Pineapple Glazed Ham
A beautiful spiral-sliced ham glistening with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze is a showstopper for any meal. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it cooks is nothing short of intoxicating, bringing forth memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Whether it’s Easter brunch or Thanksgiving dinner, a mouthwatering Pineapple Glazed Ham turns an ordinary roast into a centerpiece worthy of applause.
This not-so-complicated dish marries simple ingredients to create that perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s friendly for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs, making it easy to whip up even if you’re juggling a busy day. On top of that, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to serve up something extraordinary without breaking the bank. Each slice reveals tender meat enveloped in a luscious glaze, captivating everyone at the table—so why wait? Let’s make it together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just about 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a gorgeous ham ready to bake.
- Irresistible Flavor: The medley of pineapple juice and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet glaze that complements the salty ham perfectly.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant pineapple rings and maraschino cherries add both flavor and festivity to your dish.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, parties, or a comforting family dinner—delicious anytime.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable if you want sugar-free or low-sodium options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (7 to 10 lbs): This makes for easy serving, as each slice is ready to go.
- ¾ cup pineapple juice: This is the heart of the glaze, providing sweetness and tangy notes.
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds texture and the distinct character of fresh pineapple.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Offers a slight tang that elevates the sweetness of the glaze.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a bit of acidity, balancing the sweetness from the pineapple.
- ¼ tsp ground cloves: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Elevates the overall taste with a gentle kick.
- 1 can pineapple slices, drained and patted dry: These create a lovely visual display on the ham.
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries: For that cute pop of color and delightful sweetness in every slice.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil; this makes cleanup a breeze. Place the ham cut-side down in the pan to keep it moist.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 10 minutes per pound. For a typical 8 lb ham, this will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is heating, combine the pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter melts and the glaze thickens slightly—this should take about 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
- Add Pineapple Rings: About 30 minutes before the ham finishes baking, take it out of the oven and uncover it. Arrange the pineapple rings on top, placing a cherry in the center of each ring. If needed, secure with toothpicks.
- Glaze the Ham: Spoon the prepared glaze over the ham, allowing it to seep between the slices.
- Finish Baking: Return the ham to the oven uncovered for the final 25 to 30 minutes. The glaze should become bubbly and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Storing & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep the ham tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the ham and place it in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months, although the texture might slightly change upon reheating. Reheat slices in a microwave or covered in aluminum foil in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes, adding a little extra glaze or pineapple juice to refresh the flavor and moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Dry Ham: Make sure to cover the ham loosely with foil during the first part of baking; this keeps moisture locked in.
- Perfectly Tender Meat: Let the ham rest after baking; this allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful slice.
- Homemade Glaze: Feel free to tweak the glaze by adding more spices or even some orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pineapple and real brown sugar can elevate flavors significantly, giving depth to your dish.
- Save the Drippings: Save any leftover glaze or juices from the pan; they’re excellent for drizzling over vegetables or mashed potatoes!
There’s something truly heartfelt about serving a beautiful ham on special occasions. It brings families and friends together, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the glaze or presentation—put your own spin on this classic dish. It’s all about love, creativity, and shared moments.
Recipe FAQs
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Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Elevate your meals with this Pineapple Glazed Ham! Its sweet and tangy flavor, combined with a simple preparation, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham 7 to 10 lbs
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup crushed pineapple drained
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 can pineapple slices drained, dry with a paper towel
- ¼ cup maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup, placing the ham cut-side down in the pan.
- Loosely cover the ham with foil and bake for about 10 minutes per pound, which will total approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- While the ham cooks, combine pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter melts and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- About 30 minutes before the ham finishes cooking, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Add the pineapple rings and place a cherry in the center of each ring. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure them.
- Spoon the glaze over the ham, allowing it to seep between the slices.
- Return the ham to the oven without cover for the final 25 to 30 minutes.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Ensure the ham is fully cooked before serving.
Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the ham.
For extra flavor, let the glaze sit for a few minutes before applying it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
