Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a special Sunday dinner, a perfectly cooked ham with a sweet pineapple glaze can elevate any meal to a memorable experience. The combination of the savory ham with the tropical sweetness of pineapple creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to impress your guests. This Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe will guide you through creating a tender and juicy ham with a luscious glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Pineapple Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-9 pounds)
– 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Whole cloves (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Ensure your ham fits comfortably in the oven with a few inches of space around it for even cooking.
2. Score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will allow the glaze to penetrate into the meat and add flavor.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Make it look beautiful as it will be your main attraction.
4. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir well over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the cuts you made earlier and covers the surface evenly. Save the remaining glaze to apply later.
6. Insert whole cloves into the intersecting points of the diamond pattern on the ham for a decorative touch and extra flavor.
7. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham reads 140°F (60°C), basting occasionally with the remaining glaze.
8. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and the surface to become golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
9. Once cooked, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier ham.
10. Serve slices of the Pineapple Glazed Ham with the caramelized pineapple rings on top for a stunning presentation. The flavorful glaze and juicy ham will be the highlight of your meal, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Enjoy this delicious Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe for any special occasion or whenever you want to treat yourself to a memorable feast. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory ham beautifully, creating a dish that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy cooking!
