Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the ham.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

1. Score the Ham: Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern on the top of the ham. This helps the glaze penetrate into the meat and adds a beautiful presentation.
2. Place the Ham in a Roasting Pan: Place the ham in a large roasting pan and lightly grease the pan with butter. Ensure that the ham is positioned fat side up to allow the fat to melt and keep the meat moist during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze

1. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice (from the can), Dijon mustard (if using), cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
2. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the glaze come to a simmer, stirring frequently. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

1. Glaze the Ham: Brush a generous amount of the brown sugar pineapple glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it’s well-coated. Be sure to pour some of the glaze into the cuts you made during scoring.
2. Add Pineapple Rings: Arrange the pineapple rings around the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. You can also place a few of the pineapple rings inside the crisscrossed cuts for extra flavor and decoration.

Step 5: Bake the Ham

1. Cover with Foil: Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil to help keep the ham moist during baking.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with more of the pineapple glaze to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. If you’d like a caramelized finish, you can remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to brown and become sticky.

Step 6: Add Cherries and Finish Baking

1. Optional Garnish: If using maraschino cherries, you can add a few on top of the pineapple rings in the last 15 minutes of baking for extra color and sweetness.
2. Baste and Final Glaze: In the last 10 minutes of baking, baste the ham one final time with the remaining glaze. Let it caramelize slightly as the ham finishes cooking.

Step 7: Serve

1. Rest the Ham: Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the meat moist.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the ham into thin slices, serving each piece with a bit of the pineapple and glaze. Garnish with the remaining cherries if you used them.

Tips for Success:

• Choosing the Ham: Use a pre-cooked ham to make this recipe quick and easy. Bone-in or boneless hams both work well.
• Glaze Variations: You can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra depth of flavor if desired.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the fridge, and they can be used for sandwiches, salads, or added to soups.

Enjoy your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake—a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions!