The Best Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe for Your Christmas

Meta Description: Uncover the secret to the best Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham recipe for your Christmas feast. A spicy pineapple honey glaze combined with pineapple ham with cinnamon and cloves will make your holiday meal unforgettable.

A Showstopper Dish for Your Christmas Dinner

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of preparing a Christmas feast can be both thrilling and overwhelming. With a table full of traditional favorites think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rolls, and green bean casseroles there’s one dish that will always rise above the rest: the Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham. This spiced holiday ham is not just a meal; it’s a celebration in every bite. Infused with a luscious spicy pineapple honey glaze, it boasts a unique blend of flavors that capture the essence of the season. The sweet honey and tangy pineapple work in perfect harmony, while the pineapple ham with cinnamon and cloves adds an aromatic depth that makes this dish unforgettable.

What makes this recipe so exceptional is the balance of sweetness and spice. The pineapple honey glaze is the true hero of this dish, bringing together the richness of the ham with a touch of warmth from the cinnamon and cloves, along with a spicy kick from the chili flakes, giving your holiday spread an extra layer of excitement. It’s the perfect dish for those who want to break away from the ordinary and make their holiday meal stand out with something unique and bold.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone who’s new to preparing holiday feasts, this ham with extra spices recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Even if you’ve never tackled cooking a ham before, these detailed, step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring that your ham comes out beautifully glazed, moist, and full of flavor. The glaze is a simple yet effective combination of pantry staples and a few exotic spices that will transform the meat into a succulent masterpiece, turning your Christmas dinner into an event to remember.

Now, let’s dive deeper into this unique holiday ham recipe and explore how the combination of cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple honey creates a magical, mouthwatering experience that will captivate your guests and leave them craving more. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this unforgettable dish that will truly make your Christmas dinner one to cherish for years to come.

Elevating Your Holiday Tradition

When it comes to holiday meals, we all have our traditions. Whether it’s a beloved side dish or a favorite dessert, certain recipes become part of the seasonal celebration. But this unique holiday ham will give your Christmas meal a new layer of tradition. By using this recipe year after year, you create lasting memories for your family and friends gathered around the table, sharing in the warmth and richness of the dish. It’s not just about the food; it’s about bringing people together and creating moments that last far beyond the meal itself. This ham will quickly become the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations, and its comforting aroma will trigger fond memories each time it’s served.

Why Ham Should Be Your Go-To Holiday Centerpiece

When it comes to holiday meals, the centerpiece is everything. It’s the dish that sets the tone for the entire meal and creates that sense of occasion. And while turkey is often the go to choice, there’s something undeniably special about ham. It’s rich, hearty, and comforting while also offering a touch of sophistication. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for anyone hosting a holiday meal. The Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham not only provides an exceptional flavor profile, but it also looks stunning on the table. The golden, glossy exterior is enough to make your guests’ mouths water before they even take their first bite. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that satisfies everyone at the table, ham is a no-brainer.

Christmas is the ultimate celebration for large, festive meals, and the Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham makes a beautiful centerpiece. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with the warm spices of cinnamon and cloves, perfectly complements the cozy and indulgent atmosphere of the holiday season. The spicy pineapple honey glaze also gives the ham a festive, tropical twist, which adds a unique flair to traditional holiday spreads, making it the ideal dish for family gatherings and festive meals.

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The Best Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe for Your Christmas

Author: Andrea Cooking Method: Roasting Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: High-Protein

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 135 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 2 hrs 45 mins

Cooking Temp: 325  °F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 55

Best Season: Winter

Description

For this Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry staples that come together to create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham

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• 1 (6 to 8-pound) bone-in ham ((pre-cooked, ready-to-eat))

• 1 cup of honey ((preferably raw for a rich, natural sweetness))

• 1 cup of pineapple juice ((freshly squeezed or canned, without added sugars))

• 1 cup of crushed pineapple ((unsweetened for the best flavor))

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard ((for a subtle tangy kick))

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon ((the warm spice that makes this recipe cozy))

• 1 tsp ground cloves ((adding aromatic depth to the glaze))

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger ((for a zingy, spiced finish))

• 1 tsps apple cider vinegar ((to balance out the sweetness))

• ¹⁄₂ tsp chili flakes ((optional, for a spicy pineapple honey glaze))

• 1 tbsp brown sugar ((for extra caramelization))

• ¹⁄₄ cup of water ((to help balance the glaze consistency))

• pinch Salt and pepper (to taste (to enhance the flavors))

ineapple Honey-Glazed Ham recipe is truly a standout dish that will elevate any holiday meal

1. Preparing Your Ham for the Oven

   Before we get to the fun part (the glaze!), we need to properly prepare the ham. Here's how:

   1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the ideal temperature for slow-roasting and ensuring that your ham remains juicy and tender.
   2. Unwrap your ham and remove any packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures that the glaze will adhere better.
   3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Make sure not to cut too deep about 1/4 inch deep is enough. Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate into the meat, giving it maximum flavor.
   4. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large pan. This will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the meat, ensuring it cooks perfectly.

