Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze! It’s like a flavor explosion that just screams celebration! The sweet, sticky glaze perfectly complements the savory ham, creating a masterpiece that I can’t resist. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering; everyone was raving about it! It’s become a staple at our holiday table, and you can bet I always make extra because leftovers are just as divine. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is absolutely heavenly—trust me, you’ll have everyone wandering in to see what’s cooking! This dish isn’t just food; it’s a delicious way to bring family and friends together, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients for Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this baked ham truly shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds) – this is the star of the show!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – I love using packed sugar for that extra sweetness!
- 1 cup pineapple juice – it adds that juicy flavor and helps the glaze stick!
- 1 can pineapple slices (in juice) – these are perfect for garnishing and infusing even more flavor!
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – it gives a delightful tang to balance the sweetness!
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – just a pinch for that warm, aromatic touch!
Trust me, these simple yet flavorful ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s not just a meal but a celebration on your plate!
How to Prepare Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze
Now onto the fun part—getting this glorious ham ready for the oven! The preparation is straightforward, and trust me, you’ll want to follow these steps closely for the best results. Let’s dive in!
Preheating and Preparing the Ham
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step is crucial because you want your ham to cook evenly and thoroughly. While that’s heating up, take a sharp knife and score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only looks pretty but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat, making each bite incredibly flavorful!
Making the Glaze
Next, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and well-blended. You want every bite of that glaze to be bursting with flavor, so don’t skip this step! It’s like a sweet tropical hug for your ham!
Baking the Ham
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Place your scored ham in a roasting pan, and pour that luscious glaze over it, ensuring it’s well coated. Don’t be shy with the glaze! Then, arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham and secure them with toothpicks if needed. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil—this helps keep it moist while baking. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. For the last 30 minutes, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize beautifully. The smell that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table! Once it’s done, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring it’s juicy and tender for serving!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this recipe. The values provided here are estimates and may not be exact. Always check the packaging for the most accurate information, especially if you’re watching your intake! Enjoy your delicious baked ham without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning centerpiece for any meal!
- Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet pineapple and rich brown sugar makes every bite unforgettable.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for holidays, parties, or family dinners.
- Leftovers are amazing: Trust me, the ham tastes even better the next day in sandwiches or salads!
- Beautiful presentation: That glaze and those pineapple slices create a gorgeous, festive look on your table!
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked ham is nothing short of spectacular, here are my top tips! First, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham. If you like a little extra kick, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more mustard or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze. And don’t forget to baste the ham with its juices every 30 minutes—this helps keep it moist and flavorful! Lastly, let it rest after baking; this simple step makes a world of difference in juiciness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover baked ham is super easy! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—perfect for enjoying those delicious leftovers! When you’re ready to indulge again, simply slice the ham and reheat it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quicker option, but I recommend using the oven for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy every last bite of that sweet, sticky goodness!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common ones I hear about this delicious baked ham recipe:
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a bone-in ham for its flavor, you can use a boneless ham or even a smoked ham if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
What side dishes pair well with this ham?
This baked ham is incredibly versatile! I recommend serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Anything with a bit of crunch balances the sweet glaze perfectly!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to keep that flavor intact!
Can I freeze the ham?
Yes! You can freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. Just slice it up, wrap it tightly, and label it. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating for best results!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You sure can! Feel free to mix up the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using!
Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious baked ham recipe featuring a sweet pineapple and brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can pineapple slices (in juice)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, and ground cloves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it covers well.
- Arrange pineapple slices on top of the ham and secure with toothpicks.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Consider serving with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked ham, pineapple glaze, brown sugar ham
