Easter Ham
A flavorful holiday ham glazed with pineapple, cherries, and brown sugar, perfect for festive occasions and loved for its moist, sweet, and savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Score or puncture the smoked ham with a knife or meat fork.
- Arrange pineapple rings around the top of the ham.
- Place maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring and secure with cloves.
- If needed, use toothpicks to secure the pineapple and cherries, especially if the ham skin is thick.
- Make a mixture of pineapple juice and cherry juice.
- Add a handful of brown sugar to the juice mixture and heat slightly until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the juice and sugar mixture over the ham.
- Cook the ham for 2 to 3 hours, ensuring it heats thoroughly.
- Optionally, cook the ham using a Brown-in-Bag for added moisture.
- Serve the ham moist and flavorful, garnished with pineapple and cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the ham in the juice mixture overnight. If you're out of maraschino cherries, consider using fresh cherries or dried cranberries as a substitute. You can also add a dash of mustard to the brown sugar mixture for a tangy twist. If the ham is precooked, focus on reheating it gently to avoid drying it out.
Serving Suggestions
This Easter Ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider serving alongside classic American recipes like Poke Cake for dessert or a refreshing Lemon-Mint Ice Tea to drink. Garnish the ham with additional pineapple and cherries for a festive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, adding a splash of pineapple juice to keep it moist. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easter Ham contains roughly 168 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 15g 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 different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham or even a spiral-cut ham; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If using a different flavor profile, consider a maple glaze instead of brown sugar for a unique taste.
What should I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham can be diced and added to soups, salads, or casseroles. You could also use it in breakfast dishes like omelets or quiches. For a quick meal, try making a ham sandwich with your favorite toppings.
Can I prepare the ham in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ham up to the point of cooking and refrigerate it. Just ensure to cover it well to prevent drying out. When ready to cook, let it come to room temperature before heating for more even cooking.
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).