How To Cook The Perfect Pineapple Citrus Glazed Christmas Ham

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup adds a unique flavor while being a natural sweetener.

pineapple juice

🥗Healthier: fresh pineapple puree

💰Cheaper: canned pineapple juice

Fresh puree offers better flavor and nutrients.

cornstarch

🥗Healthier: arrowroot powder

💰Cheaper: flour

Arrowroot is a gluten-free thickener.

Thaw the ham completely and bring it to room temperature, ensuring it is not too hot.

Remove the packaging and cut off the netting from the ham.

Prepare a baking sheet with foil and place the ham in the center.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and add a couple cups of water to cover the base of the baking tray.

Cut some pineapple into cubes for blending and some into slices for garnish on top of the ham.

Blend the pineapple cubes with fresh orange juice until smooth, using about half the juice to avoid a too liquidy mixture.

Pour the pineapple and orange juice mixture into a pot and add a quarter cup of brown sugar, eight dashes of orange bitters, and one dash of regular angostura syrup.

Stir the mixture and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to reduce.

Strain the mixture to remove pulp and return the liquid to the pot to reduce further for five minutes.

Make a cornstarch slurry with one teaspoon of cornstarch and two teaspoons of water, and add it to the glaze to thicken if necessary.

After about 1 hour and 20 minutes, check the ham; it should be dry and slightly crispy.

Remove the skin from the ham using a knife and tongs or your hands once cooled.

Score the ham by making diamond marks and insert cloves into the cuts, then sprinkle brown sugar over it.

Return the ham to the oven for 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F (177°C) until the sugar melts and crystallizes.

Add the pineapple slices and final glaze to the ham and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Let the ham rest for 20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens