Fruited Ham Dinner
A hearty ham dinner featuring sweet peaches, pears, and cherries, glazed with a brown sugar mixture, perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the peach halves, pear halves, drained maraschino cherries, and pumpkin spice in a bowl.
- Pour off 1/2 cup of the syrup from the fruit mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ham in an oblong baking dish.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes around the ham.
- Mix the brown sugar, reserved fruit syrup, and dry mustard to make a glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the ham and sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 1 hour, basting the ham and potatoes every 15 minutes.
- Drain the fruit and arrange it across the top and sides of the dish.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the fruit mixture. If you don't have pumpkin spice, a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg works well. For a twist, substitute the ham with a smoked turkey breast. Make sure to evenly space the sweet potatoes for even cooking, and feel free to use canned fruit in light syrup for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This fruited ham dinner pairs beautifully with Marinated Green Pea Salad or a side of Scalloped Yams And Apples for a delightful contrast. For added texture, serve with crusty bread to soak up the glaze. A chilled white wine or sparkling cider can complement the sweetness of the dish and enhance the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ham and sweet potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Adding a splash of reserved fruit syrup can keep everything moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Ham Dinner contains roughly 1141 calories, with 2g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 fresh fruit instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches and pears if they are in season. Just make sure to adjust the syrup quantity to maintain the glaze consistency. Fresh fruit will add a wonderful texture and flavor, but you'll need to cook it slightly longer to soften it up.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To amp up the flavor, consider marinating the ham in a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar a few hours before cooking. Adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary can also provide an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This fruited ham dinner is great for meal prep. You can prepare the ham and sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them separately. Reheating them together allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
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).