Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Welcome to a culinary delight that will elevate any occasion – the Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of warmth, celebration, and cherished family gatherings. Imagine the sweet aroma of pineapple-infused ham wafting through your kitchen, setting the stage for a memorable meal that brings loved ones together.

In my kitchen, the Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about creating lasting traditions. Each slice of ham glazed to perfection with a sweet and tangy sauce spells out joy and togetherness. And let’s not forget the iconic pineapple rings that caramelize beautifully, adding a touch of tropical sweetness to every bite.

Whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight is sure to steal the show. With just a few simple ingredients and a lot of love, you can turn a humble ham into a centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for more. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and let the magic of this delightful ham dish create memories that will linger long after the last slice is gone.

Quick Benefits

• Pineapple juice tenderizes the ham, enhancing its flavor and texture.
• Fully cooked bone-in ham offers maximum flavor, especially when scored for glaze absorption.
• Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, omelets, salads, or soups, providing versatile meal options.
• The glaze ingredients – brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves – create a sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The sweet and tangy pineapple glaze combined with the smoky flavors of the ham create a delightful taste experience that is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Showstopping Presentation: The glistening and caramelized pineapple rings on top of the ham make for a visually stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests and elevate any holiday or special occasion meal.
• Memorable Tradition: The tradition of serving pineapple rings on the ham, as mentioned in the article, adds a sentimental touch to the meal, making it a special and cherished family tradition that can be passed down through generations.
• Versatile Dish: This ham can be enjoyed in various ways beyond the initial meal, from sandwiches to omelets to salads, providing delicious options for using up leftovers and ensuring that no part of the ham goes to waste.
• Customizable: The recipe offers various substitution options and suggestions for different seasons, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences and experiment with different flavors to suit different occasions and tastes.

Ingredients for Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Main

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)

Glaze

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

Toppings and Garnish

• Pineapple rings, canned or fresh
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• Maraschino cherries (optional)

Pro Tips for Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Pro tip: To ensure a juicy and flavorful ham, baste it every half hour during roasting to build a deep, lacquered crust. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Pro tip: For a festive presentation, add pineapple rings and optional cherries during the last 30 minutes of roasting. This will caramelize the fruit and add a beautiful touch to your centerpiece ham.

Pro tip: When using fresh pineapple rings instead of canned, you’ll enjoy a more vibrant and natural flavor. Consider this swap for a fresher taste that complements the sweet and tangy glaze.

How to Make Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ham

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham in roasting pan, cut side down, and score surface in a diamond crosshatch pattern.

Step 2: Simmer Glaze

In a saucepan, mix together brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.

Step 3: Glaze Ham

Evenly brush half of the glaze over the ham. Loosely cover with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Roast

Roast the ham in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and Cherries

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, uncover the ham, place pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top, baste with glaze, and return to oven until golden and caramelized.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Take the ham out of the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve while warm.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight, storing any leftovers is a simple process. Wrap the leftover ham tightly in foil and place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to five days. Sliced ham can be versatilely used in sandwiches, omelets, salads, or even saved for future soup by keeping the ham bone. Freezing leftover ham is also an option by wrapping slices tightly or cubing the ham and storing it in freezer bags for up to three months. When ready to use the frozen ham, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently rewarm with a few spoonfuls of leftover glaze for a delicious meal.

For best results, cover the ham with foil during baking, baste frequently with the glaze to retain moisture and tenderness, and allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure juicy and tender pieces. Fresh pineapple rings can be substituted for canned ones, providing a more vibrant and natural flavor to the dish. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight for several days after your initial preparation, savoring the flavors and memories it brings to your table.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple rings can be used as a convenient and delicious alternative. They will still soak up the sweet glaze and caramelize beautifully during roasting, just like fresh pineapple would.

For a different flavor profile, maple syrup can be substituted for honey in the glaze. This swap will provide a deeper and slightly richer taste to complement the savory ham. Additionally, if Dijon mustard is too strong for your liking, you can opt for plain yellow mustard as a milder alternative that will still add a nice tang to the glaze.

Consider experimenting with ground allspice or a small pinch of cinnamon as substitutes for the ground cloves if needed. Both spices can offer a unique twist to the glaze while still providing warm and aromatic notes that complement the ham. These simple swaps can cater to personal preferences and spice availability in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the pineapple-glazed ham on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice, garnished with caramelized pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. The vibrant colors and tropical flavors will transport your guests to a sunny island paradise, perfect for a summer gathering or luau-themed party.

Another fun idea is to use the leftover pineapple-glazed ham to make sliders with toasted brioche buns, melted Swiss cheese, and a dollop of tangy mustard. The sweet and savory combination will delight your taste buds, making for a delicious and easy-to-eat party appetizer or a casual weeknight dinner option.

FAQs for Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Can I substitute fresh pineapple rings for canned ones in this recipe?

Yes, fresh pineapple rings can be substituted for canned, offering a more vibrant and natural flavor.

What are the key ingredients in the glaze for this Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe?

The glaze combines brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves, simmered to thicken slightly.

Why is it recommended to let the ham rest before slicing?

Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure juicy, tender pieces and easier slicing.

Why is it important to cover the ham with foil during baking and baste it frequently?

Cover the ham with foil during baking and baste frequently with glaze to retain moisture and ensure tenderness.

Conclusion

As you prepare to serve up this Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight to your loved ones, remember that beyond its delicious taste, this dish carries with it the warmth of tradition and the joy of shared meals. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the ham cooks is just a preview of the smiles and laughter that will follow as you gather around the table.

Whether you’re making this for a holiday feast, a special occasion, or simply to bring some extra cheer to a regular day, the Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The versatility of this dish, from sandwiches to salads, ensures that every last bite will be savored and enjoyed.

So, let the sweet tang of pineapple, the caramelized glaze, and the tender ham inspire you to create lasting memories and moments of togetherness. Embrace the simplicity and heartwarming flavors of this recipe, and watch as it brings your family and friends closer with every bite of Pineapple Glazed Ham Delight.