Easter Sunday Ham with Pineapple Glaze

Easter Sunday Ham with Pineapple Glaze: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Centerpiece 🍖🍍✨

1. Introduction

Looking for the perfect centerpiece to grace your Easter celebration? This Easter Sunday Ham with Pineapple Glaze is a show-stopping dish that effortlessly combines the savory goodness of a traditionally prepared ham with the vibrant, sweet, and tangy flavors of pineapple. This isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a culinary experience. This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, ensuring your holiday meal is a delicious success without unnecessary stress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking to impress or a beginner eager to create a memorable dish, this pineapple glazed ham recipe is wonderfully straightforward and consistently yields impressive, restaurant-quality results. Forget the usual holiday cooking stress and instead, focus on enjoying the holiday with loved ones, all while serving a truly memorable and flavorful dish. Looking for another impressive easter dessert? Why not try our Easter Peeps S’mores Dip? This holiday ham recipe is destined to become a cherished family favorite, passed down through generations!

2. Ingredients Needed

To create this mouthwatering Easter centerpiece, gather the following ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose wisely!

• 1 (10-12 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham: The bone-in ham provides richer flavor and a more traditional presentation.
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices, juice reserved: The juice is crucial for the glaze, so don’t discard it!
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
• 1/4 cup honey: Enhances the sweetness and contributes to a beautiful glaze texture.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Whole cloves: Infuse the ham with a warm, aromatic spice.
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.

3. Equipment Required

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large roasting pan: Essential for baking the ham evenly. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the ham comfortably.
• Small saucepan: For making the pineapple glaze.
• Basting brush: To evenly coat the ham with the glaze. Reapply frequently for best results.
• Aluminum foil: To cover the ham during the initial baking period, preventing it from drying out.

4. Preparation Instructions

Before you begin creating this spectacular Easter ham recipe, a little preparation goes a long way. Ensure you have all your ingredients measured, prepped, and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This crucial step ensures the ham cooks evenly throughout, and that the pineapple glaze beautifully caramelizes to perfection. Gather your roasting pan, saucepan, and basting brush, placing them within easy reach for streamlined application. With everything meticulously in place, you’re perfectly set to create a truly mouthwatering sweet ham recipe that will undoubtedly impress even the most discerning of your guests. Looking for something to pair with your Easter Ham? Try our Slow-Cooked Easter Lamb!

5. Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof Easter Sunday Ham with Pineapple Glaze.

1. Preparing the Ham

Begin by carefully removing the ham from its packaging, discarding any wrapping or netting. Pat the ham completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures the glaze adheres properly and creates that beautifully caramelized crust we’re aiming for. Next, score the surface of the ham in a visually appealing diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, across the surface. Be gentle to avoid cutting to deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham more effectively, infusing it with flavor from the inside out, and also adds wonderful visual appeal, making it look as good as it tastes. Insert whole cloves strategically into each point of the diamond scored pattern for an added layer of warm, aromatic flavor, enhancing the savory-sweet profile of the dish. Place the prepared ham in a large roasting pan, ready for the next delicious steps. Why not make some Easter Sugar Cookies while you wait?

2. Making the Pineapple Glaze

Now, let’s create the star of the show – the tantalizing pineapple glaze that will take your Easter ham to the next level! In a small saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice (that’s why we saved it!), packed brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring consistently until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth with no grainy sugar remnants. Allow the glaze to simmer gently, undisturbed, for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly into a beautiful, luscious, pourable glaze. Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent burning. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside. This incredible pineapple glaze will truly elevate the flavor profile of your Easter Sunday ham, adding a burst of tropical sweetness and tangy zest that complements the savory ham perfectly.

