Sweet. Savory. Holiday-Ready Elegance.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice
- Whole cloves (about 30)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for glaze depth)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
1. Prep the Ham:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern, about ¼-inch deep. Insert a whole clove into each diamond intersection.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice from the can (reserve slices), white wine, and optional Dijon mustard. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Bake the Ham:
Place ham in a roasting pan lined with foil. Brush generously with glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ hours, basting every 30 minutes.
4. Add Pineapple & Finish:
After 90 minutes, remove foil. Arrange pineapple slices over the ham, securing with toothpicks. Add cherries to pineapple centers if desired. Baste again with glaze. Return to oven uncovered for another 30–45 minutes until golden, caramelized, and the internal temp reaches 140°F.
5. Rest & Slice:
Remove from oven and tent with foil. Rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Chef Ed’s Notes:
- Perfect Wine Pairing: Use a dry white wine in the glaze and serve the same one at the table.
- Pineapple Trick: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want extra caramelization.
- Holiday Flair: Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and a crisp green salad for a festive, balanced plate.
Health Benefits for Athletes:
- Protein Punch: Ham offers lean, high-quality protein to support recovery.
- Carb Assist: Brown sugar and pineapple help restore glycogen post-training.
- Electrolytes & Iron: Ham provides sodium, iron, and B-vitamins crucial for endurance and oxygen transport.
- Wine Glaze Bonus: White wine adds antioxidants—just don’t overdo the serving size.
References:
- USDA FoodData Central. (2024). Nutrition Facts: Ham, Pineapple, Brown Sugar.
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/ - Bon Appétit. (2023). The Ultimate Glazed Holiday Ham Recipe.
https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/glazed-holiday-ham - The Spruce Eats. (2023). How to Bake a Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/pineapple-glazed-baked-ham-3058293 - Healthline. (2022). Is Ham Healthy? Nutritional Breakdown and Benefits.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-ham-healthy - Wine Enthusiast. (2023). Best Wines to Cook With and Why.
https://www.winemag.com/2023/04/12/best-wine-for-cooking/