Brown Sugar & Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 325°F. Check the ham packaging to confirm that it is fully cooked and review the manufacturer's heating directions.

2. 2

   Remove the ham from its packaging. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. If the ham has a thick fat cap and is not spiral-sliced, lightly score the fat in a diamond pattern without cutting deeply into the meat.

3. 3

   In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, butter, cinnamon, and ground cloves.

4. 4

   Warm the glaze over medium-low heat for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.

5. 5

   Arrange pineapple rings over the surface of the ham. Place a cherry in the center of each ring and secure the fruit with toothpicks. Add whole cloves to the scored fat if desired.

6. 6

   Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the roasting pan. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.

7. 7

   Heat according to the package directions. A fully cooked whole bone-in ham may require approximately 15–18 minutes per pound, but the manufacturer's directions and internal temperature take priority over estimated time.

8. 8

   During the final 30–45 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with glaze. Continue glazing every 10–15 minutes, watching carefully so the sugar caramelizes without burning.

9. 9

   Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. For fully cooked ham packaged in a USDA-inspected plant, USDA guidance generally specifies reheating to 140°F. Other fully cooked hams may require reheating to 165°F. Follow the appropriate guidance for the product.

10. 10

    Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for approximately 15 minutes before slicing.

11. 11

    Remove all toothpicks and whole cloves before serving. Arrange the slices with the glazed pineapple and cherries.

Heritage Kitchen Tips

• Spiral-sliced hams may heat more quickly or dry out if overcooked, so follow the package directions closely.
• Brown sugar and honey can burn at high temperatures, so add the glaze toward the end of heating rather than at the beginning.
• Measure the reserved pineapple juice before making the glaze; if the can provides less than 1/2 cup, supplement with additional pineapple juice.
• Save the ham bone and leftover meat for beans, black-eyed peas, or a pot of greens.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers promptly, within two hours. Follow USDA storage guidance for the specific ham product, and reheat individual portions until hot before serving.

Frequently asked questions