Get ready to transform an ordinary ham into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! This Ham Pineapple Sweet Cherry Glaze is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a show-stopping main course, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create an unforgettable dining experience that will leave your guests absolutely amazed.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ham (bone-in, fully cooked)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup sweet cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the lower third of the oven.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan with a rack to allow even heat circulation.
- In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, pitted sweet cherries, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the glaze for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reduces by about one-third. The consistency should be syrupy and coat the back of a spoon.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
- Brush about 1/3 of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes.
- Every 15 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even heating.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for optimal serving temperature.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Strain the remaining glaze and serve warm alongside the sliced ham as an additional sauce for guests.
Tips
- • Always choose a high-quality, fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking. • Score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully. • Baste frequently during cooking to build layers of flavor and create a gorgeous golden-brown crust. • Let the ham rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and delicious. • If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning. • For an extra touch of elegance, strain the remaining glaze and serve it warm as a complementary sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
