Ham With Gingered Pineapple
A delightful ham glazed with a gingered pineapple sauce, blending sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners, this dish offers a juicy ham topped with caramelized pineapple slices and a flavorful sauce that impresses every palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the ham on a rack in a roasting pan at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours or until the thermometer registers 140°F.
- Blend the juice from the pineapple can with sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Twist the pineapple slices and arrange them on the ham.
- Brush the sauce over the pineapple and ham.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes, brushing with the remaining sauce after 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, substitute brown sugar for the white sugar. To save time, you can use precooked ham, which only needs to be heated through. Additionally, if you don't have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickening agent, but be sure to cook it longer to eliminate the raw taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham with gingered pineapple alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious glaze. For a complete spread, consider serving this dish with sides like Bean Hamburger Dish or Glenda's 16 Bean Soup Recipe, which complements the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ham and pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ham and pineapple in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. This method helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham With Gingered Pineapple contains roughly 253 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1052mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
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 any type of precooked ham, such as spiral-cut or honey-glazed ham. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some hams may require less time in the oven. The key is to heat it to an internal temperature of 140°F.
Is it necessary to bake the ham twice?
Baking the ham twice allows the glaze to caramelize and enhances the flavor. The initial baking warms the ham, while the second bake with the glaze adds a delicious finish. If you're short on time, you can skip the second baking, but the results will be less flavorful.
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken when chilled. This can save you time on the day you plan to serve the ham.
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).