I can hardly contain my excitement as I share with you my absolute favorite holiday recipe: the Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple! This dish has become a cherished tradition in my home, making an appearance at every festive gathering. Trust me when I say, I’ve made this show-stopping ham at least a dozen times, and every single time it has wowed my family and friends! The combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham creates a mouthwatering experience that is simply unforgettable. If you want to elevate your holiday feast and create lasting memories, keep reading because this recipe is a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet pineapple glaze perfectly complements the savory ham, creating a symphony of taste you won’t forget.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a stunning centerpiece without the stress.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the pineapple and ham make for an Instagram-worthy dish.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with various sides, making it suitable for any holiday gathering.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep it in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.
The Secret to Perfect Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
The secret to achieving the perfect Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple lies in the glaze itself. A delicious combination of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice creates a sweet and tangy flavor explosion that seeps into every bite of the ham. I always recommend using a bone-in ham for the best flavor and moisture. Here’s my insider tip: baste the ham with the glaze every 20 minutes while it cooks. This ensures that the glaze caramelizes beautifully and creates that glossy finish we all love. Trust me, this little trick will make your ham the star of the show!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This ham was the highlight of our Christmas dinner! Everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. Thank you for sharing such an amazing recipe!” – Sarah L.
“I’ve made this ham for the past two years, and it gets better every time! The pineapple glaze is a game-changer!” – Mark T.
“I was hesitant to try glazing ham but this recipe was so easy! It turned out perfectly and my guests loved it!” – Jenna R.
Creative Variations to Try
- Maple-Glazed Twist: Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar in the glaze for a delightful, unique flavor.
- Spicy Pineapple Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Citrus Infusion: Mix in orange juice and zest with the pineapple juice for a fresh, zesty twist.
- Herb-Infused Glaze: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic touch.
- Bonus: For a tropical twist, add chopped mango to the glaze for an unexpected flavor burst!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with boneless hams or even smaller hams; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers?
After your feast, let the ham cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the glazed ham?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can substitute it with yellow mustard or even honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain moisture.
- For serving, slice the ham into thick pieces to showcase the beautiful glaze.
- Pair with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Perfect Occasions for Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- Christmas dinner with family and friends.
- Thanksgiving celebrations for a unique twist.
- New Year’s Eve parties as a festive centerpiece.
- Holiday potlucks where you want to impress!
- Sunday family dinners during the winter season.
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me through this delicious journey! Now, let’s dive into the actual recipe for the Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple!
Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple (optional, for garnishing)
- Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
Tip: Make sure to check the ham’s packaging for specific cooking instructions as they may vary based on the size and type.
Extend ingredients section: You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for a tangy note, or swap out the Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard for a bolder flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing the sweetness of the glaze with the savory ham, ensuring every bite is a delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the perfect temperature for slow-roasting your ham, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan. If desired, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves into the intersections for added flavor and aroma.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice until smooth. This luscious glaze is what makes this ham truly irresistible!
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into all the crevices. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Remember to baste the ham every 20 minutes with the reserved glaze to achieve that beautiful caramelized exterior. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Add Pineapple Slices
If using, add the pineapple slices to the pan during the last 30 minutes of baking. This will infuse even more flavor into the ham and create an appealing presentation.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your ham juicy and flavorful!
Nutrition Info: A typical serving of this Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple (3 oz) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 30g of protein, and 6g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values can vary based on the
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