Description
This Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe features a tender, fully cooked ham enhanced with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze complemented by Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and cloves. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and studded with pineapple rings and optional maraschino cherries, this dish is an ideal centerpiece for festive occasions or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 6 pounds)
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for brushing ham)
- 8 maraschino cherries (optional)
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings (with juices)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the ham.
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, diagonally score the surface of the fully cooked ham to allow the glaze to penetrate and for better browning. Place the ham in a casserole dish suitable for oven use.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice (reserved from the pineapple can), brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this glaze aside for later use.
- Apply Initial Coating: Brush the entire surface of the ham with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Pour the remaining pineapple juice over the ham to add moisture and flavor. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out during the initial bake.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 80 minutes, allowing it to heat through gently and absorb the flavors.
- Glaze and Decorate: Remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Brush the prepared pineapple glaze evenly over the ham. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the ham and secure each with a toothpick. For an extra touch of color and sweetness, add half a maraschino cherry to the center of each pineapple ring if desired.
- Final Baking: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Be careful not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Using a fully cooked ham reduces the required cooking time and ensures even heating.
- Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate and enhances the presentation.
- To check doneness without a thermometer, verify the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Resting the ham before slicing helps retain moisture and improves texture.
- Maraschino cherries are optional but add a classic festive look and sweetness.
