Pineapple Glazed Ham
A Noche Buena ham with a sweet pineapple glaze and caramelized brown sugar crust.
Servings 12
Calories 597kcal
Cost $20-$25
Equipment
- Large pot (or roasting pan, if using the oven)
- Wire rack (optional)
- Blowtorch or broiler (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (8 to 12 pounds)
- 3 cups pineapple juice
- ½ cup beer (or 2 tablespoons rum/brandy) optional
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (with 2 tablespoons water)
- More brown sugar for topping
Instructions
- Mix the pineapple juice, beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
- Remove the ham from the package and drain any excess liquid. Rinse briefly if needed, then pat dry.
- Place the ham cut side down in a large pot or deep pan. Pour the sauce over it, cover loosely, and simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until heated through.
- Baste the ham occasionally as it cooks.
- Transfer the ham to a platter and cover loosely with foil.
- Boil the sauce uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until reduced by about half. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thick and glossy.
- Add more brown sugar over the ham and caramelize with a broiler or blowtorch for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with extra glaze on the side.
Notes
- Ham: Use fully cooked ham, about 8 to 12 pounds. Spiral-cut is easy to serve, bone-in has more flavor, and boneless is easier to slice.
- Beer or alcohol: Optional, but adds flavor. Use beer, rum, or brandy, or skip it.
- Ground cloves: Whole cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger also work.
- Bake the ham covered at 325°F for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until heated through.
- While it bakes, simmer the glaze until slightly reduced. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thick.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, sprinkle with brown sugar, then broil for 4 to 6 minutes until caramelized. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Use fully cooked ham since this recipe is for heating and glazing.
- Simmer gently so the ham stays juicy.
- Reduce the sauce well for a thicker, better glaze.
- Watch the sugar closely because it can burn fast.
- Serve extra glaze on the side for spooning over the ham.
Nutrition
Calories: 597kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 221mg | Sodium: 3530mg | Potassium: 970mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 76mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 3mg