Ah, the holidays! Those magical times filled with twinkling lights, laughter, and of course, delicious food. One of my all-time favorites that never fails to impress is my Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze. Growing up, this delightful dish graced our holiday table, and I have fond memories of it being the centerpiece that everyone eagerly gathered around. The aroma of the baking ham wafting through the house still brings a smile to my face, and I can’t help but think of all the joy it brings to the family.
This recipe is not just about good taste; it’s about the memories created around the table. Each bite is a sweet, sticky reminder of all the wonderful moments spent with loved ones. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of succulent ham drizzled with a rich, caramelized glaze that has just the right amount of sweet and savory? Trust me, it’s an absolute showstopper!
What’s in Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze?
– Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham: This is the star of the show! I recommend an 8-10 pound ham for a hearty portion that can feed a crowd. Choosing a bone-in ham adds flavor and moisture during cooking.
– Sliced Pineapple: The juicy, sweet slices of pineapple help balance out the savory ham. I love using canned pineapple (20 ounces) for convenience, but fresh pineapple is always a delightful option if you’re feeling adventurous!
– Brown Sugar: This is where the sweetness comes from. I use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor, which complements the ham perfectly.
– Honey: A half cup of honey adds a lovely nectar-like sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
– Dijon Mustard: Just a bit of Dijon mustard (1/4 cup) adds a tangy kick that elevates the glaze beautifully and complements the sweetness.
– Ground Cloves: One teaspoon of ground cloves adds that warm, aromatic spice that brings everything together.
– Maraschino Cherries: These are purely for garnish and provide that cute pop of color; these cherries can also be placed in the center of the pineapple slices for extra flair.
– Toothpicks: You’ll need these to secure those delicious pineapple slices in place so they don’t slide off during baking.
Is Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest – this dish is more about sheer deliciousness than health, but it does have some redeeming qualities!
– Pineapple: Every sweet slice brings vitamin C and bromelain to the table, which can aid digestion. Plus, it adds a lovely freshness that lightens the overall feel of this dish.
– Ham: A solid source of protein, ham can help you feel full and satisfied. Just be mindful of the sodium content – that’s why I always opt for a fully cooked ham to help control the salt levels.
On the flip side, this dish is pretty sweet and rich, so I’d recommend saving it for special occasions rather than everyday meals.
Ingredients
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 can (20 ounces) sliced pineapple in juice, drained, reserve juice
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Maraschino cherries for garnish
– Toothpicks (for securing pineapple slices)
This recipe serves about 10-12 people, depending on your guests’ appetites!
How to Make Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Trust me, you want to start with a warm welcoming environment for that ham!
2. Place the ham flat side down in a large roasting pan. Don’t forget to score the surface of the ham in a lovely diamond pattern. This way, all that glaze can seep in and do its magic!
3. Next up, take your luscious pineapple slices and use those toothpicks to attach them to the surface of the ham. Bonus points for adding maraschino cherries in the centers of the pineapple rings. Talk about a festive look!
4. In a mixing bowl, combine your brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and the reserved pineapple juice. Mix it all together until you’ve got a smooth glaze.
5. Now, pour half of that wonderful glaze over the ham, spreading it evenly. Get into those score marks for optimal glaze penetration!
6. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil — we want to keep that moisture in while it cooks.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Remember to baste it every 30 minutes with the leftover glaze. Your kitchen should start smelling heavenly by now!
8. During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil, and let that beauty caramelize and turn a gorgeous golden brown.
9. Once the internal temperature of the ham hits 140°F (60°C), pull it from the oven, and let it take a breather for about 15 minutes before slicing. Patience, my friend—it’ll be worth it!
10. Serve warm, garnishing with the lovely maraschino cherries if you like. Voilà, your magnificent Baked Ham is ready to steal the show!
Sweet Serving Suggestions and Tips
If you’re feeling creative, try adding a bit of spice to your glaze with some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. I also love serving this ham with freshly baked rolls or a side of roasted vegetables to maintain that festive spirit.
And don’t forget, leftovers are a huge bonus! Slice up whatever’s left and make fantastic ham sandwiches or add it to a breakfast scramble the next morning. Trust me; this ham is just as delightful the next day!
I hope you give this recipe a try and gather your loved ones around your table, just like I did as a kid. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience, a celebration, and a batch of heartwarming memories waiting to be made. Enjoy every sweet and savory moment!