3. Glazing and Decorating the Ham

It’s time to transform your ham into a stunning centerpiece! Gently brush about half of the prepared pineapple glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into all of those beautiful score lines. This ensures maximum penetration of the glaze and infuses the ham with that signature pineapple flavor. Next, artistically arrange the pineapple slices over the glazed ham, creating an eye-catching pattern. Secure each pineapple slice in place with toothpicks if needed, ensuring they stay put during baking. Now, for that final touch of festive flair, place a vibrant maraschino cherry directly in the center of each pineapple ring, creating a visually stunning and undeniably delightful presentation. This decorative touch not only looks absolutely fantastic but also infuses the ham with an additional layer of sweet, fruity flavor. This step is absolutely crucial in transforming your ham into a visually stunning and exceptionally delicious holiday ham recipe that your guests will rave about. Looking for another recipe? Try our Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Pineapple from Simply Recipes.

4. Baking the Ham

Carefully cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil, creating a secure seal. This helps trap moisture and prevents the ham from drying out during the initial baking process. Place the covered roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches a safe and delicious 140°F (60°C). Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to ensure accurate temperature readings. During the last 30 minutes of baking time, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the roasting pan. This will expose the ham and allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully. Baste the ham with the remaining pineapple glaze every 10 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly coated for a rich, glossy finish. This frequent basting is key to achieving that signature caramelized exterior that makes this Easter Sunday ham truly irresistible. Once the ham reaches the correct internal temperature and boasts a gorgeous, caramelized glaze, remove it from the oven. Allow the ham to rest for approximately 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period is crucial; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender, succulent, and flavorful slice. This baking process is absolutely key to creating a perfectly cooked and intensely flavored Easter Sunday ham that your family and friends will adore. You could also check out our other recipes like Smoky BBQ Beef Brisket Burnt Ends.

6. Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Easter Ham

Here are some extra tips to guarantee a perfect Easter Ham:

• Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the precise and perfect internal temperature, avoiding overcooking or undercooking.
• Don’t skip the scoring step; it’s crucial for maximum glaze penetration and enhanced flavor infusion.
• Basting frequently during the last 30 minutes is vital for achieving that glossy, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized crust.
• Allow the ham to rest adequately before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a significantly more tender and flavorful slice of ham.

7. Serving Suggestions

This incredible Easter ham recipe pairs beautifully with a wide array of classic side dishes, creating a complete and satisfying Easter feast. Consider serving it with traditional favorites such as creamy scalloped potatoes, comforting green bean casserole, and warmly spiced sweet potato casserole. A fresh and crisp garden salad or a vibrant fruit platter also perfectly complements the richness of the ham, adding a touch of lightness and acidity. For dessert, consider serving a light and refreshing fruit pie or a decadent creamy cheesecake. No matter what accompaniments you choose, this show-stopping pineapple glazed ham will undoubtedly be the undisputed star of your Easter feast, impressing your guests with its flawless flavor and presentation. Or even try our recipes like Black Panthers Vibranium Energy Bites, Decadent Raspberry Cheesecake Bars or Cheesy Garlic Bread Extravaganza!

8. Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your ham? Here are some ideas:

• For a spicier glaze with a pleasant kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pineapple glaze.
• If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, classic yellow mustard can be used as a substitute.
• Experiment with using different fruits in place of pineapple. Sliced peaches, apricots, or even mandarin oranges can provide unique and delicious flavor variations.
• For a bolder, smoky flavor profile, start with a smoked ham as the base for this recipe. The smoky notes will beautifully complement the sweetness of the pineapple glaze. You could even try out our recipe for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms.

9. Conclusion

This Easter Sunday Ham with Pineapple Glaze is far more than just a simple meal; it’s a truly delightful culinary experience that brings family and friends together in celebration and shared enjoyment. With its stunning presentation and exquisite, balanced taste, this pineapple glazed ham is guaranteed to impress your guests and create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Follow this easy holiday ham recipe meticulously for a stress-free and absolutely delicious Easter celebration. Prepare to bask in the compliments and accolades as you proudly serve this irresistible sweet ham recipe, knowing that you’ve effortlessly created a dish that is both remarkably simple to prepare and utterly spectacular in its appeal. Happy Easter! You can even make our Bold Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp or Bold Bourbon Maple Glazed Salmon recipes!

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