Sweet And Spicy Ham
A flavorful ham glazed with a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce, featuring warm cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange the cooked ham in a shallow baking pan and score the top in a diamond pattern.
- Combine pineapple juice, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves in a heavy saucepan and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Brush the pineapple sauce over the ham.
- Bake the ham for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer registers 130 degrees Fahrenheit, basting frequently with the pineapple sauce.
- Reheat any remaining sauce and serve with the ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, let the glaze sit on the ham for up to 30 minutes before baking. You can substitute orange juice for pineapple juice for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. Ensure that the ham is fully cooked before starting, as this recipe is for reheating and adding flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet And Spicy Ham with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with 12 Hour Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider adding a tangy mustard sauce on the side for an extra flavor dimension. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, making it a standout on any table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in a covered dish in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, basting with some reserved pineapple sauce for added moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Spicy Ham contains roughly 155 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g 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
How can I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, cook it a bit longer on the stove, allowing it to reduce further. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the simmering glaze until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Simply brush it on the ham before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld nicely. However, it's best to bake the ham on the day you plan to serve it for optimal taste and texture.
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).