Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham: A Sweet & Savory Delight
This Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering, family dinner, or special occasion. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory ham creates an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers a show-stopping presentation. We’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the right ham to achieving that perfectly caramelized glaze.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Flavor Balance:** The sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple beautifully complements the saltiness of the ham, creating a harmonious and addictive taste.
* **Moisture Retention:** The glaze helps to keep the ham moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This glazed ham is guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
* **Versatile:** It is perfect as a main course for easter, christmas, thanksgiving, and other special celebrations. You can serve it with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or dinner rolls. It is equally delicious served as sandwiches the next day!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham (7-10 pounds):** A bone-in ham provides richer flavor and helps to keep the ham moist. Shank or butt portion are both fine, but shank typically carves better. Be sure to check the packaging instructions regarding cooking time. The provided recipe times are for a fully cooked ham that only needs to be warmed through. If you start with a smoked but uncooked ham you will have to adjust your time accordingly.
* **Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed):** Dark or light brown sugar works equally well. Dark brown sugar will impart a slightly more molasses-like flavor.
* **Pineapple Juice (1 cup):** Canned pineapple juice is perfectly acceptable. You can also use fresh pineapple juice if you have a juicer.
* **Pineapple Slices (canned or fresh):** Canned pineapple rings are convenient, but fresh pineapple slices offer a brighter flavor. Reserve the juice from the canned pineapple for the glaze.
* **Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons):** Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
* **Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon):** Ground cloves provide warmth and depth to the glaze. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
* **Maraschino Cherries (optional, for garnish):** Maraschino cherries add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the presentation.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Roasting Pan:** A roasting pan with a rack is ideal for elevating the ham and allowing for even cooking.
* **Aluminum Foil:** For tenting the ham during the initial cooking process.
* **Small Saucepan:** For making the glaze.
* **Basting Brush:** For applying the glaze to the ham.
* **Meat Thermometer:** Essential for ensuring the ham is heated through properly.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Ham
* **Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).** Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the ham and roasting pan.
* **Remove the ham from its packaging.** Discard any netting or plastic disc covering the bone. Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
* **Score the ham (optional).** Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts, about ¼-inch deep, across the surface of the ham. This will help the glaze adhere better and create a visually appealing presentation. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as this can dry out the ham.
* **Place the ham in the roasting pan.** Position the ham cut-side down on the roasting rack. This helps to keep the ham moist and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
### 2. Make the Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze
* **Combine glaze ingredients.** In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. If using reserved pineapple juice from canned rings, add it to the saucepan. You can also add a splash of rum or bourbon for extra flavor, if desired.
* **Simmer the glaze.** Cook the glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* **Remove the glaze from the heat.** Set aside until ready to use.
### 3. Bake the Ham
* **Cover the ham with foil.** Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out during the initial baking process.
* **Bake the ham.** Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone. A fully cooked ham only needs to be heated through.
* **Baste with glaze.** During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, remove the foil and begin basting the ham with the brown sugar and pineapple glaze. Baste the ham every 10-15 minutes, ensuring that the entire surface is evenly coated with the glaze. The glaze will caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy finish. Reserve some glaze for serving, if desired.
### 4. Garnish and Serve
* **Arrange pineapple slices and cherries (optional).** During the last 15 minutes of baking, you can arrange pineapple slices and maraschino cherries on the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. This will create a festive and visually appealing presentation.
* **Rest the ham.** Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
* **Carve the ham.** Carve the ham and serve immediately. Serve with the reserved glaze, if desired.
## Tips for Success
* **Don’t overcook the ham.** Overcooking the ham will result in a dry and tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is heated through properly, but not overcooked.
* **Baste frequently.** Basting the ham frequently with the glaze is essential for creating a beautiful, caramelized finish.
* **Adjust the glaze to your liking.** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the glaze to your liking. For example, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
* **Let the ham rest.** Allowing the ham to rest before carving is crucial for ensuring a tender and juicy texture.
* **Use a sharp knife.** A sharp knife will make it easier to carve the ham and create clean, even slices.
* **Consider a spiral-cut ham:** A spiral-cut ham is pre-sliced, which makes it easier to carve and serve. The glaze also penetrates the ham more easily, resulting in a more flavorful and moist product.
* **Don’t throw away the ham bone!** The ham bone can be used to make delicious soup or stock. Freeze it for later use.
## Serving Suggestions
This Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham is delicious served with a variety of sides, including:
* Mashed potatoes
* Scalloped potatoes
* Green beans
* Asparagus
* Dinner rolls
* Cornbread
* Sweet potato casserole
* Macaroni and cheese
* Coleslaw
It is also delicious served as sandwiches the next day. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
## Variations
* **Spicy Glaze:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the glaze for a touch of heat.
* **Honey Glaze:** Substitute honey for some of the brown sugar in the glaze for a sweeter flavor.
* **Maple Glaze:** Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a rich and flavorful glaze.
* **Citrus Glaze:** Add orange or lemon zest to the glaze for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Bourbon Glaze:** Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a more complex flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika Glaze:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Ginger Glaze:** Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a warm, spicy flavor.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before using.
* The ham can be baked 1-2 days in advance. Let cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
## Storage Instructions
* Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* The ham bone can be frozen for later use in soup or stock.
## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size.* The amount can also vary according to the type of ham.
Enjoy this delicious Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham! It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends.