Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite recipes that has become a staple in my home, especially during the holidays: glazed ham with a sweet pineapple glaze! I’ve made this dish countless times, and every single time, it has wowed my family and friends. The combination of the tender, juicy ham and the luscious pineapple glaze creates an explosion of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to prepare and how incredibly impressive it looks on the table!
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile: You can customize the glaze with different flavors, making it a dish that never gets old.
- Visually Stunning: The presentation of a beautifully glazed ham is sure to impress your guests.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the glaze in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the celebration.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The sweet and tangy pineapple glaze complements the savory ham perfectly, creating a flavor explosion.
The Secret to Perfect Glazed Ham with Pineapple Glaze
The secret to achieving that perfect glazed ham lies in the balance of flavors and the technique of glazing. You want a glaze that is sweet, tangy, and just thick enough to coat the ham without running off. I’ve found that using fresh pineapple juice instead of canned juice elevates the flavor significantly. Plus, don’t skip the step of scoring the ham before applying the glaze; it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious. Trust me, once you get the hang of this technique, you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This glazed ham was the star of our holiday dinner! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about the pineapple glaze. I’m definitely making it again!” – Sarah P.
“I was nervous about making a ham for the first time, but this recipe made it so easy. The glaze was a game-changer!” – Mike T.
“I served this at our family reunion, and I had people asking for the recipe all night! The flavor is unbelievable.” – Linda R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Maple Pineapple Glaze: Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich flavor.
- Herb-Infused Glaze: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Ginger-Pineapple Glaze: Mix in some grated fresh ginger for a bright, zesty flavor.
Bonus: Consider adding crushed pineapple to the glaze for added texture and a more intense pineapple flavor!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use a spiral-cut ham? Absolutely! Spiral-cut ham works wonderfully with this glaze, as the flavors can seep into the slices.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze glazed ham? Yes, you can freeze leftover ham! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It should last for up to 2 months.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice? If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice or apple juice can be a great alternative for a different yet delicious flavor.
How do I know when the ham is done? The internal temperature of the ham should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the glazed ham wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Perfect Occasions for Glazed Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Holiday dinners, such as Christmas or Easter.
- Family reunions and gatherings.
- Celebratory events like birthdays or anniversaries.
- Potluck dinners where you want to impress.
- Sunday family dinners for a special treat.
The Complete Recipe
Thanks for sticking with me! Now, let’s dive into the delicious recipe that will have you and your guests smiling from ear to ear!
Glazed Ham with Sweet Pineapple Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Tip: For added flavor, consider using a ham that is bone-in for richer taste and moisture.
Optional Add-Ins: You can also add in some crushed pineapple or even a splash of bourbon for an extra punch of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to seep in and adds a beautiful presentation.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and Dijon mustard. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Glaze the Ham
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas. Reserve some glaze for later basting. Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the oven.
Step 4: Bake and Baste
Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the reserved glaze. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to get that gorgeous, sticky finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps to keep it juicy. Slice and serve, making sure to drizzle any remaining glaze over the top!
Nutrition Info: A typical serving of glazed ham provides about 320 calories, 20g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.
Final Thoughts
I can’t express enough how special this glazed ham with pineapple glaze is. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. The sweet, tangy glaze combined with the tender ham is a match made in heaven. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering — your friends and family will be singing your praises! So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with this delicious dish!