The holidays just aren’t the same without that perfect centerpiece, right? For me, it’s always a gorgeous, glistening ham that takes center stage. And let me tell you, this Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is an absolute show-stopper! I remember making it for the first time for our big family Christmas dinner a few years back, and the sighs of approval from everyone at the table were music to my ears. It’s got that perfect combo of sweet and savory that just screams celebration. Trust me, it’s way easier than it looks and will definitely impress your loved ones!
Why This Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is a Must-Make
There are so many reasons why this ham recipe is a winner for any festive meal. It’s one of those dishes that looks super impressive but is actually a breeze to put together, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday seasons!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory ham is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s a flavor profile everyone loves.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: That gorgeous glaze, the bright pineapple rings, and those little cherry pops? It’s practically begging to be the star of your holiday table!
- Simple to Make: Honestly, most of the work is just mixing the glaze and letting the oven do its magic. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef with minimal stress.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a special Sunday dinner, this ham always gets rave reviews. It’s that universally loved, comforting dish.
Gather Your Ingredients for Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar, you’ll need a few key players. Nothing too fancy, promise! It’s all about bringing these simple ingredients together to create something truly magical for your table.
- One fully cooked ham – Aim for about 8 to 10 pounds. This is your main event!
- 1 cup of brown sugar – Make sure it’s packed down nice and tight in your measuring cup!
- 1/2 cup of pineapple juice – This is going to make that glaze so wonderfully sticky and bright.
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard – It adds just the right amount of zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup of honey – For extra sweetness and that beautiful glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves – This spice is a secret weapon for warm, festive flavor!
- One 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, undrained – Don’t drain that juice, we need all of it!
- Maraschino cherries – Just a few for decorating! They add that pop of color.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
Okay, let’s get this beautiful ham into the oven! Making your Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is super straightforward, and it all starts with getting your oven ready. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every single step so you get that perfect, bubbly glaze. If you’ve ever roasted a turkey, the process will feel familiar, like this classic herb-butter roast turkey, but trust me, this ham is a whole other level of delicious!
Preparing the Ham and Glaze
First things first, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (that’s 160 degrees C). While that’s heating up, grab a good-sized roasting pan and place your ham right in the middle of it. Now for the magic ingredient: the glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and those lovely ground cloves. Keep stirring until it’s all smooth and gorgeously combined. You want it nice and uniform for the best flavor distribution.
Glazing and Baking Your Holiday Glazed Ham
Here comes the fun part! Pour about half of that delicious glaze all over your ham. Make sure to get it on there good! Pop the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. This gives the ham time to start warming through and soaking up those initial flavors. After that first hour, carefully take the ham out of the oven. Now, pour the rest of that glorious glaze over the ham – oh, the smell alone! – and then arrange the crushed pineapple all around it. Pop a few maraschino cherries into the pineapple rings for that festive flair. Now, back into the oven it goes! Continue baking for another 1 to 1.5 hours. You’re looking for the internal temperature to hit 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) when you check it with a thermometer. That’s your sign it’s perfectly cooked and ready!
Resting and Carving the Perfect Ham
Once your beautiful Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar hits that perfect temperature, pull it out of the oven. Now, this is important: let it rest for a good 15 minutes before you even think about carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, making it super moist and tender. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! After resting, go ahead and carve it up. For an extra crispy glaze, you can pop it under the broiler for just a minute or two at the very end, but keep a super close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Tips for the Best Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
Okay, so you’ve got all your ingredients ready and you’re about to embark on making this incredible Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar. To make sure it turns out absolutely perfect every single time, whether it’s for a massive feast or just a cozy family dinner, here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way. Think of them as little nudges in the right direction to guarantee deliciousness!
First off, the ham itself! Make sure you’re starting with a *fully cooked* ham. This recipe is all about heating it through and getting that amazing glaze on, not cooking it from raw. If your ham has a thick rind (that’s the tough outer skin), it’s a really good idea to score it in a diamond pattern before you start glazing. This helps the glaze get in there and makes it easier to cut later. And don’t be shy with that glaze – coat it well! It’s what transforms a good ham into a spectacular one. While you’re prepping, remember to check out these other delicious holiday side dishes that would pair perfectly. Also, keep an eye on that internal temperature; 140°F is the sweet spot for a juicy, tender ham.
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Ham
So, you’ve got this gorgeous, glistening ham ready to go. Now what do you serve it with? Honestly, this ham is so flavorful, it plays well with almost anything! But if you’re looking for some classic pairings to really make your holiday meal sing, I’ve got you covered.
You absolutely can’t go wrong with a big bowl of creamy garlic mashed potatoes. They’re like a warm hug on a plate! And of course, some roasted veggies are always a good idea – think crisp green beans, maybe some honey-glazed carrots, or even a roasted Brussels sprouts dish. For more ideas, check out these other easy Thanksgiving side dishes that work perfectly year-round. A fluffy dinner roll or two for soaking up any extra glaze is also a must!
Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Glazed Ham
Got questions about making this amazing Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar? You’re not alone! It’s a popular one, and people always want to make sure they get it just right. Let me help clear things up so your ham turns out absolutely perfect!
Can I use a different type of ham?
You bet! This recipe works wonderfully with a bone-in or boneless, fully cooked ham. If you’re using a fresh or uncooked ham, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly. For bone-in hams, the bone adds extra flavor, so don’t discard it!
How do I store leftovers?
Oh, ham leftovers are the best! Store any leftover glazed ham wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. The glaze can be stored separately, also in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whip up the glaze ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before you plan to bake the ham. Just give it a good stir before you use it!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that these numbers are just a ballpark estimate! Deliciousness can vary a bit based on the exact size of your ham and the brands you use, but generally, you’re looking at about 450 calories per 6-ounce serving. This includes around 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. So, enjoy your festive feast!
Share Your Holiday Glazed Ham Creation!
Have you made this show-stopping ham? I’d love to hear all about it! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, rate the recipe, or even share a photo of your beautiful creation on social media – tag me so I can see that gorgeous glaze!
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Holiday Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 min
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and savory glazed ham perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves. Stir until well combined.
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the ham from the oven and pour the remaining glaze over it.
- Arrange the crushed pineapple around the ham.
- Insert maraschino cherries into the pineapple rings.
- Continue baking for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For a crispier glaze, you can broil the ham for the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If your ham has a thick rind, score it in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
