Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze Recipe
Tropical juices and warm spices turn a simple roast into a crave-worthy feast.
The Ultimate Holiday Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze
When it comes to creating a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, few dishes can compete with a beautifully glazed ham. This cherry-pineapple glazed ham recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing for Easter dinner, Christmas celebrations, or any special occasion, this recipe delivers both impressive presentation and incredible taste.
The magic of this recipe lies in its distinctive glaze that marries the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the rich, fruity notes of maraschino cherries. Combined with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, plus the tang of apple cider vinegar and mustard, this glaze creates a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the savory ham.
Why This Ham Recipe Stands Out
What makes this particular glazed ham recipe exceptional is the thoughtful combination of ingredients and the methodical approach to building flavor. Unlike simple glazes that rely on just brown sugar and mustard, this recipe incorporates multiple layers of taste that work harmoniously together.
The pineapple juice provides natural enzymes that help tenderize the ham’s surface while adding tropical sweetness. The maraschino cherry juice contributes a distinctive flavor that’s both familiar and festive, while the combination of spices adds warmth and depth. The result is a ham that’s not just visually stunning but also remarkably flavorful.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Glazed Ham
Success with this recipe starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this crowd-pleasing dish:
For the Ham
The foundation of this recipe is a 6- to 8-pound fully cooked boneless ham. Choosing a high-quality, fully cooked ham ensures that your focus can be on creating the perfect glaze rather than worrying about cooking times and food safety. Boneless hams are easier to slice and serve, making them ideal for entertaining.
For the Cherry-Pineapple Glaze
The glaze combines several key components that each play a specific role:
Brown Sugar (1½ cups): Packed dark brown sugar provides the sweet base and helps create that beautiful caramelized exterior. The molasses in dark brown sugar adds complexity that light brown sugar can’t match.
Pineapple Elements: A 20-ounce can of pineapple slices serves double duty – the drained juice (about ¾ cup) goes into the glaze while the rings become an attractive garnish for the finished ham.
Cherry Components: Half a cup of maraschino cherries plus ¼ cup of their juice adds the distinctive cherry flavor and beautiful color to the glaze.
Flavor Enhancers: Two tablespoons of grainy or Dijon mustard provide tangy contrast, while ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
Warm Spices: The spice blend includes 1½ teaspoons paprika for color and mild flavor, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth, and ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves for aromatic depth.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the Ham
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best results. Begin by removing the ham from refrigeration and allowing it to sit at room temperature for one hour before baking. This step ensures even cooking throughout the ham.
Preheat your oven to 325°F while the ham comes to temperature. Using a sharp knife, score the top and sides of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ⅛-inch deep. This scoring serves multiple purposes: it allows the glaze to penetrate the meat, creates an attractive presentation, and provides natural guides for slicing.
Line a roasting pan with foil and place a roasting rack inside. Position the ham scored-side up on the rack, then add approximately ½ inch of water to the bottom of the pan. This water creates steam that helps keep the ham moist during the initial cooking phase.
Cover the entire pan tightly with foil and bake until the ham is warmed through, calculating about 12 minutes per pound. For a 6-pound ham, this means 1 hour and 15 minutes, while an 8-pound ham requires about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze by combining all glaze ingredients in a medium pot. The key to a successful glaze is achieving the right consistency – it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it won’t spread easily.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook while stirring occasionally until the glaze reaches the proper consistency, typically 15 to 18 minutes. The reduction process concentrates the flavors and creates the syrupy texture needed for proper adhesion to the ham.
Allow the glaze to cool to room temperature before using. This prevents the glaze from running off the hot ham and ensures better coverage.
The Glazing Process
Once the ham has completed its initial cooking time, remove it from the oven and uncover. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F to help caramelize the glaze during the final cooking phase.
Apply the glaze in three stages for optimal flavor development and appearance. First, brush the ham with one-third of the glaze, making sure to get the mixture into the scored diamond pattern. Next, use toothpicks to attach the pineapple slices all over the top and sides of the ham, creating an attractive pattern.
Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice, securing with toothpicks. This not only looks festive but also allows the cherry flavor to intensify as it bakes with the ham.
Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 minutes until it develops a glossy appearance. Apply the second third of the glaze and bake another 15 minutes, then finish with the remaining glaze and bake for a final 15 minutes.
Pro Tips for Ham Success
Temperature and Timing
Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect results every time. The internal temperature of a fully cooked ham should reach 140°F when reheating. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any bone if using a bone-in variety.
Glaze Consistency
If your glaze becomes too thick during cooking, add a tablespoon of water or pineapple juice to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue cooking for a few more minutes until it reaches the proper consistency.
Make-Ahead Options
The glaze can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using, adding liquid if needed to restore the proper consistency.
Serving and Presentation
Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist, flavorful slices. Remove the toothpicks carefully and arrange the pineapple slices and cherries around the serving platter for an attractive presentation.
When carving, use the scored diamond pattern as your guide for uniform slices. A sharp carving knife will make clean cuts that showcase the beautiful glaze and maintain the ham’s appearance.
Perfect Pairings and Menu Planning
This glazed ham pairs beautifully with traditional holiday sides. Consider serving alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, and fresh dinner rolls. The sweet and tangy glaze complements both rich and light side dishes.
For beverages, the ham’s flavor profile works well with both red and white wines, though a slightly sweet Riesling or a light Pinot Noir are particularly complementary choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, spiral-cut hams work well with this glaze. The pre-cut slices allow the glaze to penetrate more deeply, though you may need to be more careful during the glazing process to prevent the slices from separating.
Q: What if I can’t find maraschino cherry juice?
A: You can substitute with an equal amount of cranberry juice or grape juice, though the flavor will be slightly different. The maraschino cherry juice provides a unique taste that’s worth seeking out.
Q: How do I store leftover glazed ham?
A: Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve the glaze and prevent drying out.
Q: Can I make this recipe with a bone-in ham?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in hams work wonderfully with this glaze. You may need to adjust cooking times based on the ham’s size and follow any package instructions for bone-in varieties.
Q: How far in advance can I prepare this ham?
A: The ham is best served fresh from the oven, but you can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead and keep it warm in a low oven (200°F). The glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance.
This cherry-pineapple glazed ham recipe transforms any gathering into a special occasion. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, stunning presentation, and foolproof technique, it’s sure to become a treasured part of your holiday tradition. The combination of tropical fruits and warm spices creates a memorable centerpiece that will have your guests asking for the recipe long after the meal is over.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a60515338/ham-with-cherry-pineapple-glaze-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASpwAKy_Eog
- https://www.aol.com/ham-cherry-pineapple-glaze-perfect-211400556.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10963/glazed-easter-ham/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/3219493/ham-with-cherry-pineapple-glaze
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