About
For all the jokes about pizza toppings, pineapple and ham are actually a classic combination when done correctly. It doesn't get more correct or more perfect than Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham. Tender-cooked ham covered with a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart glaze, with juicy pineapple slices, this show-stopping main course is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Festive flavors make Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham a holiday treat that will keep you glancing at the calendar for the next occasion (and excuse) to roast one up.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in, fully-cooked, smoked ham, butt or shank half (9-10 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves, optional
- 2 (20-ounce) cans sliced pineapple
- 20 maraschino cherries
- 2 cups honey
- 2 cups light brown sugar
Directions
Step 1 -Let your ham sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 2 -Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 3 -Using a knife, trim off the skin of the ham.
Step 4 -Then use a paring knife to score through the fat, going in a diagonal pattern, making sure not to cut through the meat. This is not only decorative, but it also helps to ensure even cooking.
Step 5 -Next press the cloves (if using) into your ham, putting the cloves in the intersections of the knife cuts.
Step 6 -Then place the ham, flat-side down, on top of a rack in a roasting sheet.
Step 7 -Then drain the pineapples, saving the juice. Arrange all of the pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks.
Step 8 -Then, add a maraschino cherry to the center of each pineapple slice, holding them in place with another toothpick.
Step 9 -Next, add 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the roasting sheet. Tent your pineapple-covered ham with aluminum foil.
Step 10 -Roast the ham for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of your ham (making sure not to hit the bone) registers at 130 degrees F. A ham like this needs 15 minutes per pound of meat to cook properly.
Step 11 -While the ham cooks, mix the honey, brown sugar, and the saved pineapple juice in a large-sized pan on the stove-top over medium heat.
Step 12 -Let the mixture simmer, making sure to occasionally stir. Stop after 25-30 minutes, when the mixture is thick and syrupy and has reduced to approximately 3 cups. Then set the sauce aside.
Step 13 -Raise your oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
Step 14 -Uncover the ham and carefully brush approximately 1/3 of your glaze all over it.
Step 15 -Add more water if it has completely evaporated in the pan. Then, bake the ham for another 15 minutes.
Step 16 -Repeat the process of brushing on 1/3 of the glaze and baking for 15 minutes.
Step 17 -Then brush the remaining 1/3 of the glaze all over the ham. Cook it a final time (for approximately 15 minutes) until the glaze is shiny, the skin is a dark golden brown, and the outside is crispy.
Step 18 -Then let the ham rest for 15 minutes. Serve!
