This Sweet and Tangy Ham with Pineapple Glaze is a delightful twist on a classic holiday dish. The combination of pineapple, ginger, and cloves infuses the ham with a vibrant flavor that's perfect for special occasions. Let's dive into this easy and mouthwatering recipe!
Ham is the star of the show here, offering a savory base that's enhanced by the glaze. Make sure it's fully cooked and bone-in for the best texture and flavor.
Pineapple juice adds sweetness and acidity, working as the foundation of your glaze. It pairs beautifully with the ham.
Brown sugar brings a deep molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Honey adds another layer of sweetness, complementing the brown sugar and pineapple juice.
Dijon mustard offers a tangy, slightly spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity, brightening the flavors and helping to tenderize the meat.
Ginger provides warmth and a subtle zing that makes the dish more complex.
Ground cloves offer a warm, aromatic quality that pairs well with the sweet ingredients.
Pineapple slices not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful presentation when arranged on the ham.
Maraschino cherries are optional but add a pop of color and additional sweetness.
Cornstarch and cold water are used to thicken the glaze, ensuring it clings nicely to each slice of ham.
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted vegetables. For a more tropical twist, serve it with coconut rice and a fresh greens salad. It’s an elegant centerpiece for any festive table.
First, set your oven to preheat at 325°F (165°C). While it warms up, let's get the ham ready. Place it on a cutting board and score the surface in a diamond pattern. This scoring allows the glaze to seep into the meat, making every bite flavorful. Move the ham to a roasting pan.
Time to get the glaze started! In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and ground cloves. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat and brush a generous amount over the ham. Keep some glaze aside for basting later. Arrange the pineapple slices and maraschino cherries over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Cover the entire ham with foil to keep it moist during baking.
Pop the ham into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, take it out carefully, remove the foil, and baste it with the reserved glaze to keep it juicy and flavorful. For the last 15 minutes, remove the foil completely to allow the surface to caramelize beautifully.
While the ham finishes baking, let's thicken the remaining glaze. Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water, then stir this into the glaze in the saucepan. Cook it over medium heat until it thickens to your liking.
Once the ham is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious.
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