Get ready to impress your family and friends this Easter with a show-stopping "Make Ahead Easter Dinner" that will have everyone raving about your culinary skills! This mouthwatering feast features a succulent, glazed ham paired with creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, and a tangy cranberry sauce, all made with love and just the right touch of sweetness. With a total prep and cook time of just 3 hours and 30 minutes, you can enjoy the holiday without the stress of last-minute cooking. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a memorable meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds—and your secret!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Remove ham from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham in a large roasting pan with the fat side facing up.
- In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard to create a glaze. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously brush the ham with the prepared glaze, ensuring complete coverage of the surface.
- Cover ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in preheated oven. Bake for approximately 2-
- 5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Every 30 minutes, remove foil and reapply glaze to enhance flavor and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove foil completely to allow ham to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
- While ham is cooking, prepare green beans by trimming ends and blanching in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Prepare mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then mashing with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Once ham is done, remove from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice ham against the grain into thin, even slices. Serve with warm mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce on the side.
- For make-ahead preparation, ham can be glazed, cooked, and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Remember to take the ham out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and ensures a juicy result.
- Perfect Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or orange juice to your glaze mixture. This will brighten up the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
- Basting is Essential: Don’t skip the step of basting every 30 minutes! This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that gorgeous caramelized crust that everyone loves.
- Resting Time Matters: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
- Make Ahead Magic: To save time on the big day, you can prepare the ham in advance. Glaze and cook it, then store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently in the oven before serving for a hassle-free meal.
- Green Beans Perfection: For vibrant green beans, blanch them in salted boiling water and then shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them bright and crisp!
- Mashed Potatoes Tips: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill to ensure there are no lumps. Add butter and milk gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.By following these tips, you’ll not only create a delicious Easter dinner but also enjoy a stress-free cooking experience. Happy cooking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
