There’s something truly special about serving a Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham at the dinner table—it’s like a flavor explosion that dances in your mouth and instantly transports you to festive family gatherings. I still remember the first time I made this showstopper; it was during a holiday dinner, surrounded by friends and family, and the blend of sweet and savory aromas wafting through the kitchen was simply divine. Everyone couldn’t help but gather around, drawn in by the tantalizing smell, and as we dug in, I felt like a culinary superhero with this impressive dish!
What makes this ham unique is not just the unbelievably sticky glaze, thanks to a perfect trifecta of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice, but also how the sweet and spicy kick from the ground cinnamon and ginger transforms ordinary ham into an extraordinary centerpiece. Trust me—once you’ve made this ham, it will become a go-to favorite for holidays and celebrations, and your guests will be begging for the recipe!
What’s in Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
– Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham: This is the star of the dish. I typically go for an 8-10 pound ham which gives plenty of delicious slices to share with family and friends.
– Brown Sugar: The key to achieving that delightful sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.
– Pineapple Juice: Adds a refreshing fruity element that complements the ham perfectly. I prefer using unsweetened juice for more control over sweetness.
– Honey: This adds a layer of richness and helps create a lovely syrupy glaze.
– Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavor profile, making it cozy and comforting.
– Ground Ginger: Adds a spicy note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
– Ground Cloves: Just a hint of the exotic, cloves add depth to the flavor of the glaze.
– Dijon Mustard: For a tangy kick that balances all the sweetness and adds complexity to your glaze.
– Sliced Pineapple: Not just for decoration! The slices caramelize in the oven, creating a sweet, juicy side that pairs perfectly with the ham.
– Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: The perfect garnish for a gourmet touch.
– Cooked Bacon Pieces: Optional, but if you’re a bacon lover like me, they add a delicious savory crunch on top!
Is Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Good for You?
Let’s face it—a ham like this is more about indulgence than strict health benefits, but there are some upsides to enjoy (in moderation, of course!).
Ham: A great source of protein, making it a filling option. Just be cautious of sodium levels in processed ham. I like to choose a quality, lower-sodium ham to keep it balanced.
Pineapple: This lovely fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it contains bromelain, an enzyme that might help with digestion.
That said, this dish is definitely on the richer side with the sugars and honey, so be sure to enjoy it alongside some fresh veggies or a light salad to balance it out. After all, indulgence is best savored, not overdone!
Ingredients
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 can sliced pineapple (in juice or syrup), drained
– Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
– Optional: cooked bacon pieces for garnish
Serves: 10-12
How to Make Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), and get ready for some deliciousness!
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. Not only does this create a beautiful presentation, but it helps the glaze soak in too.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbling away nicely. Ah, the sweet smell of victory!
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and generously brush about half of that addictive glaze over the surface of the ham, taking care to get it into the scored cuts.
5. Arrange the sliced pineapples around the ham in the pan, then pour the remaining glaze over both the ham and the sliced pineapples. It’s really starting to look mouth-watering, isn’t it?
6. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point, and the ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
7. The last 30 minutes of baking is where the magic happens! Remove the foil and crank up the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the glaze beautifully. Brush with some additional glaze if you want to go all out!
8. Once it’s done, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Trust me, it gives you a chance to admire your masterpiece!
9. Serve the ham warm, topped with fresh rosemary and, if you’re feeling adventurous, those delicious bacon pieces.
Serving Suggestions and Tips for the Ultimate Ham
If you’re ready to take this sticky ham to the next level, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes. And for the adventurous, a little drizzle of balsamic reduction can add an unexpected depth of flavor.
If you find yourself with leftovers (which I highly recommend you don’t because it’s so good, but just in case), try making ham sandwiches with some fresh crusty bread and a bit of mustard—it’s the perfect use of this delightful dish!
Now that you’re armed with this delicious recipe, I can’t wait for you to gather your loved ones and create those timeless memories around your dinner table, just like I did. Don’t forget to let me know how your Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham turns out—I’m itching to hear about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!
