Glazed Pineapple Hasselback Ham
Your holiday guests will be Wowed with this sweet and savory boneless ham recipe.
About This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for an Easter pineapple ham recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds? Say no more! This recipe is an amazing blend of sweet and savory that is sure to be the highlight of your meal. But first, let’s delve deeper into the tradition of Easter ham, the best pairings for your spread, and more.
Why is Ham so Popular During Easter?
Ham has been a staple during Easter for hundreds of years, and it isn’t only because it’s so delicious. In the past, ham and other meat were often cured over the cold, dry winter months, which was the best time for keeping them preserved. Spring is all about the start of a new year, and since ham was traditionally a luxurious meal, it became the favorite choice to celebrate the end of a tough winter. Simply put, it’s the perfect way to welcome the warmer, brighter days that spring brings!
How to Choose the Best Ham
When it comes to creating a mouthwatering Easter meal, picking the right ham is the most important part. First, make sure you look for a smoked or cured ham. A raw ham will take too long to cook, and you’ll risk burning your other ingredients. Second, make sure you choose the right size for the amount of people you’ll be serving. This recipe uses a 4-pound ham and serves 6-8 people, so if you’re hosting your extended family (or if you want extra leftovers!), you might want to make more than one. Finally, you’ll want to choose one that has a good balance of meat to fat, because you don’t want to overpower the pineapple flavor. Following these instructions is key to guaranteeing your Easter feast is delicious.
What Else to Serve for your Easter Meal
We’ve got you covered with some dishes that will go perfectly alongside your ham. Salads make a great pairing as a side dish and add some greens to your spread. Salads that use roasted carrots or asparagus are a tasty way to use those veggies that are finally in season. You could also go the more traditional route, with a pineapple casserole that’s just as sweet and savory as your ham. As for desserts, the carrot cake is a classic, but why not spice things up with a bundt cake variation? You can also go with the classic pineapple upside down cake, which is always a crowd-pleaser. With these recipes, you can create a complete meal that truly highlights your Easter pineapple ham.
Storing and Using your Leftover Pineapple Ham
After you finish your Easter meal, you’ll probably find yourself with some leftovers. To keep your ham fresh, make sure you store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It’ll last for about 4 days if you store it correctly. And, if you’re wondering what you can make with your leftover ham, there’s a ton of options. Of course, you could just make sandwiches, or instead, you could pan fry it and serve over rice. Another option is hawaiian pizza, an easy meal that’s always a hit. But however you choose to use your leftover ham, we’re sure it’ll be just as satisfying as it was on Easter.
Now, let’s turn our focus to the recipe we’ve been talking so much about. Don’t be intimidated by the steps; it’s about the same effort as any traditional Easter ham recipe, but it’s twice as delicious. So, go gather your ingredients and start cooking!
Ingredients
1
can (20 oz.) Dole Pineapple Tidbits- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 medium jalapeno, minced, minced
- 1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- - kosher salt
- 7 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 (4-lb.) boneless ham
1
can (20 oz) DOLE® Pineapple Slices, undrained- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Method
- Add the pineapple juice to a medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the juice is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped pineapple tidbits, sugar, jalapeno, vanilla, and 1 tsp. salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium high, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved, the pineapple is soft, and the mixture looks syrupy, about 3 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Transfer to a food processor, add the mustard, and process until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the ham by rinsing with water, and patting dry with paper towels. Cut the ham crosswise into 1/4-to 3/8-inch-thick slices, about half way through the ham. Do not cut all the way through the ham.
Put 2 halved slices of pineapple next to each other between each ham slice. As you work towards the smaller end of he ham, use only one half pineapple between the slices. - Secure the ham with three bamboo skewers (one in the center, the remaining two on each end), pushing through the entire ham.
- Transfer to a small rimmed baking sheet or shallow roasting pan and add 3/4 cup water to the pan.
- Brush 3/4 cup of the glaze onto the ham on all sides and into the folds of the cut slices.
- Bake the ham for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, and let rest for 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
- Before serving, broil on high on the center rack until the glaze caramelizes in places, about 3 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning). Let cool slightly, remove and discard the skewers, garnish with the parley, if using, and serve.
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