This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is an unforgettable addition to any holiday spread, combining the deep, rich sweetness of brown sugar with the tang of pineapple for a perfect blend of flavors. The glaze infuses each slice with sweet, savory goodness, while the oven-baking process keeps the ham juicy and tender.
Perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings, this ham is easy to prepare yet makes a stunning centerpiece. The caramelized glaze not only tastes amazing but also gives the ham a beautiful golden-brown sheen that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Serve with your favorite sides to complete the meal, and enjoy a festive dish that’s sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
For the Pineapple Ham Glaze:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 12 ounces cola or Dr. Pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1½ tablespoons grainy mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Spiral Ham:
- 1 (6-9 pound) spiral-sliced city ham
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (1 large can)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients: brown sugar, cola, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon and grainy mustard, ginger, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring often, for 20-30 minutes, until the glaze reaches a syrupy consistency. Set aside.
- Score the ham with ½-inch deep slices spaced 1 inch apart. Cover and bake for 1 hour.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into each cut. Spread crushed pineapple evenly over the ham and pour half of the remaining glaze on top.
- Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, then baste with the glaze every 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Total cooking time is about 40-60 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes
Kcal: 451 kcal per serving Servings: 12 servings
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham: A Festive Centerpiece for Holiday Gatherings
A beautifully glazed Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is one of those dishes that can effortlessly transform a holiday table. With a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe brings together the caramel-like richness of brown sugar, the tangy sweetness of pineapple, and a selection of spices for depth and warmth. Holiday dinners often revolve around comfort food, and this ham not only fulfills that role but also creates an unforgettable centerpiece that both adults and children enjoy. In this article, we’ll delve into the appeal of this dish, explore some cooking tips, offer variations, and suggest some ideal pairings to round out the meal.
The Appeal of Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Holiday meals are about more than just food—they’re about creating moments, and a glazed ham is a visual and culinary showstopper that fits this theme beautifully. Spiral-cut ham is a classic choice for holiday dinners because it’s easy to serve and even easier to enhance with glazes and toppings. The combination of brown sugar and pineapple, in particular, brings out a glossy, slightly sticky coating that complements the ham’s natural saltiness, delivering a burst of flavors in every bite.
The process of making Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham may seem elaborate, but it’s surprisingly easy. Spiral hams come pre-cooked and pre-sliced, making it simpler to focus on creating an irresistible glaze. This recipe’s use of brown sugar, cola (or even Dr. Pepper), and crushed pineapple adds just the right amount of sweetness, while mustards and spices balance it with a subtle tang and warmth. As the glaze caramelizes during baking, it creates a beautiful, deep-brown crust that locks in moisture, ensuring the ham remains juicy.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
- Use a Good Quality Spiral-Cut Ham: Start with a high-quality ham that is pre-sliced, which makes it easy to add flavor and serve later. A spiral-cut ham also allows the glaze to penetrate between the slices, ensuring even flavor distribution throughout.
- Score the Surface: Scoring the surface of the ham before glazing allows the glaze to seep into the meat, creating even more flavor. Small, shallow cuts spaced evenly on the ham’s surface will provide optimal results.
- Apply the Glaze in Stages: Glazing the ham in stages throughout the cooking process helps the sugars caramelize and adhere to the ham. Start by applying half of the glaze at the beginning, then baste with the remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes. This gradual application builds a rich, sticky coating.
- Mind the Temperature: The ham is already fully cooked, so the goal is simply to heat it through and glaze it without drying it out. Bake at a low temperature (325°F) and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F. This prevents overcooking while ensuring the ham is juicy and tender.
Variations on the Classic Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
This traditional glaze is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to add even more complexity. Here are a few ideas:
- Maple and Mustard Glaze: For a deeper sweetness, try adding maple syrup to the glaze. Maple pairs wonderfully with mustard, and adding some ground cloves or allspice will give it a warm, spicy touch.
- Honey and Orange Glaze: Swap the pineapple for fresh-squeezed orange juice and add honey instead of brown sugar. The orange’s citrusy brightness brings out a refreshing contrast to the ham’s natural saltiness.
