The holiday season is all about sharing, and there's no better centerpiece for a festive meal than a succulent Christmas ham. Adorned with slices of sweet pineapple, this ham captures the essence of celebration, merging the salty, smoky flavor of the meat with the tropical sweetness of the fruit.
Not only is it visually stunning, but it also promises a melody of flavors, ensuring that every bite is a joyous reminder of the holiday spirit. So, let's delve into this heartwarming recipe that pays homage to timeless tradition, while offering a delightful twist!
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Why This Recipe Works
There's something inherently comforting about the blend of ham and pineapple. The saltiness of the ham juxtaposed with the fruity burst of pineapple creates a beautiful contrast that dances on the palate. This isn't just another ham recipe; it's a culinary experience that manages to bring forward the rich, smoky flavor of the meat, while also highlighting the pineapple's refreshing sweetness. It's a harmony of flavors, making every slice a masterpiece.
Choosing to make this Christmas Ham with Pineapple isn't just about tradition; it's about embracing a taste that resonates with warmth, joy, and festivity. The caramelization of the pineapple as it bakes with the ham produces a glaze-like effect, adding a layer of richness to the meat. It's not merely a dish, but a symbol of celebration, and its balance of flavors ensures that it caters to a wide range of taste preferences. So, when you're looking for a centerpiece that's both visually appealing and gastronomically satisfying, this is the recipe to turn to!
Ingredients
Ham (bone-in or boneless) - This is the star of the show. Choose a pre-cooked or smoked ham for the best flavor and ease of preparation. If unavailable, a fresh pork leg can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Pineapple Rings - These add a tangy-sweet flavor and a festive look. If you can't find rings, pineapple chunks or tidbits will work. Fresh or canned pineapple can be used.
Brown Sugar - This sweetens the glaze and gives the ham a caramelized crust. If unavailable, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
Cloves - Whole cloves are traditionally pressed into the ham for added flavor and aroma. If you don't have whole cloves, ground cloves can be sprinkled lightly over the ham, but use sparingly.
Dijon Mustard - Adds a spicy kick to the glaze. Regular yellow mustard or honey mustard can be a substitute if you want a milder flavor.
Tips
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern for better flavor absorption and visual appeal.
- If using canned pineapple, save the juice! It can be combined with brown sugar and mustard for a flavorful glaze.
- To prevent the ham from drying out, baste it regularly with the pan juices during cooking.
- Tent the ham with foil if the surface starts browning too quickly.
- Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices and flavor.
How to Serve
A Christmas Ham with Pineapple is a festive main course, celebrated for its savory-sweet flavors and its ability to feed a crowd. Its luscious and tangy glaze makes it a centerpiece worth showcasing.
- With Sides: Serve slices of ham alongside classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
- Sandwiches: Use any leftovers to make delightful post-holiday sandwiches. Add some cheese, lettuce, and a touch of the glaze for a mouthwatering combination.
- In Salads: Dice leftover ham and pineapple and toss them into a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
Similar Recipes
Christmas Ham with Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 whole ham around 8-10 pounds
- 1 can 20 ounces pineapple rings or 1 fresh pineapple, sliced into rings
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 20-30 whole cloves
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern, about ¼-inch deep.
- Press whole cloves into the intersections of the diamond scores.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar and Dijon mustard to form a paste.
- Rub the paste over the entire surface of the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Arrange the pineapple rings over the ham, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Once cooked and nicely browned, remove from the oven and let it rest before slicing.
Nutrition
Notes
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern for better flavor absorption and visual appeal.
- If using canned pineapple, save the juice! It can be combined with brown sugar and mustard for a flavorful glaze.
- To prevent the ham from drying out, baste it regularly with the pan juices during cooking.
- Tent the ham with foil if the surface starts browning too quickly.
- Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain juices and flavor.