If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s both juicy and bursting with sweet-savory flavor, this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender spiral-sliced ham glazed perfectly with a tangy, caramelized pineapple sauce that elevates every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss. The blend of cola, mustards, ginger, and crushed pineapple creates a glaze that seeps deliciously into the ham’s spiral slices, making every slice a juicy delight that’s as beautiful on the table as it is on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create magic when combined thoughtfully, and this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe is proof. Each component adds a layer of depth: the sweetness of brown sugar, the tang from apple cider vinegar, the kick from ground ginger, and the tropical brightness of crushed pineapple. Together, they bring out the ham’s natural richness while adding complexity and color to the glaze.
- Dark brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Cola (12 oz.): Provides a subtle fizz and sweetness that tenderizes the ham and enriches the glaze.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Balances the sweetness with a gentle tang for a rounded flavor profile.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1 tbsp): Enhances umami to deepen the glaze’s savory notes.
- Dijon mustard (1½ tbsp): Brings a smooth sharpness that cuts through the sweetness deliciously.
- Grainy mustard (1½ tbsp): Adds texture and a mild spicy bite to the glaze.
- Ground ginger (1 tsp): Introduces warmth and subtle spice that complements the pineapple beautifully.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Lends mild, savory depth without overpowering the ham.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ tsp): Offers a touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Spiral-sliced city ham (6-9 lbs.): The perfect canvas: pre-sliced for quick serving and excellent glaze absorption.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz., 1 large can): Adds juicy sweetness and tropical flavor, making this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe extra special.
How to Make Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by combining dark brown sugar, cola, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, both mustards, ground ginger, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, and the glaze thickens slightly. This mixture is the heart of your Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe, providing that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
Step 2: Heat the Ham and Apply the Glaze
Place the spiral-sliced ham in a baking dish or roasting pan, cut side down. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it seeps into the slices. Next, carefully spoon the crushed pineapple over the top, spreading it gently without disrupting the spiral slices. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 90 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices to ensure each slice gets coated with that luscious pineapple glaze.
Step 3: Caramelize the Glaze
Uncover the ham for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully. This final step adds a gorgeous golden color and sticky texture to the pineapple glaze, turning the entire dish into a visual and flavor masterpiece. Keep an eye on it so the glaze doesn’t burn, and baste once more before removing from the oven.
How to Serve Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, garnish your Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe with fresh pineapple slices arranged around the platter. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme adds a lively green contrast and a burst of herbal freshness that complements the sweet glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright green bean almondine. For a bit of freshness, consider a crisp apple coleslaw or a tangy cranberry sauce, which cuts through the richness and keeps the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve the ham on a large wooden board surrounded by grilled pineapple rings and sprigs of rosemary for a rustic look. You can also slice the ham into thick rounds and stack them to create mini pineapple ham sliders for a fun twist on the traditional serving style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 4-5 days for the best quality and flavor. The ham actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
If you have more ham than you can consume within a few days, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. Freezing helps preserve the ham for up to 2 months without sacrificing too much moisture or taste.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a covered dish in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through, basting with reserved pan juices or a splash of pineapple juice to avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently for even heat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh crushed pineapple adds a brighter, fresher note to the glaze. Just be sure to drain some juice so the glaze isn’t too watery, which could affect caramelization.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
A pre-cooked, spiral-sliced city ham weighing between 6 to 9 pounds works best here. The spiral slicing ensures even glaze coverage and easy serving, making it ideal for gatherings.
Can I make this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe without cola?
Yes, if you prefer, substitute cola with Dr. Pepper or even a sparkling apple cider for a slightly different but delicious glaze. Each will lend a unique flavor dimension, so feel free to experiment!
How long does this ham take to cook?
This recipe requires about 90 minutes of baking at 325°F (163°C) to ensure the ham is heated through and the glaze caramelizes beautifully without drying out the meat.
Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?
Definitely! The Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe yields about 12 servings, making it perfect for holidays or parties. If serving a larger group, you can easily double the glaze ingredients to ensure everyone gets a flavorful slice.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe means bringing a little extra excitement and sunshine to your table. It’s an easy-to-make yet impressive dish that dazzles with its balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors wrapped around tender ham. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe promises smiles, seconds, and happy memories. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and get ready to impress your loved ones with a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Spiral Ham recipe features a tender, spiral-sliced city ham glazed with a rich and tangy mixture of brown sugar, cola, mustards, and spices, complemented by the sweetness of crushed pineapple. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this recipe yields a flavorful and moist ham that serves 12 people.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed, light brown sugar is a good substitute)
- 12 oz. cola (or Dr. Pepper)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1½ tbsp grainy mustard
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Ham and Fruit
- 1 6-9 lbs. spiral-sliced city ham
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple (1 large can)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it is ready for the ham to cook evenly.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, cola, apple cider vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, ground ginger, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the ham: Place the spiral-sliced city ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Ladle a portion of the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get between the spiral slices for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add the pineapple: Drain some of the juice from the crushed pineapple to reduce excess liquid, then spoon the pineapple evenly over and between the spiral slices of ham, allowing it to soak into the meat.
- Bake the ham: Cover the roasting pan loosely with foil to retain moisture and bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the remaining glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Finish and serve: Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to let the glaze caramelize and develop a beautiful, sticky crust. Once cooked through and heated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar will slightly alter the flavor but still produce a delicious glaze.
- Ensure the ham is spiral sliced for optimal glaze penetration and ease of serving.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for a milder or spicier glaze.
- Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a lower sodium option, use a ham labeled low-sodium and reduce or omit the soy sauce.
