Introduction: Pineapple glazed ham is a perfect dish for holiday meals, family gatherings, or any special occasion. The sweet, tangy pineapple glaze complements the savory richness of the ham, creating a delicious balance of flavors. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a festive and mouth-watering touch to your table. The glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, giving the ham a delightful, glossy finish and a burst of tropical sweetness.
Ingredients:
1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This helps the glaze to penetrate the meat and enhances the visual appeal.
Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. (Optional: If you want a thicker glaze, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a little cold water and stir it into the sauce.)
Apply the glaze: Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring the surface is well-coated. Save some glaze to baste the ham during the cooking process.
Roast the ham: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes. The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Finish and serve: In the last 20 minutes of roasting, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and turn golden brown. Once done, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Description: Pineapple glazed ham is a tender, flavorful main dish where the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar contrasts beautifully with the savory richness of the ham. The glaze adds a glossy, caramelized finish to the ham, making it visually appealing as well as delicious. The combination of tangy mustard, sweet honey, and spicy cinnamon and cloves enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite a delight.
Tips:
Ham Selection: Opt for a bone-in ham for the best flavor. If using a pre-cooked ham, you don’t need to cook it to a specific temperature, but the glaze helps enhance its flavor and texture.
Basting: Be sure to baste the ham regularly to ensure the glaze coats the surface evenly and adds a rich, caramelized layer.
Resting the Ham: Let the ham rest after baking. This helps redistribute the juices inside, making the meat more tender and flavorful when sliced.
Thickening the Glaze: If the glaze isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can simmer it for a longer time or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
Variations:
Orange Glaze: Replace half the pineapple juice with freshly squeezed orange juice for a citrus twist.
Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Add a bit of sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
Maple Ham Glaze: Swap out the honey for maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
Cranberry Pineapple Ham: Stir in a few tablespoons of whole cranberry sauce into the glaze for added tartness and color.
Correction:
If the glaze becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a small amount of pineapple juice or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Always check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 140°F (60°C) for the best flavor and safety.
Enjoy: Serve your beautifully glazed ham with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete, festive meal. The leftover ham also makes for great sandwiches or can be used in soups and casseroles. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!