2. Making the Spicy Pineapple Honey Glaze

   The glaze is what sets this spiced holiday ham apart. It's the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors that make every bite irresistible. Follow these steps to make the perfect pineapple honey glaze:

   1. In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, and honey. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the honey dissolves fully into the juice.
   2. Add the Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and the optional chili flakes. These spices are the backbone of your glaze, adding layers of flavor and warmth.
   3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Let the glaze cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
   4. Once the glaze has thickened, add the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Stir to combine. The apple cider vinegar will help balance the sweetness of the honey and pineapple, while the brown sugar will add a rich caramel flavor.
   5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. If you want a more pronounced spicy kick, you can add more chili flakes here.

   The glaze should now have a syrupy consistency, rich with sweet and spicy flavors.

   

3. Roasting the Ham to Perfection

   Now that your spicy pineapple honey glaze is ready, it’s time to apply it to the ham and start roasting. Here’s how you’ll do it:

   1. Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze. Use a pastry brush to coat the ham evenly, making sure the glaze gets into the scored areas to maximize flavor.
   2. Place the ham in the oven and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your ham. For every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with more of the glaze. This will ensure that the ham remains moist and that the glaze caramelizes beautifully on the surface.
   3. Check the internal temperature of the ham after 1.5 hours. It should reach 140°F (60°C). If it’s not quite there, continue roasting until it reaches the desired temperature.
   4. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.
   

4. Serving the Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham

   When it’s time to serve your pineapple ham with cinnamon and cloves, make sure you slice it properly to get the most out of the flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to do:

   1. Slice the ham into thick pieces, cutting along the natural lines of the meat. The slices should be about 1/2 inch thick to allow for that perfect balance of glaze and meat.
   2. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the slices. This is where the magic happens each bite will be coated in the sweet, spicy pineapple honey goodness that’s been slowly absorbed by the ham during the roasting process.
   3. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, mashed sweet potatoes, or a crisp salad. The rich flavor of the ham will pair beautifully with just about any side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 380kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 1.2mg1%

Potassium 400mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 22g

Protein 24g48%

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Vitamin A 180 IU

Vitamin C 6.3 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1.08 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham

To ensure that your Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips that will help you achieve a delicious and beautifully roasted ham for your Christmas dinner.

• Choose the Right Ham
  The first step to a perfect ham is selecting the right one. For a spiced holiday ham that is tender and juicy, opt for a bone-in ham. The bone helps lock in moisture during cooking, resulting in a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth texture. While boneless ham is also an option, a bone-in ham tends to retain more flavor and is perfect for a showstopping unique holiday ham.
• Low and Slow Cooking for Tenderness
  When roasting your ham, cooking it at a lower temperature is key. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), which is the ideal temperature for slow-roasting. Cooking your pineapple honey-glazed ham at this temperature allows the fat to render and the flavors to meld, resulting in a juicy and tender texture. Avoid cranking up the heat to cook it faster this can dry out the meat and make it tough.
• Baste Frequently for Maximum Flavor
  One of the secrets to achieving that caramelized, glossy finish on your pineapple ham with cinnamon and cloves is frequent basting. Every 20-30 minutes, use a pastry brush to coat the ham with your spicy pineapple honey glaze. This allows the glaze to caramelize evenly and infuse the meat with its sweet and spicy flavors. Don’t skip this step basting ensures that each bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Use a Meat Thermometer
  To guarantee your ham is perfectly cooked, always use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C) for optimal flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the ham is already pre-cooked, so you’re essentially reheating and glazing it to perfection. The thermometer ensures that it is heated all the way through without drying out.
• Let It Rest Before Slicing
  Once your spiced holiday ham is done roasting, it’s essential to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that the meat stays moist and tender. Cutting too soon can cause the juices to escape, leaving the ham dry and less flavorful. Patience is key here!
• Enhance the Glaze
  For an extra layer of flavor, you can tweak the pineapple honey glaze to suit your preferences. If you like a bit more heat, add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your glaze. Alternatively, for a deeper flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon to the glaze mixture. This adds a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the pineapple ham with cinnamon and cloves.
• Serving Suggestions
  Pair your Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham with side dishes that complement its rich and savory flavors. Roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad all provide a nice contrast to the sweet and spiced ham. For something more indulgent, try serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or baked macaroni and cheese.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham turns out perfectly every time, making it the centerpiece of your holiday meal.

Pairing Wine with Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham

When you have a dish as bold and flavorful as pineapple honey-glazed ham, pairing it with the right wine can elevate the entire meal. The sweetness of the pineapple honey glaze combined with the spices calls for a wine that balances these rich flavors without overpowering them. A slightly sweet white wine, like a Riesling or Moscato, complements the sweet and spicy elements of the glaze, while a Zinfandel or Shiraz can bring out the ham’s savory richness. If you prefer something a little more adventurous, try a rosé with a hint of fruitiness or even a sparkling wine, which cuts through the richness of the ham and adds an elegant touch to your meal.

Keywords: spicy pineapple honey-glazed ham, ham with extra spices recipe, unique holiday ham, pineapple ham with cinnamon and cloves, spiced holiday ham,

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