Pineapple Glazed Ham

As a child, our family would have a special type of ham every Christmas. Now with a family of my own and in a different country, I have tried over the years to recreate the ham that I had as a child.  This recipe is the closest approximation to that special ham. I recently brought this to a salu-salo and it was a hit. I first learned about this ham from my sister’s mother-in-law who is a great cook. I have made this ham so many times over the years and have perfected it the way I like it.

The bone-in ham is boiled in a mixture of pineapple juice, brown sugar and water for an hour. Then, it is covered in pineapple jam and then baked in the oven until the skin and glaze is crisp and brown. This ham is so good and tender when thinly sliced. Moreover, the leftover ham slices are great when sprinkled with sugar and pan fried. My family enjoys the ham slices on bread such as pan-de-sal (Filipino bread roll). Enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pineapple Glazed Ham

To get the best results with your pineapple glazed ham, start by choosing the right type of ham. A bone-in ham usually provides the best flavor, as the bone adds moisture during cooking. If you can, opt for a ham that has a nice fat cap. This will render down and help keep the meat juicy while adding flavor. When boiling the ham, make sure to keep the heat at a gentle simmer. A rolling boil can cause the meat to become tough. After boiling, let the ham cool slightly before applying the glaze. This allows the glaze to adhere better. When baking, cover the ham with foil for the first half of the cooking time. This traps steam and helps to keep the meat moist. Remove the foil during the last phase of baking to achieve that coveted crispy skin. Keep an eye on the internal temperature. The ham should reach at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a meat thermometer, this is a great tool for ensuring your ham is perfectly cooked without guessing.

Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas

Pineapple glazed ham is perfect for a festive gathering, but it also makes for great leftovers. Serve the ham alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. You can also create a beautiful ham platter with assorted cheeses, crackers, and fruits for an appetizer. If you’re looking for something different, try making a ham and pineapple sandwich. Use pan-de-sal or any crusty bread, and add some slices of cheese for extra flavor. For breakfast, consider making an egg and ham scramble. Just chop up the leftover ham, sauté it with some veggies, and add beaten eggs for a quick meal. If you have a lot of ham left, you can also freeze slices for later use. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat in the oven for a quick meal. This flexibility makes pineapple glazed ham a great choice for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of pineapple juice?

If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice works well as a substitute. You could also mix a bit of apple juice with some lemon for a similar sweetness and acidity.

How should I store leftover ham?

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 to 5 days, and you can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I make this ham ahead of time?

You can certainly prepare the ham a day in advance. Just boil and glaze it, then refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, pop it in the oven to heat through and crisp up the glaze.

What sides go well with pineapple glazed ham?

This ham pairs beautifully with sweet potato casserole, green bean almondine, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with rice or bread to soak up all that delicious glaze.

What should I avoid when making this ham?

Avoid cooking the ham at too high of a temperature or boiling it too vigorously. This can make the meat tough and chewy instead of tender and juicy.

Pineapple Glazed Ham

Liza Agbanlog

Succulent bone-in ham gets a sweet and tangy makeover with a luscious pineapple glaze. Juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make, it's a crowd-pleaser!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Filipino

Servings 10 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 lbs bone-in ham
• 8 cups pineapple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup pineapple jam

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, dissolve brown sugar in water. Pour in a large stockpot together with the ham and pineapple juice. Make sure ham is fully submerged in juice, add more juice or water if needed.
• Bring to a boil, lower heat and cook for 1 hour. Set aside to cool.
• Transfer ham in a roasting pan, score skin and fat into diamond shapes. Spread pineapple jam all around the ham.
• Bake ham uncovered at pre-heated 400°F oven for 40 minutes or until well browned, basting once with juice from bottom of pan.
• Let ham stand covered for 15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!!!

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgSugar: 40g

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