Oh my goodness, are you ready for a delicious treat that’ll make your holiday gatherings extra special? I can still vividly remember the first time I tried this Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham at my Aunt Ruth’s Christmas dinner. The aroma wafting through her house was intoxicating, and when I finally tasted it, I was in heaven! The sweet, sticky glaze combined beautifully with the savory meat, and ever since, it has become a staple at our family celebrations.
This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories around the table with loved ones. It’s a showstopper that brings everyone together, whether it’s a holiday feast or just a Sunday dinner. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering ham that’s sure to impress!
What’s in Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham?
Fully cooked, bone-in ham: The star of the show! I usually go for a ham weighing around 8-10 pounds, as it provides a great balance of meat and flavor. Be sure to choose one that’s fully cooked to make the process a breeze!
Honey: This is what gives our glaze a luscious sweetness. I like to use local honey whenever possible; it’s wonderful for both flavor and potential health benefits.
Brown sugar: Adds that rich, caramel-like sweetness. Dark brown sugar works beautifully if you want a deeper flavor.
Dijon mustard: Just a smidge is all you need to balance out the sweetness with a hint of tang. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Pineapple juice: Fresh, vibrant, and adds a refreshing flavor to the glaze. I usually go for 100% juice with no added sugars.
Sliced pineapple: It’s not just for decoration! Those juicy slices soak up the glaze beautifully and lend extra flavor to the ham. Reserve that juice for the glaze!
Maraschino cherries: These are like the cherry on top—literally! They add a fun, festive touch when placed at the center of each pineapple slice.
Fresh parsley: Not just for garnish! It adds a pop of color that brightens up the dish.
Is Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham Good for You?
Let’s talk about how delicious this ham can also pack some surprises for your health!
Ham: It’s a great source of protein and essential nutrients, but remember to enjoy it in moderation since it can be high in sodium.
Pineapple: This tropical fruit is loaded with vitamins and digestive benefits, like bromelain, which is known to assist digestion.
Honey and brown sugar: While they are sweeteners, honey has some antioxidants and potential health benefits. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way in terms of sugar intake.
While it’s definitely a treat for your taste buds, be cautious if you’re watching your sodium or sugar levels. Balancing it with healthy sides can keep this meal both satisfying and nutritious!
Ingredients
– 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 can (20 ounces) sliced pineapple, drained (reserve juice)
– Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
*Serves 10-12 people.*
How to Make Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). The smell of that ham baking is something you don’t want to miss!
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Now, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This meticulous step helps the glaze seep in beautifully.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and reserved pineapple juice. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, giving it a little stir now and then. Remove from heat and let that sweet aroma fill your kitchen!
4. Brush some of the glaze over the surface of the ham. Don’t be shy—make it look pretty! Reserve the remaining glaze for basting.
5. Arrange the drained pineapple slices over the ham—get creative here! Secure them with toothpicks if they aren’t staying put, and finish them off with a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice.
6. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Set your timer to baste every 20-30 minutes with the reserved glaze; this will really help in achieving that sticky, flavorful finish!
7. In the last 30 minutes of baking, go ahead and remove the foil. We want to crank up the caramelization on that glorious glaze.
8. Once done, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This ensures that all those juices stay in.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It’s all about that presentation!
Garnish and Serving Suggestions
Pair this delightful dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for balance. If you have leftover glaze (and I hope you do), drizzle it over the ham slices when serving for that extra zing of flavor!
Now that you’re armed with the sweetness of my cherished Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham recipe, I can’t wait for you to try it! Trust me, your family will be talking about this dish for years to come. I’d love to hear how it turns out, so share your experiences and any fun stories that come with it! Happy cooking!