- Spicy Jalapeño and Pineapple: Add a touch of heat by mixing finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the glaze. This version offers a sweet-spicy contrast that’s unique and crowd-pleasing.
- Ginger and Soy Sauce Infusion: For an Asian-inspired twist, add fresh ginger and soy sauce to the glaze. This adds umami depth and a slight tang that complements the brown sugar’s sweetness, creating a complex flavor profile.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about cooking a large ham is the leftover possibilities. Properly stored, leftover ham can be enjoyed over several days or frozen for future meals.
- Refrigerating: Store leftover ham slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil to keep moisture locked in. Refrigerate for up to four days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the ham slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, the ham can be frozen for up to two months. To prevent freezer burn, consider wrapping the ham twice.
- Reheating: When reheating, thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight, then heat it in a 325°F oven, covered, until warmed through. Adding a bit of water or some reserved glaze will keep the ham moist.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
A ham like this is versatile enough to pair with various sides, from traditional to modern.
- Classic Sides: Pair with classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. Scalloped potatoes or a cheesy potato casserole also complement the flavors beautifully.
- Bright, Citrusy Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with citrus slices, nuts, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the ham’s rich, sweet glaze. The citrus notes play well with the pineapple and brown sugar in the glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, honey-glazed carrots, or sweet potato wedges work well. Their earthy flavors and natural sweetness pair perfectly with the ham.
- Tropical-Inspired Side Dishes: To emphasize the pineapple theme, serve with a pineapple rice pilaf, coconut-lime cauliflower rice, or a tropical fruit salad. This approach offers a fun, refreshing twist that enhances the pineapple glaze’s flavors.
Ideas for Using Leftover Ham
A large ham often means leftovers, which can be used to create various dishes beyond simple ham sandwiches.
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole: Mix leftover ham with eggs, cheese, and bread to make a comforting breakfast casserole. This can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Ham and Potato Soup: Dice leftover ham to add protein and flavor to a creamy potato soup. This is an ideal way to enjoy the ham’s flavor in a cozy, warming dish.
- Ham and Pineapple Pizza: A classic combination, ham and pineapple make for a tasty pizza topping. Add some mozzarella cheese, and bake on a pre-made crust or naan bread for a quick, easy meal.
- Ham Pasta with Cream Sauce: Sauté diced ham with garlic, then add cream and Parmesan for a rich pasta sauce. Stir in some fresh herbs for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Why Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is Perfect for Gatherings
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is an ideal dish for large gatherings, especially during the holidays. It’s substantial enough to serve as a main course for a crowd, visually impressive, and doesn’t require constant monitoring, allowing the host more time to spend with guests. Its versatility makes it an easy choice for a wide range of side dishes, allowing it to fit into different holiday traditions and family preferences.
The combination of flavors is universally appealing—the sweet and sticky glaze is well-loved by children and adults alike, and the saltiness of the ham itself prevents the dish from being overly sweet. This balanced flavor profile also makes the ham suitable for pairing with various wines and holiday cocktails, from red wines like Pinot Noir to sparkling white wines or even a spiced holiday punch.
One unique benefit of this dish is that it’s a forgiving recipe. Since spiral hams come pre-cooked, you’re primarily focused on heating it and achieving that perfectly caramelized glaze. As long as you keep an eye on the oven to avoid drying out the ham, it’s almost foolproof. This reliability is particularly helpful for novice cooks who want to impress without taking too many risks.
Conclusion: A Dish That Captures the Spirit of the Holidays
In summary, Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is more than just a main course—it’s a holiday tradition in itself. Its sweet, savory flavors, beautiful presentation, and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a dish that many families look forward to each year. Not only does it offer the perfect balance of taste and texture, but it’s also highly versatile, easy to prepare, and pairs well with a variety of side dishes and holiday drinks.
From its humble origins to its prominent place on holiday tables today, this dish embodies the warmth and togetherness of holiday celebrations. Preparing it is a wonderful way to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones, and share a meal that will be remembered long after the plates are cleared. Whether you’re new to holiday hosting or a seasoned pro, Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a surefire way to make the occasion feel special and memorable.