If you're looking to make a centerpiece dish that combines savory and sweet flavors effortlessly, this Sweet Pineapple Glazed Ham is your go-to recipe. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to impress without the stress.
The star of this dish is, of course, the ham. A fully-cooked bone-in ham gives you a juicy, flavorful result. The pineapple slices not only add a burst of sweetness but also help keep the ham moist. The brown sugar enhances the caramelization on the ham, creating a beautiful glaze. Honey adds another layer of sweetness and helps the glaze stick to the ham. Dijon mustard brings a little tang and complexity to the flavor profile. A bit of apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness, balancing everything out. Finally, ground cloves provide a warm, spiced aroma that ties the whole dish together.
This ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. A side of creamy mashed potatoes also complements the flavors nicely. For a light, refreshing contrast, consider serving it with a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette.
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. This gives you just enough time to prepare the ham without feeling rushed. Place the ham in a roasting pan with the fat side facing up. This positioning allows the fat to melt down into the meat, keeping it moist.
In a small saucepan, combine the juice from your pineapple can, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Heat this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a smooth glaze. Don’t rush this step; you want all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Now, take a sharp knife and score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This step is crucial as it allows the glaze to penetrate the meat. Brush half of your glaze generously over the ham.
Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing each slice with a toothpick. These not only add flavor but also make the ham visually appealing.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 1.5 hours, allowing the ham to heat through while the flavors meld.
After 1.5 hours, remove the foil. Brush the ham with the remaining glaze and return it to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes. Baste it occasionally with the juices pooling at the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Once baked, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to carve and ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
Share