Delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham Recipe to Impress!
Ah, the aroma of a ham sizzling away in the oven—it brings back memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy Sunday dinners. There’s something so comforting about serving a beautiful, glistening ham that makes you feel like a culinary champ. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham Recipe with you! This dish has become a staple in my home, a surefire way to put smiles on faces and warmth in bellies.
Whether it’s game day, a holiday feast, or just a simple Sunday dinner, this ham is a crowd-pleaser. The sweet, caramelized glaze, paired with succulent pineapple, creates a perfect balance of flavors that sing “comfort food” like nothing else. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together, so you can enjoy your time mingling with family and friends instead of stressing in the kitchen. Let’s make some wonderful memories together, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned pros; it practically cooks itself.
- Budget-Friendly: Ham is often an economical choice that feeds a crowd.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of brown sugar and pineapple brings a delightful sweetness.
- Versatile: Great for any occasion—holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
Ingredients
Let’s gather what we need. Here’s your shopping list for the most delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham:
- 1 (8 to 10-pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (plus more for basting)
- 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple rings
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)
Notes: Using fresh pineapple juice gives a fresher flavor, but store-bought works just fine. If you want a little zing, substitute half a teaspoon of ginger for the cloves!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to transform your kitchen into a sweet-smelling haven? Here’s how to whip up this fantastic ham:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature for even cooking and caramelization.
- Prepare the Ham: Place your ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. If it has a thick rind, carefully score a diamond pattern into the surface (this helps the glaze penetrate).
- Make the Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix until smooth—it should look deliciously glossy!
- Glaze the Ham: Brush about half of your glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into those lovely scored sections.
- Stuff with Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings over the top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. You can tuck a few slices between the scored pieces for extra flavor!
- Pour the Juice: Pour the remaining pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan for moisture and flavor. Don’t forget to baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the juices pooling below.
- Bake: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until heated through (internal temperature should reach 140°F). Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow that beautiful glaze to caramelize.
- Rest and Serve: Once the ham is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.
Tip: Don’t skip the resting time! It’s too tempting to cut right in, but trust me, waiting a bit is worth it.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to jazz up your Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham? Here are some fun variations and tips:
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to your glaze for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Different Fruits: Try substituting the pineapple with apricots or peaches for exciting flavor profiles.
- Maple Syrup: Swap out half the brown sugar for maple syrup for a distinctively rich flavor.
- Ham Leftovers: Use leftover ham in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles to minimize waste!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, think about what makes your heart sing! I like to arrange beautiful slices of ham on a platter and garnish them with fresh herbs for a pop of color. A side of roasted vegetables or scalloped potatoes pairs wonderfully with this dish. You could also serve it with a refreshing salad to balance the richness!
Don’t forget to have plenty of soft rolls or crusty bread on hand—perfect for mopping up that delectable glaze. And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of sparkling cider or a sweet tea to drink will really take your meal to the next level. Enjoy every bite in a cozy spot with great company!
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how you can store your ham without losing that delightful flavor:
- Refrigeration: Allow your ham to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
- Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers, slice the ham and wrap it in foils, then freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat, place your ham slices in a baking dish with a splash of pineapple juice or water, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! You can use a boneless ham, or even a spiral-cut version, which makes serving a breeze. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, as spiral hams often require less time to heat through.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The best way to check for doneness is using a meat thermometer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 140°F, which ensures it’s warmed through but still juicy!
What if I can’t find pineapple juice?
No worries! Orange juice or even a mix of fruit juices can work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Sure! You can glaze and prepare the ham a day in advance, then pop it in the oven the next day when you’re ready to serve. Just don’t forget to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out!
What should I do with leftovers?
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile! You can use it in sandwiches, pasta dishes, breakfast scrambles, or even soups. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
There you have it—a warm, inviting recipe that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. I hope you try this Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham and create your own memories around the dinner table. If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, or share your own tips and variations! Happy cooking!
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Delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham Recipe to Impress!
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Savor this brown sugar glazed pineapple ham recipe, a perfect dish for any occasion, bringing sweetness and flavor to your holiday table! (154 chars)
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A sweet and savory Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This comforting dish features a caramelized glaze and succulent pineapple, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 18 grams
Keywords: Brown Sugar Glazed Pineapple Ham, ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, comfort food