As a busy mom, the holiday season can be both joyful and overwhelming, but having easy recipes to follow can alleviate some of the stress.
My Holiday Ham is something I look forward to all year as our holiday tradition, and this recipe will not disappoint!
Picture this: a beautifully glazed ham adorned with sweet pineapple slices, perfectly cooked and ready to be the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
The best part? This recipe is straightforward and manageable, even on the busiest of days, and I can teach you how to make it in no time!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 2 hours & 30 minutes
- Main Ingredients: 10-15 lb. bone-in ham (or boneless), Sweet Harvest pineapple slices, Baker’s Corner brown sugar, Burman’s spicy brown mustard, SimplyNature apple cider vinegar, and more
- Servings: 10
- Extras: Make scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and other sides to create the best holiday meal!
- Tip: Baste the ham multiple times during the final 30 minutes of cooking to ensure a moist and flavorful glaze.
Perfect Holiday Ham W/ Pineapple Glaze
The only time I make a ham is for special holidays, like Christmas or Easter dinner, and I look forward to it every time—it’s the perfect sweet and salty roast.
Plus, it looks absolutely gorgeous when plated on the table. Your family and guests will “ooh and aah” as you bring it out to the dining room.
But guess what? It doesn’t have to cost you much at all. I’m a fan of ALDI, and I got everything I needed for this ham at such a great price there!
But let me stop talking about it, and let’s get into how I make it:
First, I set my oven temperature to 325°F. While the oven is heating up, I take my 10-15 lb. ham and score it in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/8 inch deep.
Next, I open a can of Sweet Harvest pineapple slices and set aside the juice, as I need it later for the glaze. I arrange the pineapple rings evenly around the ham, using whole cloves to secure them in place.
Once the pineapple slices are secured, I place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan and cover it with a lid or create a foil tent to keep it moist.
Then, I place the ham in the preheated oven and bake it for about two hours.
While the ham is baking, it’s time to prepare the glaze.
In a medium saucepan, I combine the reserved pineapple juice, two cups of Baker’s Corner brown sugar, 1/4 cup of Burman’s spicy brown mustard, and two tablespoons of SimplyNature apple cider vinegar.
I saw a similar recipe call for maple syrup or Dijon mustard swaps, and I tried them, but I think it was a bit too sweet and took away from the savory feel of the dish.
I whisk the ingredients together and place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until it thickens. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
After the ham has been baked for two hours, I uncover it and generously baste it with the prepared glaze. I then return the ham to the oven and continue to cook it for an additional 30 minutes.
During this time, I baste the ham a few more times in the remaining glaze and ham juices from the bottom of the pan to ensure it remains moist and flavorful, maybe every 20-25 minutes or so.
If you feel like there aren’t enough drippings to keep basting the ham, you can make more glaze and add it at any time.
When the ham is beautifully caramelized and fully cooked with an internal temperature of at least 140°F, I remove it from the oven.
I let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Then it’s ready to go on the table with all our lovely holiday sides!
Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham
Ingredients
- 10-15 lb. Ham boneless or bone-in
- 1 can Sweet Harvest pineapple slices
- Juice from canned pineapple
- Whole cloves
- 2 cups Baker's Corner brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Burman's spicy brown mustard
- 2 Tbsp SimplyNature apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat over to 325 F
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/8" deep.
- Place pineapple rings evenly around the ham. Use the cloves to fix them to the ham.
- Place ham in a large roasting pan on a rack.
- Bake covered (or in a foil tent) for about 2 hours.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar.
- Heat over medium, stirring often, until the liquid has reduced slighty and thickened up. This should take about 15 minutes.
- Uncover the ham and baste it with the liquid in the dish.
- Cook for another 30 minutes, basting a few more times while it cooks.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
Notes
Nutrition
Perfect Side Dishes For Holiday Ham
A beautifully glazed holiday ham deserves equally delicious side dishes to complete the feast.
My daughters are huge fans of corn, mashed potatoes, and the usual, but let’s brainstorm a little!
Here are some of my favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with ham, creating a harmonious and satisfying holiday meal:
Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the savory sweetness of holiday ham.
The tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes, smothered in a rich cheese sauce, make every bite a delight.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a convenient option for busy holiday preparations.
Macaroni and Cheese
Bacon mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with holiday ham. The creamy, cheesy pasta is a hit with kids and adults alike, offering a comforting and indulgent side dish.
My recipe can be made right in the crock pot, making it a time saver- just set it and forget until the timer dings!
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a staple at many holiday tables, and for good reason.
The crisp-tender green beans, mixed with a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions, offer a delightful contrast to the ham.
It’s a dish that both adults and kids love, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a lighter, healthier side, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice.
Their natural sweetness is enhanced when roasted, and they pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of the ham.
Toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they’re golden and crispy.
For an extra festive touch, you can add some chopped bacon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole brings a touch of sweetness to the table, balancing the savory notes of the ham.
The creamy sweet potatoes, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar streusel, make for a delightful side dish that’s almost like dessert.
It’s a favorite among kids and adults alike, adding a cozy and indulgent element to the meal.
Cranberry Sauce
A tangy cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory ham.
The bright flavors of the cranberries cut through the richness of the meat, adding a burst of color and flavor to the plate.
You can make a simple cranberry sauce with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a bit of orange zest for extra zing.
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are a must-have to round out the holiday meal. They’re perfect for sopping up the delicious glaze from the ham and the sauces from other dishes.
You can make them from scratch or pick up a batch from your local bakery to save time.
Glazed Carrots
For a touch of color and sweetness, glazed carrots are a fantastic side dish. Cooked in a buttery brown sugar glaze, these carrots are tender and full of flavor.
They add a lovely brightness to the plate and pair beautifully with the ham.
FAQs
What is the best ham to get for a holiday dinner?
The best ham to get for a holiday dinner is a bone-in full ham. It tends to be more flavorful and juicy, making it an excellent choice for a festive centerpiece.
What cut of meat is a holiday ham?
A holiday ham typically comes from the hind leg of a pig. It is often cured and sometimes smoked, giving it its distinct flavor and texture.
Could I add orange juice to the glaze to add some tartness to it?
Yes, you can add orange juice to the glaze for a touch of tartness. Substitute some or all of the pineapple juice with orange juice to create a tangy and flavorful glaze that complements the ham beautifully.
What can I do with leftover ham from our holiday dinner?
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole: Combine with eggs, cheese, and veggies for a hearty bake.
- Ham and Pineapple Pizza: Top a homemade pizza with ham, pineapple, and cheese.
- Ham Salad: Mix chopped ham with mayo, celery, and onions for sandwiches or salads.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Add to beans and veggies for a comforting soup.
- Ham Fried Rice: Stir-fry with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce.
- Ham and Cheese Quesadillas: Layer ham and cheese in tortillas and grill.
- Ham and Pineapple Skewers: Grill ham and pineapple chunks on skewers.
- Ham and Potato Hash: Sauté with potatoes and peppers, top with a fried egg.
- Ham Sandwiches: Make classic ham sandwiches with your favorite condiments.
- Ham and Pasta Bake: Mix with pasta and cheese sauce, then bake.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a simple yet impressive holiday ham recipe that even the busiest of moms can manage.
This ham, with its sweet and tangy glaze and beautifully caramelized exterior, is sure to be a hit at your holiday table.
By following these easy steps, you can create a centerpiece dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds and the recipe.
Happy holidays and happy cooking!
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I actually make mine the same way pouring any sauce left in the pan with potato water for gravy. Everyone loves my ham gravy its the juices from the ham the pineapple sweetens to a taste bud delight.