Succulent Baked Ham with Pineapple Mustard Glaze: A Festive Feast

Baked ham is a classic centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Its savory, smoky flavor is always a crowd-pleaser. But, let’s elevate this classic dish with a vibrant and tangy Pineapple Mustard Glaze! This recipe will guide you through creating a truly memorable and delicious baked ham that will impress your guests and leave them craving more.

This Pineapple Mustard Glaze brings a burst of tropical sweetness and a zesty kick to the traditionally salty ham. The pineapple’s natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy, flavorful crust. The mustard adds a delightful tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. This combination is a match made in culinary heaven!

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Balanced Flavors:** The sweetness of pineapple complements the saltiness of the ham, while the mustard adds a zesty counterpoint. This creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Moist and Tender Ham:** Proper baking techniques and glazing at the right time ensure a moist and tender ham that isn’t dried out.
* **Visually Appealing:** The caramelized glaze creates a beautiful, glossy finish, making it a stunning centerpiece for your table.
* **Relatively Easy:** Despite its impressive results, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to make.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Ham:

* **Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham (Butt or Shank Portion):** 12-15 pounds. A bone-in ham provides the best flavor and moisture. Butt portions are generally meatier, while shank portions are often more economical. Choose whichever you prefer.
* **Whole Cloves:** 20-30. These add a warm, aromatic spice that complements the ham and glaze.
* **Water or Broth:** 1 cup. This is added to the bottom of the roasting pan to create steam and keep the ham moist.

### For the Pineapple Mustard Glaze:

* **Pineapple Juice:** 1 cup. This forms the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and pineapple flavor. Freshly squeezed juice is ideal, but canned pineapple juice will also work.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1/4 cup. Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar. You can substitute with a coarser grain mustard for a more textured glaze. Experiment with flavors!
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons. Honey adds extra sweetness and helps to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. This adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham and glaze.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/2 teaspoon. Ginger adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the other flavors.
* **Optional: Pineapple Chunks:** 1 cup. Adds texture and visual appeal.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Roasting Pan with Rack:** A roasting pan with a rack is essential for baking the ham. The rack allows air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
* **Small Saucepan:** For making the pineapple mustard glaze.
* **Basting Brush:** For applying the glaze to the ham.
* **Aluminum Foil:** For covering the ham during part of the baking process.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring that the ham is heated to the correct internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Ham

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the lower middle position.
* **Rinse and Dry:** Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This removes any excess salt or brine.
* **Score the Ham (Optional):** Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the ham and creates a visually appealing finish. Be careful not to cut too deep, or the ham may dry out.
* **Insert Cloves:** Stud the ham with whole cloves, placing them at the intersections of the diamond pattern (if scored) or evenly spaced across the surface of the ham. This adds flavor and aroma.
* **Place in Roasting Pan:** Place the ham in the roasting pan on the rack, cut-side down (if it has a flat cut side). Add 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the pan. This will create steam and help keep the ham moist.

### 2. Bake the Ham

* **Cover with Foil:** Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from drying out during the initial baking period. Make sure the foil is tented, so it doesn’t touch the ham directly.
* **Bake:** Bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham, without touching the bone. Baste the ham every hour with the pan juices. A 12-pound ham will take approximately 2-2.5 hours.

### 3. Prepare the Pineapple Mustard Glaze

* **Combine Ingredients:** While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. If using, add pineapple chunks.
* **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

### 4. Glaze the Ham

* **Remove Foil:** Remove the ham from the oven and discard the aluminum foil.
* **Increase Oven Temperature:** Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
* **Apply Glaze:** Using a basting brush, generously brush the pineapple mustard glaze over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to get into all the crevices and score marks.
* **Bake Again:** Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and golden brown. Baste the ham with the glaze every 5 minutes to build up a thick, glossy crust. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.

### 5. Rest and Serve

* **Rest:** Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful ham.
* **Carve:** Carve the ham and serve warm. The carving style depends on the type of ham. For a shank ham, carve thin slices perpendicular to the bone. For a butt ham, carve slices parallel to the bone.
* **Serve:** Serve the baked ham with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, or dinner rolls.

## Tips for the Perfect Baked Ham

* **Choose the Right Ham:** Select a high-quality, fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor and moisture. Consider the size of your gathering when choosing the size of the ham.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches the correct internal temperature. The target temperature is 140°F (60°C).
* **Baste Frequently:** Basting the ham with the pan juices or glaze during baking helps to keep it moist and adds flavor.
* **Rest Before Carving:** Resting the ham after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful ham.
* **Adjust Glaze to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the glaze to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add more Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar.
* **Use Pineapple Chunks:** Adding fresh pineapple chunks to the glaze is a great way to boost the pineapple flavor and add a nice texture. Canned pineapple is a good alternative.
* **Get creative with the cloves:** Instead of a random pattern, try creating simple designs with the cloves on the ham. A spiral or a geometric pattern could be a fun touch.
* **Use a slow cooker:** For a hands-off approach, you can cook the ham in a slow cooker. Place the ham on a bed of chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery) and add a cup of broth or water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then glaze and broil for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Mustard:** Experiment with different types of mustard, such as honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, or whole-grain mustard. Each will add a unique flavor to the glaze.
* **Other Fruit Juices:** Try using other fruit juices, such as orange juice, apple juice, or cranberry juice, in place of pineapple juice. This will create a different flavor profile.
* **Spices:** Add other spices to the glaze, such as cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg, for a warm, festive flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Bourbon or Whiskey:** Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. A tablespoon or two will do. This enhances the caramelization process as well.
* **Spicy Glaze:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick. This is great for those who like a little heat with their sweet.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked ham with pineapple mustard glaze is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Classic Sides:** Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, corn on the cob, dinner rolls.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted carrots, roasted parsnips.
* **Salads:** Green salad, fruit salad, coleslaw, potato salad.
* **Desserts:** Pineapple upside-down cake, pecan pie, apple pie, pumpkin pie.
* **Drinks:** Sparkling cider, wine (such as Riesling or Pinot Noir), iced tea, lemonade.
* **Sandwiches:** Leftover ham makes excellent sandwiches. Use your favorite bread, toppings, and condiments.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Glaze:** The pineapple mustard glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
* **Ham:** The ham can be baked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving. Consider slicing and storing in containers with some of the pan juices to preserve moisture. When reheating, consider adding a bit of broth to maintain moisture.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover baked ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
* **Reheating:** To reheat leftover baked ham, place it in a baking dish with a little water or broth and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes per pound. You can also reheat ham in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the serving.)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 5-10g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1200mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Sugar: 15-25g
* Protein: 25-35g

## Conclusion

This baked ham with pineapple mustard glaze recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory ham, sweet pineapple, and tangy mustard creates a flavor sensation that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a delicious and impressive meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable and delicious baked ham!
Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

### Optional Recipe Card

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