts.com. She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, including working as a private chef for celebrities and heads of state. Emily holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to...

What To Know

  • Some hams are more flavorful than others, and you may want to choose a ham that has a flavor that will complement the rest of your Thanksgiving meal.
  • Overall, the best bone in ham for Thanksgiving is one that has a fresh, juicy flavor, and that is large enough to serve all of your guests.
  • There are a few different cuts of ham that are good for Thanksgiving dinner, but the best cut of ham is the boneless ham hock.

For the best bone in ham for Thanksgiving, you’ll want to choose a high-quality, flavorful ham with a tender texture. Look for a bone-in ham that has been cured and smoked, as this will result in a flavorful, juicy ham.

Best Bone In Ham For Thanksgiving

When it comes to selecting the best bone in ham for Thanksgiving, there are several factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a ham that is fresh and delicious. Look for a ham that is plump and juicy, with a bright pink color. Avoid hams that are dry or that have a dull or grayish color.

Another important factor to consider is the weight of the ham. A ham that is too heavy will be difficult to cook evenly, and may not cook all the way through. A ham that is too light may not be large enough to serve all of your guests. A good rule of thumb is to choose a ham that weighs about 1 to 1.5 pounds per person.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the flavor of the bone in ham. Some hams are more flavorful than others, and you may want to choose a ham that has a flavor that will complement the rest of your Thanksgiving meal. For example, a ham with a sweet flavor may be good if you are serving a savory stuffing or cranberry sauce.

Overall, the best bone in ham for Thanksgiving is one that has a fresh, juicy flavor, and that is large enough to serve all of your guests. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect ham for your Thanksgiving feast.

What Is The Difference Between A Bone-in Ham And A Bone-out Ham?

  • 1. A bone-in ham has a bone running through the middle, while a bone-out ham has had the bone removed.
  • 2. Bone-in hams are often juicier and more flavorful, while bone-out hams are easier to carve.
  • 3. Bone-in hams typically cost more than bone-out hams.
  • 4. Bone-in hams take slightly longer to cook than bone-out hams.
  • 5. Bone-in hams are a good choice for special occasions, while bone-out hams are a good choice for everyday meals.

What Is The Best Cut Of Ham For Thanksgiving Dinner?

The ham for Thanksgiving dinner should be the best cut of ham you can find. There are a few different cuts of ham that are good for Thanksgiving dinner, but the best cut of ham is the boneless ham hock.

The boneless ham hock is a cut of ham that is made from the knuckle of the pig’s leg. It is a cut of ham that is flavorful and juicy, and it is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

If you are looking for a cut of ham that is a little more affordable, you can try the shank ham. The shank ham is a cut of ham that is made from the shank of the pig’s leg. It is a cut of ham that is flavorful and juicy, and it is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

If you are looking for a cut of ham that is a little more traditional, you can try the spiral cut ham. The spiral cut ham is a cut of ham that is made from the shank of the pig’s leg. It is a cut of ham that is flavorful and juicy, and it is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

No matter what cut of ham you choose, make sure it is a high-quality cut of ham. A high-quality cut of ham will be flavorful and juicy, and it will be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

How Do I Choose The Best Bone-in Ham For My Thanksgiving Dinner?

There are several factors you should consider when choosing a bone-in ham for your Thanksgiving dinner. First, think about the size of the ham you need. Hams typically range in size from 5 to 10 pounds, so consider how many people you will be serving and choose a size accordingly. Next, consider the flavor of the ham. Some hams are smoked, while others are cured with a sweet glaze. Choose a flavor that will complement the other dishes on your Thanksgiving menu. Finally, consider the price. Bone-in hams can range in price from $20 to $50 or more, so choose one that fits your budget.

How Do I Cook A Bone-in Ham For Thanksgiving Dinner?

Cooking a bone-in ham for Thanksgiving dinner is a delicious way to add flavor to your spread. Here is a simple method you can follow:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, with the fat side facing up.

3. Score the fat of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep.

4. Stud the center of the ham with whole cloves, placing them in the scored fat.

5. Brush the ham with a mixture of honey and mustard, then sprinkle it with brown sugar.

6. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan, and cover the pan tightly with foil.

7. Bake the ham for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy!

What Are Some Side Dishes That Go Well With A Bone-in Ham For Thanksgiving Dinner?

A bone-in ham is a delicious and hearty main course for any Thanksgiving dinner. To complement the ham and create a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving some side dishes that pair well with it. Here are some excellent options:

1. Candied Sweet Potatoes: This classic side dish perfectly complements the sweet and savory flavors of the ham. The sweet potatoes are roasted until tender and topped with a sweet glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and spices.

2. Green Bean Casserole: This creamy and comforting casserole is another popular option. It’s made with green beans, mushroom soup, crispy fried onions, and seasonings. The mix of textures, flavors, and colors creates a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with the ham.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a fresh and nutritious side dish, try roasting Brussels sprouts. Toss them with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until crispy and golden brown. The nutty and slightly bitter flavor of the sprouts adds a nice contrast to the ham.

4. Mac and Cheese: Indulge your guests’ cravings with this rich and creamy pasta dish. The cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the ham and adds an extra level of indulgence to the Thanksgiving feast.

In a nutshell

The best bone in ham for Thanksgiving is the spiral-sliced, honey-glazed ham from HoneyBaked Ham Company. This ham is juicy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast.

Chef Emily Clark

Chef Emily Clark is the editor-in-chief and leading culinary expert at Cookupexperts.com. She has over 20 years of professional cooking experience, including working as a private chef for celebrities and heads of state. Emily holds a master's degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. In addition to directing the content at Cookupexperts, she writes recipes and product reviews for major food publications. Emily is dedicated to teaching home cooks how to achieve restaurant-quality results through meticulous testing and step-by-step instructions. Her engaging writing style and passion for food shine through in all of her work. When not in the test kitchen, Emily enjoys traveling the world in search of new culinary inspirations.
Back to top button