Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Ham with Pineapple Sauce recipe! Imagine a perfectly glazed ham that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a show-stopping main course, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create memories around the dinner table that will last a lifetime.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 can pineapple slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for heating the fully cooked ham and allowing the flavors to meld.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the ham. If it comes with a plastic cap over the bone, remove it. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down, ensuring it fits snugly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This will be your glaze.
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the surface evenly. Use a brush or spoon to spread it into any crevices for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking. This will help keep the ham juicy and tender.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. During the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color.
- While the ham is baking, open the can of pineapple slices and drain the juice. Set the pineapple slices aside for later use.
- After the ham has baked for 40 minutes, baste it with the remaining glaze to enhance the flavor. Repeat this process every 10 minutes until the ham is fully cooked.
- In the final 10 minutes of cooking, arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. This will allow the pineapple to warm through and infuse the ham with its flavor.
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
- Slice the ham into thick or thin pieces as desired, serving it alongside the caramelized pineapple slices. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the slices for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve the ham with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad, to complete your meal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal flavor and texture.
- Glaze Magic: The secret to an amazing ham is in the glaze. Whisk your ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that caramelizes beautifully.
- Moisture Matters: Covering the ham with foil for most of the cooking time helps retain moisture, preventing it from drying out.
- Pineapple Placement: When adding pineapple slices, arrange them strategically to create an attractive presentation and maximize flavor infusion.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your ham rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and delicious.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
- Leftover Love: This ham is perfect for sandwiches, salads, and other recipes in the days following your main meal. Don't let any deliciousness go to waste!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 12mg
