Pineapple Sauce For Ham
A sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with brown sugar and a hint of cloves, perfect for glazing ham and adding a tropical flavor to your meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine crushed pineapple, brown sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of ground cloves in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- Serve warm over ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker consistency, increase the cornstarch slightly, being sure to dissolve it in a bit of cold water before adding to prevent clumping. This sauce is also versatile; try it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or even in a Very Tasty Fruit Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm pineapple sauce generously over sliced ham for a delightful contrast of flavors. It pairs wonderfully with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Georgia's Zesty Barbecue Sauce for guests to choose their preferred flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pineapple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Sauce For Ham contains roughly 516 calories, with 1g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value), iron (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Just finely chop or crush the pineapple and adjust the sugar to taste, as fresh fruit can vary in sweetness. Cook it down for a bit longer to achieve a similar consistency to canned crushed pineapple.
How can I make this sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of brown sugar by half or substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol. You can also add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors without adding more sugar.
Is this pineapple sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this pineapple sauce is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes, and it complements various dishes wonderfully, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
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).