Irresistible Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Welcome to a classic favorite that never fails to impress – Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. This recipe is a true treasure that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tropical tang of pineapple, creating a mouthwatering glaze that will elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this ham is sure to steal the show with its glossy finish and irresistible flavors.

Picture this: a succulent ham, perfectly baked to juicy perfection, and coated with a sticky-sweet glaze that shimmers under the light. The magic unfolds in your oven, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave your guests craving for more.

From the caramelized pineapple chunks to the tender meat oozing with flavor, every bite of this Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a sheer delight. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a foolproof way to create a masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible charm of this beloved ham dish.

Quick Benefits

• Juicy and Flavorful: The pineapple brown sugar glaze keeps the ham moist and adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Convenient and Low Maintenance: Requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with different fruits and spices, allowing you to adapt the recipe to different seasons and preferences.
• Leftover Friendly: Leftover ham can be used in various dishes, making it a practical and delicious option for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

• Perfect Centerpiece: This juicy Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham will be the star of any gathering, drawing friends and family to the table with its glossy, sweet-savory glaze.
• Balanced Flavors: The lusciously sticky glaze balances tangy pineapple with a hint of warmth from Dijon mustard, creating a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to all tastes.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Most of the magic happens in the oven with hardly any hands-on time, making this recipe perfect for busy days or special occasions.
• Caramelized Pineapple Chunks: The caramelized pineapple chunks add a delightful twist to the ham, making it a favorite even among kids.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable with ingredient substitutions like maple syrup for honey or apple juice for pineapple juice, ensuring you can still enjoy the recipe even with pantry limitations.
• Tradition Meets Modernity: This timeless classic combines the colonial tradition of sweet sticky glazes with modern flavors, making it a hit at both American and European feasts.
• Year-Round Appeal: With seasonal variations like using spiced apple cider in fall or adding warm spices in winter, this recipe can be enjoyed all year round.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a potluck or a holiday meal, the aroma and golden sticky exterior of this ham are sure to impress and guarantee not just compliments but also requests for seconds.
• Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches, salads, stir-fries, or omelets, making this recipe a gift that keeps on giving beyond the initial meal.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the glaze up to two days ahead for added convenience, ensuring you can create a holiday-worthy main dish with ease and confidence.

Ingredients for Irresistible Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Ham

• 1 pre-cooked ham, bone-in or boneless, approximately 8 to 10 pounds

Glaze

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey

To serve

• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained

Pro Tips for Irresistible Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

For optimal flavor, consider using bone-in ham for more succulence, or boneless ham for easier serving. Remember to choose based on your preferences and the occasion. Additionally, canned pineapple juice and chunks are convenient options, but ensure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the glaze. When roasting, basting the ham with the glaze and covering loosely with foil if it browns too quickly will help retain its juiciness throughout cooking.

To save time during meal prep, make the glaze up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat the glaze before using it on the ham for a glossy finish. When serving, pair this delicious pineapple brown sugar glazed ham with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad to create a well-balanced meal that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

How to Make Irresistible Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Step 2: Score Ham

Score the surface of the ham in a crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife.

Step 3: Prepare Glaze

Combine pineapple juice, light brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Glaze Ham

Arrange the ham in a roasting pan and evenly spread the prepared glaze over it.

Step 5: Roast and Baste

Roast the uncovered ham for 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until heated through and the outside is caramelized.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the ham and serve hot with fresh pineapple chunks and reserved glaze.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and refrigerating. Leftovers can be kept well for up to four days. If there is extra glaze, store it in a covered jar and use it to enhance grilled meats or roasted veggies.

If planning to freeze the cooked ham, slice it and wrap each portion tightly. Label the portions for easy weekday meals. These frozen slices thaw beautifully and can be used in dishes like ham fried rice, stir-fries, or breakfast omelets for delicious future meals. Properly stored, the frozen ham will be a convenient and tasty addition to your meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, whole grain mustard or yellow mustard can be used as substitutes in this recipe. They will still provide a nice tangy flavor to complement the sweetness of the glaze. Additionally, if you’re out of honey, maple syrup can be a suitable replacement. The maple flavor will add a delicious twist to the glaze while still providing the necessary sweetness.

In the absence of pineapple juice, apple juice can be a good alternative to achieve a fruity and tangy flavor in the glaze. Just be sure to choose a pure apple juice without added sugars for the best results. Similarly, if you can’t find fresh pineapple chunks, canned pineapple chunks that are well-drained can be used as a convenient substitute. They will caramelize nicely and add a burst of fruity flavor to the ham.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try slicing the pineapple brown sugar glazed ham thinly and layering it on a platter with grilled pineapple rings and fresh mint leaves for a tropical twist. The combination of caramelized ham, sweet pineapple, and refreshing mint will elevate your holiday feast with a burst of flavors and colors. To add a touch of elegance, serve this delightful ensemble on a bed of arugula drizzled with a light balsamic glaze for a harmonious balance of flavors.

Another inventive way to serve this pineapple brown sugar glazed ham is by transforming it into a savory-sweet slider bar. Set up a spread with warm dinner rolls, assorted cheeses like smoked gouda and brie, a selection of condiments such as honey mustard and cranberry relish, and a side of arugula or baby spinach. Let your guests build their own sliders by layering the glazed ham with different toppings to create personalized flavor combinations. This interactive and customizable serving idea will surely be a hit at your next gathering, allowing everyone to enjoy a mini feast tailored to their preferences.

FAQs for Irresistible Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Can I use boneless ham instead of bone-in ham for this recipe?

Boneless ham can be used instead of bone-in ham for convenience in carving and serving. The flavor and juiciness might slightly differ, so choose based on your preference and occasion.

Can I use canned pineapple juice and chunks for this recipe?

Yes, canned pineapple juice and chunks work well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the glaze.

How can I prevent the ham from drying out during roasting?

To retain juiciness during roasting, baste the ham with the glaze periodically and cover it loosely with foil if it starts browning too quickly.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to two days ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it before applying it to the ham for convenience.

Conclusion

As you set out to create your own memorable moments around the table, remember that this Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is not just a dish—it’s a tradition in the making. Its sweet, sticky glaze and tender meat are sure to become a beloved staple at your family gatherings, just like it has been for many others. So take the time to savor the process of preparing this impressive ham, knowing that the smiles and satisfaction it brings are truly priceless.

Whether you’re cooking up this Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for a holiday feast or a Sunday dinner, the magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartwarming flavors. So gather your loved ones, slice into that beautifully glazed ham, and let the joy of sharing good food and good company fill your home. May every bite of this succulent ham remind you of the love and care you put into creating such a delightful masterpiece. Here’s to many more gatherings filled with laughter, love, and, of course, Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham!