Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze Recipe

This Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze is a juicy and glossy recipe, which is made with brown sugar and pineapple slices. It’s the perfect holiday main course, ready in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

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Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze Ingredients

• 1 (6- to 8-pound) fully cooked boneless ham
• 1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices, juice reserved
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, plus 1/4 cup juice from the jar
• 2 Tbsp. grainy or Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves

How To Make Ham with Cherry-Pineapple Glaze

1. Prep the Ham: Let the ham sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Use a sharp knife to score the top and sides of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/8-inch deep. Place the ham scored-side up on a rack in a foil-lined roasting pan. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan.
2. First Bake: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake until the ham is warmed through, about 12 minutes per pound (approximately 1 hour and 15-35 minutes).
3. Make the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine the brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, cherry juice, mustard, vinegar, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 18 minutes, until the glaze is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Glaze and Decorate: Remove the ham from the oven and uncover it. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F. Brush the ham with one-third of the glaze. Use toothpicks to attach the pineapple slices all over the top and sides, then stick the maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple slice.
5. Finish Baking: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes. Brush with another third of the glaze and bake for another 15 minutes. Finally, brush with the remaining glaze and bake for a final 15 minutes, until the ham is glossy and caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep the ham from drying out? The most important step is the initial bake, covered tightly in a pan with a little water. This creates a steamy environment that gently heats the ham through without drying it out, before you apply the glaze.
• What’s the best way to score a ham? Use a sharp paring knife to make shallow, 1/8-inch deep cuts. A diamond or crosshatch pattern not only looks beautiful, but it also allows the delicious glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before you are ready to brush it on the ham.
• Why do I have to let the ham rest? Resting the cooked ham for at least 15 minutes before you slice it is not an optional step! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every single slice is tender and juicy.

What To Serve With Glazed Ham

This is the quintessential centerpiece for a holiday meal, like Easter or Christmas. It pairs perfectly with classic side dishes:

• Scalloped or Au Gratin Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Soft, buttery dinner rolls
• A simple roasted asparagus or glazed carrots

How To Store Glazed Ham

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s fantastic for making sandwiches, soups, and salads.
• Freeze: Allow the ham to cool completely. It can be frozen in slices or chunks in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. The leftover ham bone is also excellent for freezing and using later to make a flavorful soup stock.

Glazed Ham Nutrition Facts

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 2200mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Mulled Pomegranate-Cherry Juice Recipe
• Cherry-Almond Bars Recipe
• Cherry Punch Recipe