Pineapple brown sugar glaze is the most popular glaze for spiral ham and for good reason. I prefer to make my own glaze as I find the glaze packets included with spiral ham are often too intense for my tastes. Plus homemade ham glaze is so easy to make and easy to adjust the taste.
This pineapple brown sugar glaze turns a simple ham into a festive masterpiece. It's perfect for holidays or special family dinners. Let's explore how to elevate your spiral ham with a delightful Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel sweetness that complements the savory ham.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds a tropical tang, balancing the sweetness with a fruity sharpness.
- Unsalted Butter: As ham tends to be slightly salty, I recommend using an unsalted butter.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If desired, you can use some of these substitutes for Dijon mustard.
- Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, comforting spice that pairs well with the sweetness.
- Ground Cloves: Offers a hint of aromatic sharpness, giving the glaze a complex depth.
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Apply to Ham: 30 minutes before the ham is done, brush the glaze over your spiral ham. Open up the slices and dab more of the glaze in between the slices.
You can use this pineapple brown sugar ham glaze on along with these steps for how to heat a fully cooked ham.
Cook's Tips
- It’s important that you do not use pineapple juice straight from a pineapple or it will ruin your ham. There’s an enzyme from the pineapple that will start to break down your ham, making it a weird texture. Pineapple juices that are mixed with other ingredients are the only options for this recipe.
- The glaze will seem grainy, but that’s normal. The heat from the ham will do the rest of the work and it will no longer be grainy.
- If you don’t have ussalted butter, salted butter is okay to use.
Note: This glaze can be used on any type of ready-to-eat ham. For more information on what is considered cooked or ready to eat, follow this definition of types of ham from the USDA.
Serving Tips
- Let Rest: After baking, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the ham retain it's juices
- Serve Extra Glaze: Offer any remaining glaze on the side for guests to add more if they like.
This Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze is a simple yet impactful way to turn your spiral ham into a festive and flavorful centerpiece. Each ingredient works together to create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you put fresh pineapple on ham?
How long before a ham is done should you glaze it?
How do you get glaze to stick to ham?
What is a substitute for pineapple juice in ham glaze?
📋 Recipe
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze for Baked Spiral Ham
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the brown sugar. Add the remaining ingredients. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- About 20 to 30 minutes before the ham is done, us a basting brush to completely coat the ham. Return the ham to the oven. Set aside any remaining glaze.
- 5 minutes before the ham is done, drizzle any remaining glaze over the ham. Cook until done.
Cooks Tips
It’s important that you do not use 100% pineapple juice or real pineapple juice straight from a pineapple or it will ruin your ham. There’s an enzyme from the pineapple that will start to break down your ham, making it a weird texture. Pineapple juices that are mixed with other ingredients are the only options for this recipe.
The glaze will seem grainy, but that’s normal. The heat from the ham will do the rest of the work and it will no longer be grainy, but it will definitely be quite perfect.
If you don’t have ussalted butter, salted butter is just fine.
This glaze can be used on any type of cooked or smoked ham.
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