Let me take you on a sweet and savory adventure with my favorite holiday centerpiece—Baked Ham with Pineapple! This dish holds a special spot in my heart because it’s an absolute showstopper at family gatherings. Picture this: a beautifully glazed ham, glistening with honey and brown sugar, adorned with juicy pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, just waiting to be sliced. It’s like a festive hug served on a platter, and every bite is pure bliss!
I remember the first time I made this ham for Easter dinner. The aroma filled our home, and even my notoriously picky cousin was sneaking bites when she thought no one was watching! Friends, this recipe has a magical way of bringing everyone together around the table and creating delicious memories. Let’s dive into how you can create this masterpiece!
What’s in Baked Ham with Pineapple?
- Fully cooked bone-in ham: I often opt for a juicy ham weighing about 3-4 kg. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful—trust me, you want that bone in there for all the delightful flavor it adds!
- Brown sugar: This adds that rich sweetness. I love using light brown sugar for a slight caramel taste, but dark brown works wonders too if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Honey: I use local honey whenever I can—there’s something about it that just brightens the entire dish. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with the ham’s savory notes.
- Dijon mustard: A perfect tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey. It’s the unsung hero of the glaze, folks!
- Pineapple slices: Canned pineapple works best for its universally perfect round shape and juiciness. Just make sure to drain it well; we want a glaze, not a mini swimming pool!
- Maraschino cherries: Because, let’s be honest, they make everything look more festive and fun!
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a lovely pop of color that makes the dish look even more inviting.
Is Baked Ham with Pineapple Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! While we all love the comforting goodness of a baked ham, it’s worth mentioning that this dish is more of an indulgent treat than a health food. The ham is packed with protein, making it filling, but it can also be high in sodium, which is something to consider if you’re watching your salt intake. That brown sugar and honey combo does add sweetness, so moderation is key, especially for those tracking sugar intake.
That said, enjoy it as part of a balanced meal! Pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad to balance the flavors and nutrition. And remember, the leftovers (if there are any) can be used in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles, which is a win-win in my book!
Ingredients List
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 3-4 kg)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 can pineapple slices in juice (~500g), drained (reserve juice)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Baked Ham with Pineapple?
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). The aroma that will fill your kitchen is totally worth this step!
- Place the ham in a large baking dish, flat side down. Make sure it’s the star of the show.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Let that sweet magic happen!
- Gently score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. It not only makes for a pretty presentation but helps the glaze get into all those delicious crevices.
- Brush or pour the glaze mixture generously over the ham, ensuring it’s well coated. Don’t be shy with that glaze!
- Arrange the drained pineapple slices over the surface of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. You want them to hold on tight!
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Pour in the reserved pineapple juice into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the ham moist while roasting. We want juicy, not dry!
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour (15 minutes per kg), basting occasionally with the juices.
- Remove the foil in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. This allows that scrumptious glaze to caramelize and become delightfully sticky.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F), remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This is the hard part—waiting—trust me, it’s worth it!
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve. Voilà!
The Pineapple Ham Party Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or maple syrup to the glaze! Just elevate it, right?
- Leftover ham? Don’t you worry! It can be enjoyed in sandwiches, added to breakfast omelets, or tossed into cozy casseroles.
- If you don’t have maraschino cherries or prefer not to use them, almonds or pecans can also give a lovely crunch in their place!
This Baked Ham with Pineapple is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition and an experience that fills your home with warmth and nostalgia. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe for your next family gathering, holiday, or just because! You might just find it becoming a favorite in your household, too. And I would absolutely love to hear how it turns out—so don’t forget to share your experience with me. Happy cooking!
