Description
Succulent baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze delivers classic Southern comfort straight to dinner tables. Caramelized pineapple and sweet brown sugar create a memorable centerpiece that will make guests request seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds or 3.6–4.5 kilograms)
- 1 (20 ounces or 567 grams) can pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice for the glaze)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Garnish Ingredients:
- ½ cup whole cloves (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 325F (163C). Unwrap the ham and position it cut-side down in a spacious roasting pan. Create a decorative crosshatch pattern by slicing shallow diamonds across the ham’s exterior surface. Optionally, nestle whole cloves into the diamond intersections for enhanced aromatic complexity.
- Craft the caramelizing glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and ground cinnamon in a simmering saucepan. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and let the glaze rest momentarily.
- Artfully drape pineapple rings across the ham’s surface, anchoring each slice with a strategic toothpick. Position a vibrant maraschino cherry at the center of each pineapple ring, securing with additional toothpicks if needed.
- Generously coat the entire ham with approximately half of the prepared glaze, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Tent the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil to preserve moisture during initial cooking.
- Roast the ham for roughly 1.5 hours, then unveil the foil. Repeatedly brush the remaining glaze over the ham every 15-20 minutes, allowing each application to caramelize and intensify the flavor profile. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 140F (60C) as the target doneness.
- Once cooked, extract the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute. Transfer to an elegant serving platter, drizzling any residual glaze over the top for a final flourish of flavor.
Notes
- Choose a fully cooked, bone-in ham for maximum flavor and tender meat that stays moist during baking.
- Score the ham’s surface in diamond patterns to help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant taste and texture if available.
- Customize the glaze by adjusting sweetness levels – add more honey for extra richness or reduce brown sugar for a less sweet profile.
- Ensure even glazing by basting frequently, which creates a gorgeous golden-brown crust and prevents the ham from drying out.
- Consider using low-sodium ham for those watching salt intake, and opt for honey alternatives like maple syrup for different flavor dimensions.
- For gluten-free requirements, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially mustard and vinegar brands.
- Leftover ham can be transformed into sandwiches, salads, or diced for breakfast frittatas, maximizing your meal potential.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg