Description
Succulent Pineapple Spiral Ham delivers a symphony of sweet and savory flavors that dance across holiday tables. Glazed with caramelized pineapple and brown sugar, this centerpiece promises to wow guests with its juicy, tender meat and irresistible golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 spiral-sliced city ham (6–9 pounds)
Glaze and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 12 ounces (355 milliliters) cola or Dr. Pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) grainy mustard
- 20 ounces (567 grams) crushed pineapple (1 large can)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Craft a rich glaze by combining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F, preparing for a delectable holiday centerpiece.
- Transform the ham’s surface with precise diagonal cuts, creating a 1/2-inch deep crosshatch pattern approximately 1 inch apart.
- Cover the ham and roast for 1 hour, allowing initial flavor development and even heating.
- Apply half the prepared glaze generously, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts for maximum flavor penetration.
- Nestle crushed pineapple into the cut lines, then drizzle an additional portion of glaze over the ham’s surface.
- Uncover the ham and continue roasting, basting every 10 minutes with pan juices until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (typically 40-60 minutes total).
- Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure a succulent, glazed holiday ham.
Notes
- Scoring Technique Slice shallow diamond patterns into ham’s surface to help glaze penetrate and create beautiful caramelized edges.
- Glaze Consistency Slowly simmer glaze until it thickens like maple syrup, which helps it cling better to the ham’s surface.
- Temperature Control Watch ham closely during final baking stage to prevent burning, using a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- Flavor Variations Experiment with different fruit preserves like apricot or orange marmalade instead of traditional pineapple for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg