Looking for a centerpiece that will steal the show at your holiday feast? Look no further than the Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham! This sweet and savory dish is a timeless favorite, perfect for bringing family and friends together during the festive season. And if you’re in or around Yuba City, California—just 40 miles north of Sacramento—this recipe is a must-try addition to your Christmas celebrations. It’s even featured in our Christmas Guide 2024, so you know it’s a local favorite!

Why Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham?

This ham is more than just food; it’s a tradition. Dressed in pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The glossy glaze—made from pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar—creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or keeping it intimate, this dish guarantees smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this holiday masterpiece:

• One 9- to 10-pound bone-in fully-cooked smoked ham (butt or shank half)
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves (optional)
• Two 20-ounce cans of sliced pineapple
• 20 maraschino cherries
• 2 cups honey
• 2 cups light brown sugar

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (includes resting time)
Yield: 12 servings

1. Get Ready

Let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. Prep the Ham

Trim off any skin from the ham. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a diagonal crosshatch pattern without cutting into the meat. If you’re feeling fancy, push cloves into the intersections of the cuts for added aroma.

3. Add Pineapple and Cherries

Drain the pineapple slices, but save that juice—it’s gold! Arrange the pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring and secure it with another toothpick.

4. Start Roasting

Place your ham flat-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour about ¼ inch of water into the bottom of the pan to keep things moist. Tent the ham with foil and roast it for about 15 minutes per pound (roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes) until an instant-read thermometer reads 130°F.

5. Make That Glaze

While the ham is roasting, combine honey, brown sugar, and reserved pineapple juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until thickened and syrupy—usually takes 25–30 minutes.

6. Glaze It Up

When your ham hits that magic temperature, crank your oven to 425°F. Brush one-third of your glaze all over the ham, then bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. Repeat this glazing process twice every 15 minutes until your ham is shiny, golden-brown perfection.

7. Rest and Serve

Let your masterpiece rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Serve it with extra glaze on the side for those who can’t get enough of that sweet-savory combo.

Pro Tips for Yuba City Chefs

1. Shop Local: For fresh ingredients, support local markets in Yuba City, like New Earth Market or Raley’s.
2. Make It Your Own: Add spices like cinnamon or ginger to your glaze for an extra holiday twist.
3. Pair It Right: Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or cheesy mashed potatoes—both are crowd-pleasers.

Where Sweet Meets Savory

This Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham isn’t just food; it’s an experience—a centerpiece that captures the spirit of togetherness during Christmas in Yuba City. Whether you’re hosting friends from Sacramento or keeping it local, this dish will have everyone returning for seconds (and maybe thirds). Don’t forget to check out our full Christmas Guide 2024 for more festive ideas!

Source: foodnetwork.com
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