Gather your loved ones and get ready to create a truly unforgettable holiday feast with this Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple. This dish is a symphony of flavors, blending the tangy-sweet notes of cranberries, the caramelized richness of brown sugar, and the bright, tropical essence of pineapple. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your guests raving and coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple
This Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the ultimate crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your holiday table. The combination of the juicy, tender ham, the sweet and tart cranberry glaze, and the vibrant pineapple create a flavor profile that is both comforting and elegant. The glaze caramelizes to a gorgeous, glossy sheen, making this dish a true showstopper. Plus, the easy-to-follow steps ensure that you’ll get perfect results every time, whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting out in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple, you’ll need a bone-in ham, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, pineapple, and a few simple pantry staples. The combination of the sweet, tart cranberries and the bright, tropical pineapple perfectly complements the savory, smoky ham for a truly craveable holiday dish.
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham – a classic centerpiece for your holiday feast
- 1 cup cranberry sauce – either homemade or your favorite store-bought variety
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – for a rich, caramelized glaze
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks – for a tropical twist
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – to add warmth and depth of flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
- Fresh Pineapple: If you can’t find fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple chunks or rings instead.
- Cranberry Sauce: For the cranberry sauce, feel free to use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety.
How to Make Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Bringing this show-stopping Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple to life is easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps for perfectly caramelized, flavorful results.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Score the surface of the ham in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut too deeply. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the cranberry glaze over the top, making sure to evenly coat the entire surface. Arrange the pineapple chunks around the ham, then transfer the pan to the oven. Bake the ham for 1-1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze, until it’s heated through and the glaze has caramelized to a beautiful, shiny finish.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The residual heat will continue to set the glaze, creating a delectable, sticky-sweet coating that complements the savory ham perfectly.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it Up: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of ground cloves or allspice to the cranberry glaze.
- Fruit Swap: You can also experiment with different types of fruit, such as apricot or orange, to complement the cranberry.
- Bacon Wrapping: If you want to take this dish to the next level, try wrapping the ham in bacon before glazing for a truly indulgent treat.
- Pineapple Variations: Feel free to use fresh pineapple rings or chunks, or even pineapple slices, to create a beautiful presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The ham makes delicious sandwiches or can be incorporated into soups and casseroles.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the ham in a baking dish and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Make-Ahead: The cranberry glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat the glaze until it’s warm and pourable.
Nutrition Information
This Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a satisfying and indulgent dish, but it can also be part of a balanced, nutritious meal. A serving of this ham provides a good source of protein, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The cranberry glaze and pineapple also add a boost of antioxidants and fiber to the dish.
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your ham is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone. The ham is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cranberry glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat the glaze until it’s warm and pourable.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
To prevent the glaze from burning, be sure to baste the ham with the glaze every 15-20 minutes during the baking process. This will help the glaze caramelize evenly and prevent it from becoming too dark or bitter.
Can I use a spiral-sliced ham instead?
Yes, a spiral-sliced ham will work beautifully in this recipe. The only difference is that you’ll want to baste the ham more frequently to ensure the glaze doesn’t dry out the pre-sliced portions.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Leftover Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Make sure to wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Try These Next
- Maple Glazed Bbq Chicken Skewers With Pineapple
- Cranberry Glazed Chicken With Rosemary Butter
- Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sliders With Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 140 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a festive centerpiece that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries and pineapple. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
– 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
– 1 cup cranberry sauce
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1 tsp ground cloves
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained and reserved
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
3. 2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
4. 3. In a bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, cloves, and cinnamon.
5. 4. Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
6. 5. Arrange the pineapple slices on top and secure them with toothpicks if necessary.
7. 6. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
8. 7. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the ham to brown.
9. 8. Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), remove from the oven.
10. 9. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
11. 10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
For a sweeter glaze, add more brown sugar. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ham, cranberry, pineapple, holiday, festive