Savory Pineapple-Rosemary Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday celebrations with this Savory Pineapple-Rosemary Glazed Ham, an eye-catching centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts. The rich flavors of dark brown sugar and fresh rosemary complement the sweetness of pineapple, creating a glaze that's perfectly balanced—not overly sweet but bursting with flavor. This delightful dish not only impresses your guests but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere during cozy winter gatherings. Ideal for substantial company dinners, this ham serves a crowd and is sure to become a cherished favorite for years to come.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bone-in ham
1 (8-10 lb, cooked, rump half or 4-6 lb cooked boneless ham)
dark brown sugar
1 1/4 cups (packed, divided use)
Dijon-style mustard
3 tablespoons (for brushing and glaze)
fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons (snipped (or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed))
pineapple juice
1/2 cup (for glaze)
Dijon-style mustard
1/4 cup (for glaze)
medium pineapple
1 (peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped (4-1/2 cups) or 3 (20-ounce) cans of pineapple tidbits, drained, reserve 1/2 cup juice)
grilled pineapple slice
optional (for garnish (see grilled pineapple slice instructions))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pineapple-Rosemary Glazed Ham?
It is a holiday-ready main dish featuring a bone-in or boneless ham glazed with a mixture of dark brown sugar, fresh rosemary, and pineapple.
What occasions is this ham recipe best for?
This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday celebrations, and substantial company dinners.
What size bone-in ham should I use?
The recipe recommends an 8-10 lb cooked bone-in rump half.
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a 4-6 lb cooked boneless ham as an alternative to the bone-in variety.
What kind of sugar is best for the glaze?
Dark brown sugar is used to provide a rich, deep sweetness that complements the rosemary.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh rosemary with 2 teaspoons of crushed dried rosemary.
What type of mustard is required?
The recipe calls for Dijon-style mustard, which is used for both brushing the ham and for the glaze.
How much pineapple juice is needed for the glaze?
You will need 1/2 cup of pineapple juice to prepare the glaze.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 3 (20-ounce) cans of pineapple tidbits, drained, while reserving 1/2 cup of the juice.
How many cups of fresh pineapple does one medium pineapple provide?
One medium pineapple, when peeled, cored, and coarsely chopped, yields approximately 4-1/2 cups.
Is this glazed ham very sweet?
No, the glaze is specifically designed to be perfectly balanced and not overly sweet.
How does the rosemary affect the flavor of the ham?
The fresh rosemary adds a savory, aromatic element that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.
Can I garnish the finished dish?
Yes, optional grilled pineapple slices make an excellent garnish for a more festive presentation.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of packed dark brown sugar for divided use.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, including the optional garnish.
Is the ham already cooked when I start?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a cooked ham, either bone-in or boneless.
How much Dijon-style mustard is needed for the glaze itself?
The glaze portion of the recipe uses 1/4 cup of Dijon-style mustard.
How much mustard is used for brushing the ham?
The recipe allocates 3 tablespoons of Dijon-style mustard for brushing and initial glaze preparation.
What is the preparation for the fresh rosemary?
The fresh rosemary should be snipped into small pieces before being added.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, an 8-10 lb ham serves a crowd, making it perfect for large family gatherings.
Can I make this for a winter dinner party?
Absolutely, it is designed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for cozy winter gatherings.
What makes this an eye-catching centerpiece?
The combination of the rich glaze, chopped pineapple, and optional grilled pineapple garnish creates a visually stunning presentation.
Should I drain the pineapple tidbits if using canned?
Yes, the tidbits should be drained, but make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the juice for the glaze.
How do I prepare the fresh pineapple?
You should peel, core, and coarsely chop the pineapple into about 4-1/2 cups of pieces.
Is this a traditional holiday ham?
It is a savory twist on the traditional glazed ham, using rosemary to elevate the flavor profile.
Does this recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
The provided information does not include specific nutritional values like calories, fat, or protein.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the 1 1/4 cups of dark brown sugar should be packed into the measuring cup.
Can I use this recipe for a rump half ham?
Yes, a cooked rump half is specifically mentioned as a recommended cut for this dish.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a balanced blend of sweet pineapple, rich dark brown sugar, tangy Dijon mustard, and aromatic rosemary.
Is there a specific instruction for the rosemary if using dried?
If using dried rosemary, ensure it is crushed to release its flavor properly.