The holiday season often calls for a feast that not only nourishes the soul but also delights the senses. Among the festive dishes, Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple stands out as a succulent centerpiece for any gathering. This recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of brown sugar with the tropical sweetness of pineapple to create a glaze that elevates the ham to a whole new level. Here's how you can prepare this dish to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in ham, pre-cooked and spiral-cut (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup pineapple juice
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1⁄2 pineapple, sliced
- Maraschino cherries for decoration (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ginger.
- Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prep the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
- If your ham is not spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into all the crevices.
- Insert pineapple slices between the ham slices or secure them with toothpicks on the surface.
- Brush more glaze over the top to cover the pineapples and ham evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Ham
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- After this time, remove the foil, baste the ham with the remaining glaze, and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist ham.
- Carve the ham into slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with additional pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for an extra festive touch.
🌟 Note: If your ham begins to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while still allowing it to cook thoroughly.
Creating a dish like this Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple not only showcases culinary prowess but also brings a sense of warmth and tradition to the table. The combination of flavors—sweet from the pineapples and sugar, tangy from the vinegar and mustard, and spicy from the ginger—melds beautifully with the savory meat. This recipe ensures that your ham will be juicy, flavorful, and the star of any festive meal. Enjoy the applause as your guests savor this delicious centerpiece!
Can I use canned pineapple for this recipe?
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Yes, you can use canned pineapple. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the glaze.
How do I store leftover glazed ham?
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Store the leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months if wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer bag.
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated, then gently reheat before glazing the ham.
