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Pineapple Glaze For Ham
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This Pineapple Glaze for Ham recipe is the ultimate choice! It takes only 10 minutes to prepare, offering a simple yet sensational blend of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and basic spices. Spread this glaze generously over a succulent ham for an irresistible holiday feast bursting with flavor and adorned with delectably sticky, caramelized edges.
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Savor the sweet and savory pleasure of our pineapple ham glaze. This recipe blends the tangy pineapple with the comforting richness of brown sugar, crafting a glaze that magically turns regular ham into a delectable masterpiece.
The quickest and simplest method to transform an ordinary ham into something spectacular is by applying a homemade glaze. Our Pineapple Ham Glaze is incredibly sticky and sweet, bursting with far more flavor than the standard brown sugar glaze packets that often accompany store bought hams. It's the perfect way to elevate your Christmas or Easter ham and impress your guests with a delightful "wow" factor!
Ingredients for Pineapple Glaze for Ham
- Pineapple Juice: 1¼ cups of 100% pineapple juice (fresh or bottled)
- Dark Brown Sugar: 1½ cups of dark brown sugar, tightly packed
- Dijon Mustard: 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- Salted Butter: 2 tablespoons of salted butter, sliced into pats
- Whole Cloves: 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Pineapple Ham Glaze Variations
These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this cheeseburger soup recipe!
- PINEAPPLE JUICE: To add a unique touch to this simple recipe, experiment with fresh pineapple juice for a fresher and more authentic taste. Alternatively, explore blends of pineapple juice with other fruits for an innovative twist on the glaze.
- DARK BROWN SUGAR: If you'd like a gentler sweetness, you can switch to light brown sugar. Alternatively, you can explore different flavor profiles by trying out honey or maple syrup as substitutes.
- DIJON MUSTARD: If you're not a fan of mustard, consider using honey mustard instead, or you can skip it entirely for a sweeter glaze.
- WHOLE CLOVES: If you don't enjoy the strong taste of cloves, use ground cloves sparingly, or replace them with allspice for a milder spiciness in your dish.
- CINNAMON AND NUTMEG: Modify the amount of these spices to match your preference. Additionally, you can experiment with alternative spices like ginger or cardamom for a distinct and innovative twist.
How to make Pineapple Glaze for Ham
This simple glaze can be prepared swiftly in a saucepan and will be all set for you to add to the top of your ham when it's time to put it in the oven.
STEP ONE: Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pats of butter, whole cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a 1-1½ quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to help dissolve the brown sugar.
STEP TWO: Allow the glaze to reach a very low simmer. Reduce the heat to low heat and continue to simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, continuing to whisk often. All stove tops cook differently, so adjust the heat up or down as needed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and completely cool.
STEP THREE: Use a slotted spoon to remove the whole cloves and discard them. Pour the glaze into a 1-pint mason jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Pro Tip: You can keep the glaze in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if stored tightly in an airtight container like a mason jar or other container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice?
Of course! You can use fresh pineapple, but be sure to strain it well to get the right thickness.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
Instead of using dark brown sugar you can easily substitute light brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup as sweeteners.
Can I omit the Dijon mustard?
You have the option to leave out the mustard or switch to honey mustard to give your pineapple brown sugar ham glaze a unique flavor twist.
Can I adjust the spices to my taste?
Don't hesitate to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste.
Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?
Certainly, but be cautious with their quantity, as ground cloves have a more intense flavor.
Do you glaze a ham before or after baking?
Both! We apply the glaze to our ham before baking, and then give it another coating at the end for irresistibly sticky edges.
Why do you need to glaze a ham?
Using a ham glaze is essential for creating a show-stopping holiday ham. It adds to much flavor, moisture, and that delightful, sticky, caramelized texture reminiscent of a beloved Honey Baked Ham.
How much ham does this cover?
This recipe is designed for a 9-12 pound spiral-cut whole ham. If your ham is larger than that, we suggest doubling this recipe to ensure you have ample glaze to cover the entire ham.
Cooking tips for the best ham glaze
Want a tasty ham glaze that's easy to make? Here's your guide! Every spoonful promises a sweet and sticky glaze that covers your ham beautifully. Follow these tips to make it perfect:
- Whisking: Be sure to thoroughly whisk the pineapple glaze both before and during cooking to prevent any clumping of the ingredients.
- Don't Overcook: Avoid simmering the sweet glaze for an extended period, as it may become excessively thick.
- Reheating: When reheating, employ low heat on the stove or select half power in the microwave until it reaches a consistency that's easy to brush.
- Leftover Ham: Brush a little glaze on leftover ham to make it as delicious as the first time!
Storing this Recipe
If you need to store this Pineapple Glaze for Ham, here are some handy tips.
PREPARE IN ADVANCE: You can make this tasty glaze in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed mason jar.
FRIDGE STORAGE: For any leftover glazed ham, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for three to four days.
FREEZER FRIENDLY: If you have extra glaze, freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. When reheating, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight.
REHEATING: To reheat your glazed ham, you can either place it in a covered dish in an oven set to 325°F (163°C) until it's heated all the way through. Another option is to use the microwave, but do it in brief bursts, checking to prevent overcooking.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Our pineapple ham glaze is close to our hearts, and here's why:
- Time-Efficient: It's a great time-saver, offering make-ahead possibilities for hectic days or special holiday events. Start to finish this recipe is ready to be brushed to the top of your ham in just 15 minutes!
- Burst of Flavor: The combination of pineapple, brown sugar, and spices results in an explosive burst of flavor that's bound to impress. Trust us when we say it's even better than a Honey Baked Ham - and we're not kidding.
- Universal Appeal: The sweet and savory harmony makes it a hit with both grown-ups and kids, pleasing a wide audience. Packed with flavor, wonderfully sticky, and no need to deal with fresh pineapple! Did we mention that it caramelizes to absolute perfection.
- Delicious On Other Cuts of Meat: Perfect for spiral-cut ham, boneless ham, ham steaks, or even pork chops!
Recipes to Complete Your Meal
To sum it up, our pineapple ham glaze achieves a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you're hosting a special holiday gathering or simply enhancing a regular weeknight meal, this glaze is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and have everyone craving seconds.
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Pineapple Glaze for Ham
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Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups 100% pineapple juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar (tightly packed)
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp salted butter (sliced into pats)
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
- Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pats of butter, whole cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg to a 1-1½ quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to help dissolve the brown sugar.
- Allow the glaze to reach a very low simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, continuing to whisk often. All stove tops cook differently, so adjust the heat up or down as needed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and completely cool.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the whole cloves and discard them. Pour the glaze into a 1-pint mason jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can keep the glaze in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the whole cloves and discard them. Pour the glaze into a 1-pint mason jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can keep the glaze in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- When you are ready to use the glaze, follow the instructions for cooking your ham and brush this glaze over the outside of the ham when called for.
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