Baked Party Ham
A flavorful baked ham glazed with brown sugar, pineapple, orange marmalade, and bourbon, perfect for festive gatherings and special occasions with sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel skin from ham and trim excess fat.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Insert cloves in a cross pattern at the intersections of the scoring.
- Pack dark brown sugar over the surface of the ham.
- Bake the ham for 30 minutes.
- In a pan over medium heat, heat the pineapple juice, marmalade, and pineapple chunks.
- Remove from heat and add bourbon to the pineapple sauce.
- Remove the ham from the oven and pour the pineapple sauce over it.
- Bake for an additional 1.5 hours, basting frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a touch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar. If you don't have bourbon, apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract can serve as great substitutes. Ensure you baste the ham every 30 minutes with the sauce for maximum moisture and flavor, enhancing the glaze's richness. For a different twist, try adding some Dijon mustard to the sugar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked party ham with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Homemade Baked Beans or Asparagus Bacon Quiche, making for an impressive spread. For a festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh pineapple slices and herbs, and consider serving it with a refreshing salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings on medium power, covered, until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Party Ham contains roughly 240 calories, with 4g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time based on the weight of the ham, as boneless varieties may cook faster. Make sure to check the internal temperature, aiming for 140°F (60°C) when fully heated.
How long does it take to bake the ham?
The total baking time is approximately 2 hours for a bone-in ham, with the first 30 minutes at 350°F followed by 1.5 hours of additional cooking after adding the pineapple sauce. Be sure to baste frequently to keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pineapple sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before pouring it over the ham to ensure the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).