Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and brown sugar with the savory richness of ham. This recipe is simple yet impressive, featuring a juicy ham baked to perfection and coated with a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a touch of mustard. As it cooks, the ham absorbs the flavors, becoming caramelized and tender, with a beautiful golden-brown crust. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple slices)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained and juice reserved
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks (for securing pineapple slices)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham:
- Remove any packaging from the ham and place it flat-side down in a large roasting pan.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/4-inch deep.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Glaze the Ham:
- Brush about half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Arrange the pineapple slices over the ham, securing each slice with a toothpick. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice if desired.
- Bake the Ham:
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the ham to brown and caramelize.
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Serve your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham warm, garnished with the caramelized pineapple slices and cherries. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite holiday sides!
