Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Glazed Pineapple Ham Delight?
It is a retro-inspired holiday dish featuring a spiral-sliced ham baked with pineapple slices and a sweet and tangy mustard-brown sugar glaze.
What size ham should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a spiral-sliced bone-in half ham weighing approximately 8 to 10 pounds.
How many servings does this ham recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 16 and 20 people.
What are the ingredients for the tropical glaze?
The glaze is made from 3/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of whole grain mustard.
Should I save the juice from the canned pineapple?
Yes, you should reserve 3/4 cup of the pineapple juice to mix into the glaze.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the ham?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C) for the initial baking phase.
How should I position the oven rack?
The oven rack should be adjusted to the lowest position.
Do I need to remove the plastic disk from the ham?
Yes, always remove and discard the plastic disk that covers the bone before cooking.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Line a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with two overlapping pieces of 24-inch-long aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang to wrap the ham later.
Should the ham be placed cut side up or down?
The ham should be placed in the baking dish cut side down.
How do I attach the pineapple slices to the ham?
Use toothpicks to strategically attach the pineapple rings all over the exterior of the ham, taking care not to press them too deeply.
How long should the ham rest before going into the oven?
For optimal flavor infusion, let the ham rest at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours after glazing and wrapping.
What internal temperature should the ham reach during the first bake?
The ham should reach an internal temperature of approximately 100°F (38°C).
How long does it take to bake the ham per pound?
The cooking time is approximately 17 minutes per pound during the initial baking phase.
What is the temperature for the second phase of baking?
After the initial bake, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) to caramelize the glaze.
How long do I bake the ham at the higher temperature?
Bake the ham at 450°F for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the glaze is golden brown and sticky.
How long should the ham rest after it is completely finished cooking?
Allow the ham to rest for 30 to 40 minutes before carving.
Should I baste the ham while it rests?
Yes, you should baste the ham with its juices once or twice while it is resting.
How many calories are in a serving of this ham?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides about 9 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
While dark brown sugar is specified for its rich flavor, light brown sugar can be used as a substitute if needed.
Why is the ham wrapped tightly in foil during baking?
Wrapping the ham in foil locks in moisture, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy.
How many cans of pineapple are required?
The recipe requires two 20-ounce cans of pineapple slices packed in juice.
What type of mustards are used for the glaze?
The glaze uses a combination of Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard.
Is this recipe good for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically recommended for Christmas, Easter, or any special family gathering.
What should I do with the remaining glaze?
The glaze should be applied in multiple layers: first before baking, then after the internal temperature is reached, and finally once more after the high-heat caramelization.
Does this recipe use fresh or canned pineapple?
This recipe uses canned pineapple slices packed in juice.
What makes this dish 'retro-inspired'?
The classic presentation of a glazed ham adorned with pineapple rings and toothpicks is a nostalgic centerpiece common in mid-century festive dining.