Imagine a succulent, double smoked ham, glistening with a luscious pineapple ginger glaze that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also elevates your dining experience to a whole new level! This mouthwatering recipe is perfect for gatherings, holiday feasts, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with an unforgettable dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to unlock the secrets to this delectable delight? Let’s dive into the recipe that will transform your next meal into a culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for heating the ham without drying it out.
- Place the fully cooked ham on a large roasting pan. If it has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, grated fresh ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a smooth glaze.
- Once the glaze is ready, brush a generous amount over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during the initial cooking phase. Place the ham in the preheated oven.
- Cook the ham for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting it with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. This will help build a flavorful crust.
- After 1 hour and 30 minutes, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). This will help caramelize the glaze, giving it a beautiful color and enhancing the flavor.
- Continue to bake the ham uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, basting it once more with the glaze halfway through this period.
- Once the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly, remove the ham from the oven.
- Let the ham rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
- Slice the ham into thin pieces and serve with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top, if desired. Enjoy your delicious double smoked ham with pineapple ginger glaze!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a fully cooked ham that weighs between 8-10 lbs for the best results. This size ensures that it will be juicy and flavorful while providing enough servings for your guests.
- Score the Ham: If your ham has a rind, scoring it in a diamond pattern not only enhances its appearance but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing more flavor into every bite.
- Make a Flavorful Glaze: Combine the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves. This creates a smooth and aromatic glaze that will caramelize beautifully as it cooks.
- Baste Regularly: Basting the ham every 30 minutes with the glaze will help build a flavorful crust. Don't skip this step—it's key to achieving that rich, caramelized finish.
- Watch the Temperature: After the initial cooking phase, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to caramelize the glaze. Keep an eye on the ham to ensure it doesn’t burn; the goal is a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Let It Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and bursting with flavor.
- Serve with Extra Glaze: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle any remaining glaze over the sliced ham before serving. It adds a delightful sweetness that complements the smoky flavor perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
