If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday feast, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple. I’ve made this luscious recipe more times than I can count, and each time it brings an avalanche of compliments and happy faces around the table. The sweet, sticky glaze paired with juicy pineapple creates a mouthwatering experience that is simply irresistible. Trust me, this is the dish that will elevate your holiday gatherings and become a cherished tradition in your home. I can already hear the gasps of delight when your guests take their first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- Unmatched Flavor: The combination of savory ham and sweet pineapple creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Beautiful Presentation: This dish is not only delicious, but it also looks stunning on your holiday table with its vibrant colors.
- Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to make this recipe; it’s straightforward and takes minimal effort.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the glaze and score the ham in advance, making your holiday cooking a breeze.
- Versatile Pairing: This glazed ham pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
The Secret to Perfect Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
The secret to achieving the perfect Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple lies in the glaze itself. The key ingredients—brown sugar, honey, and a hint of mustard—create that sticky, caramelized coating that makes each slice divine. I always recommend using a high-quality ham, preferably bone-in, for the best flavor and moisture. Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern is another game-changer; it allows the glaze to seep in, enhancing both taste and texture. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this before; with a little guidance, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This ham is a total showstopper! I made it for our family Christmas party, and it was gone in minutes. Everyone raved about the flavors!” – Sarah M.
“I was nervous about cooking a ham, but your recipe made it so easy. It turned out perfectly! My guests couldn’t stop talking about it.” – Michael T.
“I’ve tried many ham recipes, but this one is my favorite! The glaze is simply delicious and so easy to make!” – Lisa R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Maple-Mustard Glaze: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a unique twist on sweetness.
- Herb-Infused Glaze: Mix in some fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic flavor enhancement.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate orange juice and zest into the glaze for a fresh, zesty flavor profile.
Bonus: Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an adult twist that will impress your guests!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use a different type of ham? Absolutely! You can use spiral-cut, boneless, or any type of ham you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 6 months.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the glaze up to two days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before using.
What should I do if the glaze isn’t thickening? Allow it to simmer longer, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 6 months.
- For serving, slice the ham just before presenting it to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Perfect Occasions for Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- Christmas Dinner with Family
- New Year’s Eve Celebrations
- Holiday Potluck Parties
- Thanksgiving Feast
- Special Anniversaries or Milestone Celebrations
- Weekend Gatherings with Friends
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now, let’s dive into the magic of crafting your own Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple.
Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6-8 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
- Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
Tip: For added flavor, consider using a ham with a glaze packet included, but don’t feel limited—this homemade glaze is a showstopper on its own!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure your ham cooks evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the ham for glazing.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place the ham on a large roasting pan, flat side down. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat beautifully. If desired, stud each diamond with whole cloves for a classic look and additional flavor.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Brush a generous amount of glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas. Reserve some glaze for basting during cooking. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the reserved glaze.
Step 5: Add Pineapple Slices
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, arrange the pineapple slices over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. This adds a gorgeous presentation and infuses even more flavor into the dish.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and tender. Serve it warm and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight!
Nutritional Information: A serving of glazed ham (approximately 3 ounces) contains around 200 calories, 10g of protein, and 14g of fat, depending on the specific ham used. It’s a delicious and festive treat, perfect for those special occasions.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the recipe for this
