Description
A beautifully glazed holiday ham with a rich, caramelized brown sugar and honey glaze, topped with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. This dish is a perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, drained
- 10–12 maraschino cherries
- Toothpicks (for securing pineapples and cherries)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a roasting pan or aluminum baking tray.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze slightly thickens.
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a crisscross pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
- Decorate: Secure the pineapple rings onto the ham using toothpicks, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
- Glaze the Ham: Generously brush the glaze over the ham, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Caramelization: Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a golden, caramelized finish.
- Rest & Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, let the ham marinate in the glaze for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be used in soups and casseroles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
