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Best Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple: Easy Holiday Recipe

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This Best Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the result of a conversation with a neighbor and a decade of tinkering. It’s the recipe I turn to for Easter, Christmas, or any big get-together where I need to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, fully cooked, spiral-cut ham
  • Whole cloves (optional, about 30-40)
  • 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (unsweetened)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple rings in juice, drained (for garnish, optional)
  • Maraschino cherries (about 15-20), drained (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ham (10 minutes): Take your ham out of the refrigerator about 1-2 hours before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard the glaze packet. Rinse the ham under cool water and pat it dry very thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. Score the Ham (5 minutes): Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ¼-inch deep. If you’re using whole cloves, press one into the center of each diamond.
  3. Make the Glaze (10 minutes): In a small saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, unsalted butter, ground cloves, and cinnamon (if using). Place the pan over medium heat and whisk frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat and Position: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham, cut side down, on the rack in your roasting pan. Pour about ½ cup of water into the bottom of the pan to create steam.
  5. Initial Bake (1 hour 30 minutes): Cover the ham tightly with a large piece of aluminum foil. Bake for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or about 10-12 minutes per pound.
  6. First Glaze Application (15 minutes): Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Brush a generous layer of the brown sugar pineapple glaze all over the surface of the ham, getting it into the spiral cuts. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Glaze and Baste (45 minutes total): After 15 minutes, remove the ham and brush it with another layer of glaze. Baste the ham with the pan juices as well. Return it to the oven. Repeat this process every 15 minutes for a total of 3 more basting sessions (about 45 minutes more).
  8. Add the Pineapple Garnish (Optional, 15 minutes): During the last 15 minutes of baking, carefully arrange the pineapple rings on the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. Brush the pineapple rings with a little bit of the glaze.
  9. Check for Doneness: Your ham is ready when it’s heated through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching bone) registers 140°F (60°C). The glaze should be a deep, rich amber color and bubbling.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Transfer the ham to a large platter, pour some of the pan juices over the top, and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overcook the ham; the goal is an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Low and slow is key: start at 325°F then bump up to 350°F for glazing. Baste frequently to build a sticky crust. Watch the sugar to prevent burning. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Make extra glaze to serve on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed ham, pineapple ham, holiday ham, Easter ham, Christmas ham, spiral ham, glazed ham recipe, easy ham recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/best-brown-sugar-glazed-ham-with-pineapple-easy-holiday-recipe/