Forget everything you thought you knew about holiday hams. This isn't your grandma's dry, overcooked centerpiece. Prepare to be amazed by the intensely flavorful and incredibly juicy Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham, a recipe guaranteed to become a family favorite. The sweet and tangy glaze, a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and rich honey, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for seconds. This recipe elevates the humble ham to a culinary masterpiece, transforming it from a simple side dish into the undeniable star of your next gathering.
This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience. From the initial preparation to the glorious final presentation, every step is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth result. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure and create a ham that will be talked about for years to come? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Meat injector
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife
- Pot
Ingredients
- Ham: 11.70 lb
- Honey
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup
- Butter
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup
- Ground Ginger
- Ground Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Black Pepper
- Yellow Mustard
- Sliced Pineapples: 2 cans
- Cherries
- Toothpicks
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ham
- Rinse the thawed ham and cut 1/4 inch deep lines into the ham to allow the juice to penetrate.
- Coat the ham with mustard, then sprinkle with ground ginger, ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and brown sugar.
- Let the seasoned ham sit for about 2 hours.
Step 2. Decorate and Glaze the Ham
- Remove pineapples from cans and cherries from the jar, reserving the juice from both.
- Insert toothpicks into the pineapples and place them into the scored ham.
- Place cherries in the holes made by the pineapples, securing them with toothpicks.
- Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the pan.
- Make the glaze by combining honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and cherry juice in a pot over low heat. Stir until combined.
- Brush the glaze onto the ham.
Step 3. Bake the Ham
- Bake the ham until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 160°F (71°C).
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Once cooked, pour additional honey over the ham and brush it in. Inject the reserved pan juices into the ham using a meat injector.
Read more: Classic Beef Spiedini: Italian-Style Kebabs Recipe
Tips
- The fat on the ham adds flavor, so don't trim it off.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to 160°F (71°C).
- Adjust the amount of honey and pineapple juice in the glaze to your preferred sweetness.
Nutrition
- Protein: Approximately 350-440g
FAQs
1. Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! A boneless ham will work perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as it will cook faster than a bone-in ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
2. How far in advance can I make the glaze?
You can make the glaze up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your ham.
This Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham recipe is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of flavor and a testament to the magic of simple ingredients expertly combined. Impress your family and friends with this show-stopping centerpiece, guaranteed to be the highlight of any gathering. Enjoy the compliments and savor every delicious bite of this truly unforgettable ham!