Looking for the ultimate showstopper for your next holiday meal? This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the perfect centerpiece that will have everyone in awe! The tender, juicy ham is coated in a rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze with the bright sweetness of pineapple, creating a balance of savory and sweet flavors that are simply irresistible. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any family gathering, this dish is sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Bring the glaze to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more of the glaze.
- After 2 hours, uncover the ham and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped pineapple.
- Serve the ham warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 per serving
Servings: 12
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the perfect centerpiece for any festive meal, from holiday feasts to Sunday dinners. The rich, smoky flavor of the ham is beautifully complemented by the sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a mix of aromatic spices. The result is a juicy, tender ham that’s both savory and sweet, with the glaze caramelizing to create a glossy, flavorful finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful Glaze: The brown sugar and pineapple juice combination creates a sweet, sticky glaze with a perfect balance of acidity from the vinegar and a touch of spice from cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Juicy and Tender: The slow roasting process ensures the ham stays moist, with the glaze soaking into the meat and creating a succulent bite with every forkful.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is simple to prepare with only a few ingredients, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
Tips for Success:
- Score the Ham: Scoring the surface of the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, infusing it with more flavor. It also helps the glaze to caramelize more evenly.
- Baste Frequently: Basting the ham every 30 minutes ensures the glaze coats the meat fully and prevents it from drying out.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more tender ham.
Ideal Pairings:
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a tropical twist, serve it with coconut rice or a fruit salad.
Make It Ahead:
You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook the ham, simply reheat the glaze before basting it onto the ham. The ham itself can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes before serving.
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: A Showstopping Dish for Any Occasion
This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is an easy yet impressive dish that takes center stage at any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, a family dinner, or a special occasion, this ham is sure to delight everyone at the table. The rich, smoky flavor of the ham is enhanced by a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a medley of warm spices, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
The glaze not only adds a beautiful sheen to the ham but also caramelizes during cooking, creating a deliciously sticky coating that crisps up slightly in the oven. It’s the ideal combination of savory, sweet, and tangy, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare with simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
Why This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a Must-Try
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet, caramel-like brown sugar is beautifully balanced by the bright, tangy pineapple juice. The combination of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, elevates the glaze and adds warmth to the flavor.
- Moist and Tender: This recipe ensures your ham comes out tender and juicy. The glaze not only adds flavor but also helps lock in moisture, keeping the ham succulent as it roasts.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Christmas, or just want a delicious Sunday dinner, this Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham fits right in with any menu. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads.
How to Make Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
The key to making this dish perfectly is the glaze and the basting process. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the recipe steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by scoring the surface of the ham. This means cutting shallow crisscross patterns into the fat. Not only does this create an attractive pattern, but it also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful ham. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
The glaze for this ham is a wonderful combination of brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. This sweet and tangy mixture infuses the ham with flavor and creates a shiny, sticky coating that crisps up in the oven.
Step 3: Roast the Ham
Basting every 30 minutes is crucial for an even distribution of the glaze and to keep the ham moist. Cover the ham loosely with foil while it bakes to prevent it from drying out, and then uncover it near the end to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, it’s essential to let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring the ham remains juicy and tender.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- Use a Bone-In Ham: A bone-in ham generally results in a juicier, more flavorful end product than a boneless ham.
- Basting Is Key: Don’t skip the basting! This ensures that the glaze penetrates the meat and creates that mouthwatering, sticky layer. Baste your ham every 30 minutes for the best results.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with your glaze by adding additional ingredients like orange juice, maple syrup, or a splash of bourbon for extra depth of flavor.
Pairing Ideas
This ham goes well with a variety of sides, including:
- Mashed Potatoes or Scalloped Potatoes: The creamy texture of potatoes complements the sweet and savory flavors of the ham.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a healthy, flavorful side.
- Crisp Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, apples, or pears balances the richness of the ham.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze and score the ham the day before. Store the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge, and the ham can be kept covered in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, simply roast and glaze as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months for future meals.
Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely! While a bone-in ham tends to provide more flavor and moisture, a boneless ham can be used as well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as boneless hams may cook more quickly.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the perfect showstopper for any occasion, offering a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. With its sweet, tangy glaze and tender, juicy meat, it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re in the mood for something delicious and impressive. Your guests will be asking for seconds!