There are some dishes that are a holiday tradition, and a beautifully glazed ham is at the top of that list. This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham takes a classic and elevates it to a new level of sweet, savory perfection. The combination of sweet pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, and a hint of savory soy sauce creates a sticky, irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. It’s a showstopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
This recipe is a favorite because it’s a simple, foolproof way to create a holiday meal that looks and tastes like it took all day. The glaze is the star of the show—it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the soy sauce adding a depth of savory, umami flavor that makes it stand out from a traditional glaze. The pre-cooked ham makes the process incredibly easy, and the baking time is mostly hands-off, leaving you free to prepare other dishes. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
Here is a complete list of what you’ll need to create this amazing Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, expanding on your provided partial list:
- For the Ham:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless), about 8-10 pounds
- Whole cloves (optional, for a classic look)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, for a little zing)
- For Serving:
- Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (optional, for a classic garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Ham: A pre-cooked ham is a must for this recipe, making the process much easier. You can use either a bone-in or boneless ham, whatever you prefer. The bone-in ham can sometimes be more flavorful.
- Pineapple Juice: The juice from a can of pineapple rings works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use fresh pineapple juice.
- Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to better control the saltiness of the glaze. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a nice tang that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple juice.
- Garnish: The classic garnish of pineapple rings and maraschino cherries is a fun and festive touch.
- Spices: A little bit of grated fresh ginger adds a nice zing that complements the pineapple beautifully. You can also add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat Oven & Prep Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan. If using a bone-in ham, score the top in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. If you like, you can stick a whole clove into the center of each diamond.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and grated fresh ginger (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Glaze the Ham: During the last 30 minutes of baking, brush the ham generously with the glaze every 10 minutes. This will create a beautiful, sticky, and caramelized crust.
- Finish & Garnish: Once the ham is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. If you’re using pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, you can add them to the ham during the last 15 minutes of baking for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for Success
- Use a Pre-Cooked Ham: This recipe is designed for a pre-cooked ham, which makes the process much easier. You are essentially just heating it and creating the glaze.
- Score the Ham: Scoring the ham not only creates a beautiful look, but it also allows the glaze to seep into the meat and flavor it.
- Brush Frequently: Brushing the ham with the glaze every 10 minutes during the last 30 minutes of baking is crucial for building a thick, caramelized crust.
- Let it Rest: Resting the ham for 10-15 minutes after baking is an important step that allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- A simple side salad
- Scalloped potatoes
For other crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make meals, consider:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile! You can use it for sandwiches, omelets, or in a simple soup. To reheat, gently warm the slices in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you appreciate bold, savory, and satisfying meals, you’ll find more to love on ChefManiac.com:
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a simple yet elegant centerpiece that will make any holiday meal feel special. It’s sweet, it’s savory, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a delicious, memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What are your favorite holiday dishes? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, brush with additional glaze, and continue baking for another 15 minutes, basting occasionally, until caramelized and heated through.
- Once done, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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