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Perfect Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe with Pineapple Crust

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A sticky-sweet honey bourbon glazed ham with a caramelized pineapple crust that balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Perfect for holidays or casual family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 7–8 pounds bone-in pre-cooked ham (spiral sliced preferred)
  • ⅓ cup honey (mild, floral like clover preferred)
  • ¼ cup bourbon (mid-range brand like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained
  • Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly cracked preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about ½ inch deep.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously.
  4. Place pineapple rings on top of the ham, overlapping slightly if needed. If using, tuck a maraschino cherry into the center of each ring.
  5. Brush the glaze generously over the ham and pineapple, filling the scored diamond cuts and covering the fruit.
  6. Place the ham in a baking dish or roasting pan. Tent loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
  7. Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to allow the glaze and pineapple crust to caramelize and turn golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning; tent again if browning too fast.
  8. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Score the ham about ½ inch deep to allow glaze penetration. Simmer glaze gently to avoid burning. Baste regularly during baking to keep ham moist. Remove foil for last 20 minutes to caramelize glaze and pineapple. Let ham rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or pineapple juice. Use fresh pineapple rings for a brighter crust, pat dry before layering. Glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bourbon glazed ham, pineapple crust ham, holiday ham recipe, glazed ham, bourbon ham, sweet and savory ham

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/perfect-honey-bourbon-glazed-ham-recipe-with-pineapple-crust-easy-steps/