Introduction
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. A delightful dish that brings together the tangy sweetness of pineapple, the rich depth of brown sugar, and the tender juiciness of chicken ham, this recipe is an ideal centerpiece for your next family gathering or holiday feast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a dish that will impress everyone at the table.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe for Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Ham is designed to elevate your ham with a deliciously sticky glaze that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of hickory liquid smoke creates a mouthwatering glaze that complements the savory taste of chicken ham. The ham is first baked gently to lock in moisture, then finished at a higher temperature to caramelize the glaze, resulting in a beautiful, glossy finish.
History and Origin
Glazed ham has long been a tradition, especially in Western holiday celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. The concept of glazing meat with sweet ingredients dates back centuries, with early recipes using honey, fruit juices, and spices to enhance the flavor of the meat. Pineapple-glazed ham became particularly popular in the 20th century, especially in American cuisine, where the combination of sweet and savory flavors is highly cherished. This recipe continues that tradition with a modern twist, using ingredients like Dijon mustard and hickory liquid smoke to add depth to the classic dish.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs boneless, sliced chicken ham (quarter ham)
- 1 (15 oz) can pineapple slices in juice, juice separated
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (coarse ground)
- 1 tbsp unsulphured molasses
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp hickory liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with ½ cup water for slurry)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Lightly spray a large roasting pan with nonstick spray to prevent the ham from sticking during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Take the chicken ham out of its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better to the meat. Place the ham in the prepared roasting pan, arranging it in a way that it will cook evenly. Surround the ham with the pineapple slices, which will infuse the meat with their sweet, tangy flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, pour in the reserved pineapple juice and add the dark brown sugar, champagne vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, unsulphured molasses, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, ground allspice, and hickory liquid smoke. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze
While the glaze is simmering, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ½ cup of water in a small bowl. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering glaze, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the glaze until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake the Ham
Pour half of the prepared glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a basting brush to spread the glaze into all the nooks and crannies. Once the ham is glazed, tent the roasting pan with aluminum foil. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Final Glaze and Caramelization
After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil from the pan and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham, again ensuring an even coat. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized. The high temperature will help the sugars in the glaze to caramelize, giving the ham a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is perfectly glazed and caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy when sliced. After resting, slice the ham and serve with the glazed pineapple slices.
Serving
This Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The sweetness of the glaze also pairs wonderfully with a tart cranberry sauce or a tangy coleslaw. For a complete meal, add some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra glaze.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Roasted Vegetables: The savory taste of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes provides a perfect contrast to the sweet and sticky ham.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for enjoying the flavorful glaze.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the ham.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps to cleanse the palate between bites.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are great for mopping up the extra glaze on your plate.
Variations of the Recipe
- Spicy Glaze: Add a kick to your glaze by incorporating a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
- Honey-Glazed Ham: Substitute the molasses with honey for a lighter, floral sweetness in the glaze.
- Tropical Twist: Enhance the tropical flavors by adding a splash of coconut milk to the glaze or sprinkling shredded coconut over the ham before the final bake.
- Maple Glazed Ham: Use pure maple syrup in place of molasses for a rich, earthy sweetness.
Health Benefits Notes
This dish provides a rich source of protein from the chicken ham, which is leaner than traditional pork ham. Pineapple is a good source of vitamin C, aiding in immune function, while the use of Dijon mustard adds a dose of antioxidants. To reduce sugar intake, you can slightly decrease the amount of brown sugar used in the glaze or opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of vinegar? Yes, if you prefer to avoid champagne vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a great alternative. It offers a similar tanginess without the alcohol content.
2. What if I don’t have hickory liquid smoke? If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can omit it, or add a small amount of smoked paprika to achieve a similar smoky flavor.
3. How can I make the glaze less sweet? To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the brown sugar or balance the glaze with more Dijon mustard or vinegar.
4. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, fresh pineapple can be used. Simply slice the pineapple and use fresh juice in the glaze, though you may need to adjust the sweetness.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The ham can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This Sticky Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken Ham is a perfect dish for any occasion, combining the savory taste of ham with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and brown sugar. It’s a simple recipe that delivers impressive results, making it a great choice for both everyday meals and special celebrations. Whether served with classic sides or a creative twist, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the satisfying experience of a homemade glazed ham!