Easy Pineapple Ham Glaze Recipe
You will love this very simple to prepare pineapple ham glaze that perfectly accompanies and baked ham recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Add the pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to a small to medium size pot and stir to combine and add it to a cooktop.
- Bring the glaze to a boil over high heat and then turn it down to low heat and cook for about 10 minutes. It should thicken to a syrup.
- Finish the glaze by stirring in some butter until it is melted and incorporated. Use the glaze immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
The key to this glaze is letting it simmer long enough to thicken without letting it boil too much. If you keep it at a rolling boil, it can bubble up over the pot and also has the potential to burn on the bottom. Low and slow once it hits that first boil is all you need.
Do not skip the butter: I finish every glaze and sauce with cold butter. It was one of the first things I learned in culinary school and it makes a noticeable difference in both the texture and the appearance.
Spiralized vs whole ham: If your ham is not pre-sliced, score it in a crosshatch pattern about one inch apart before glazing. This lets the glaze get down into the cuts and adds flavor throughout.
How to glaze a ham: I brush about a quarter of the glaze over the ham before wrapping it in foil and baking at 325 degrees for about 90 minutes. Then I remove the foil, brush on more glaze, crank the heat up to 400 degrees, and bake uncovered for another 30 to 40 minutes until it is caramelized and glossy.
Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time. If you are using this during a large holiday meal, I recommend making it ahead of time.
How to Store: Transfer to a container and keep it in the refrigerator until cool. Add on a lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This glaze will freeze well, once cool, in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it before reheating and using.
How to Reheat: You do not have to reheat this glaze to use it, but if you want it warm, add it to a small size sauce-pot and heat over low heat until hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 469kcalCarbohydrates: 107gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 358mgFiber: 2gSugar: 100gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 1mg