Delicious and Easy: Glazing a Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple
Glazing a ham with brown sugar and pineapple is a classic and delicious way to enhance the flavor of this popular holiday dish. The combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham, resulting in a flavorful and visually appealing main course. Whether you’re preparing a ham for a holiday gathering or a special family meal, mastering the art of glazing with brown sugar and pineapple is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 can of pineapple slices or chunks
- Whole cloves
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the ham by scoring the surface in a diamond pattern and placing whole cloves at the points of the diamonds.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake for about 1 hour. While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze.
- For the glaze, combine the brown sugar and pineapple juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- After the sugar has dissolved, add the pineapple slices or chunks to the saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Once the ham has baked for an hour, remove it from the oven and generously brush the glaze over the surface of the ham.
- Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, basting with the glaze every 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips for Success:
- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard to the glaze.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the mixture and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Be sure to keep an eye on the ham as it bakes to prevent the glaze from burning. If the surface begins to darken too much, you can tent the ham with foil.
With these simple steps and a few key ingredients, you can easily glaze a ham with brown sugar and pineapple to perfection. The sweet and tangy flavors will complement the savory ham, creating a memorable dish that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this glazed ham will be a delicious centerpiece for any occasion.