Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

$To make this sticky pineapple brown sugar glazed ham, you will need: - 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds) - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 cup pineapple juice - ½ cup honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple, drained (reserve juice) - 10-12 whole cloves (for studding the ham) The glaze brings a sweet and tangy taste. Brown sugar creates a rich sweetness. Pineapple juice adds a fruity zing. Honey enhances the glaze's stickiness. Dijon mustard gives a slight bite. Ground cloves and cinnamon add warmth and depth. Black pepper balances the sweetness with a hint of spice. Each element works together for a delicious flavor experience. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard works too but has a milder taste. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you can't find whole cloves, ground cloves can work, but use less. Adjust according to your taste preferences. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, take your fully cooked ham and score it. Make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern, one inch apart. This helps the glaze soak in. Now, stud the cuts with whole cloves. This adds flavor and makes the ham look nice. Now, let’s make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, mix the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it often until it is smooth and bubbly. This should take about 5 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. Place the ham in a roasting pan with the cut side down. Pour half of the glaze over the top of the ham. Arrange the pineapple slices on top. If needed, use toothpicks to keep them in place. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want the internal temperature to reach 140°F (60°C). After that, remove the foil. Baste the ham with the remaining glaze and bake it for another 30 minutes. Baste every 10 minutes during this time. This helps the glaze become sticky and caramelized. Once done, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step keeps it juicy. Finally, slice the ham and plate it nicely with the glazed pineapples around it. Enjoy your sticky pineapple brown sugar glazed ham! To get that shiny, sticky glaze, heat your glaze mix well. Stir it until it is smooth and bubbly. This helps the sugar melt and blend with the juices. Pour half the glaze on the ham before baking. Baste it every ten minutes toward the end. This makes the glaze caramelize and stick well. To heat the ham evenly, score it in a diamond shape. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat. Place the ham cut side down in the pan. This helps keep it moist. Cover it loosely with foil during the first baking. This traps heat and warms the ham just right. Want to add more depth? Try using different spices. Ground ginger can give a nice kick. A bit of nutmeg adds warmth. You can also mix in some chili powder for a spicy touch. Experiment to find your perfect flavor blend. Enjoy the process and make it your own! {{image_2}} You can switch up the brown sugar in this recipe. Try using maple syrup for a deep flavor. Agave nectar offers a lighter touch, making the glaze less sticky. Each sweetener changes the taste and texture. Honey can also work well if you want a floral note. Experiment with what you have on hand. You don't have to stick to ham. A pork shoulder can work for this recipe. It will offer a great taste but will need longer cooking time. Turkey also makes a nice choice for a lighter meal. Just adjust the bake time based on the meat you choose. Each meat will soak up the glaze differently. Adding fruits can enhance your dish's flavor and texture. Consider using diced apples or pears for a fresh crunch. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a nice crunch too. These ingredients make your dish unique and fun. Just make sure to add them near the end of baking to keep them fresh. After your sticky pineapple brown sugar glazed ham cools, slice it for easy storage. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in the ham. Store the slices in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Always ensure the ham is cooled to room temperature before sealing. To reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of pineapple juice for moisture. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You want the internal temperature to reach 140°F (60°C). If you like, brush with leftover glaze for extra flavor. You can freeze the ham if you have leftovers. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps keep the flavor and texture nice. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. You can check the ham's doneness by measuring its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature for ham is 140°F (60°C). If it reaches this, it’s ready. You can also check the color. The meat should be pink and juicy. If it looks dry, it may be overcooked. Yes, you can use a spiral-cut ham. It works well with this glaze. The cuts allow the glaze to seep into the meat. This makes every bite sweet and sticky. Just adjust the cooking time. Spiral-cut hams are often smaller and may cook faster. Many sides pair well with glazed ham. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Green bean casserole - Macaroni and cheese - Coleslaw These sides balance the sweetness of the ham. They also bring color and variety to your plate. Cooking a glazed ham can be easy and fun. We covered the key ingredients and steps needed to make it shine. The tips and tricks shared help you get that perfect glaze and even cooking. You also learned about variations to customize your dish and how to store leftovers. No matter your choice of meat or flavors, this dish can be a hit. Follow these steps to create a tasty centerpiece for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Elevate your holiday dinner with this Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham! This delicious recipe combines succulent flavors of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple, making every bite a festive treat. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, your family will love this showstopper!

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Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup pineapple juice

½ cup honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple, drained (reserve juice)

10-12 whole cloves (for studding the ham)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. Stud the intersections with whole cloves to elevate the flavor and presentation.

Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare for Baking: Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and pour half of the glaze over the top. Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing them in place with toothpicks if necessary.

Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until heated through (internal temperature should reach about 140°F or 60°C).

Glaze again: Remove the foil, baste the ham with the remaining glaze, and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. Baste every 10 minutes during this time.

Rest and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist result.

Slice and Plate: Slice the ham and serve it with the glazed pineapples arranged beautifully around the edges.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 10-12