This fresh pineapple ham puts a modern twist on your grandmothers go-to Christmas meal. Enjoy the savory-sweet flavors as juicy pineapple complements the smokiness of the ham, smothered with a balsamic honey glaze that caramelizes to perfection. Its a winning centerpiece for any occasion: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter – or whenever youre just craving a delicious ham dinner!
If youre loving the sweet meat recipes, try these pineapple meatballs and pineapple pork chops recipes next!
Remember when grandma would bring out a delicious ham at Christmas time, adorned with toothpick-secured canned pineapple rings? Classic. Simple. Nostalgic. Delicious. Well, this recipe takes that, replaces the brown sugar with a delicious honey balsamic glaze, and switches the tinny canned pineapple for fresh. It also ditches the maraschino cherries, and serves it with a contemporary and beautiful presentation. This fresh pineapple with ham recipe will be requested at the Christmas tables for years to come.
This fresh pineapple ham recipe is a showstopper, yet it only calls for a handful of simple ingredients. Leave the brown sugar in the cupboard, this balanced, sweet, sticky glaze doesnt need it! Here are the ingredients:
Baking a bone-in half ham, cut side down in a lagoon of pineapple juice, means the sweet juice infuses the pork as the ham releases some of its saltiness into the liquid. Don’t bother decorating the outside of your ham with fresh pineapple, as the enzymes in the fruit will turn the meat to mush.
Can I use canned pineapple for pineapple ham?
While this recipe is best with fresh pineapple, you could use canned pineapple in a pinch. Ensure to drain the pineapple juice from the can before tucking it into the ham. The canned pineapple slices may be thicker than that of a cut-up fresh pineapple, so cut them accordingly.
Does fresh pineapple make ham mushy?
Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down proteins. This is why your lip sometimes tingles when you enjoy a fresh pineapple! While it can soften meats, there are some simple tips you can do to maintain the texture of your ham:
- Use a fully-cooked, smoked ham: Choose a ham that is fully cooked and smoked. The pineapple wont break it down in the same way it does to uncooked ham.
- Precook the pineapple: If you are using a cooked ham, you dont need to worry about pre-cooking your pineapple. However, if you are feeling particularly cautious, put your pineapple slices in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
- Dry your pineapple: If your slices are on the juicy side, give them a quick pat to remove any excess, bromelain-laden juice.
Watch What Happens When You Cook Fresh Pineapple On Ham
FAQ
Why do people put pineapple on ham?
Can pineapple change the texture of ham?
How does pineapple break down meat?
Does pineapple soften Ham?
As fresh pineapple contains an enzyme that breaks down meat proteins, an overly ripe or juicy pineapple will contribute excess juice that will soften your ham. You want to find a pineapple that is just turning ripe. Here are some tips: Color: Avoid overly green or brown pineapples and look for one that has some green but has a golden hue.
What are the benefits of eating pineapple?
Pineapple is a fruit that has vitamins, minerals and enzymes, such as bromelain. These nutrients help to strengthen the immune system and eliminate inflammation from the body. Helps in weight loss, being a diuretic food, pineapple helps in the elimination of liquids and toxins from the body.
Can you put Pineapple inside a ham?
Don’t bother decorating the outside of your ham with fresh pineapple, as the enzymes in the fruit will turn the meat to mush. Instead, add slices to the pan in the final moments of glazing, which burnishes the meat’s diamond scoring that mimics a pineapple’s quilted peel.
Does pineapple make Ham mushy?
No! Cooking pineapple destroys the enzyme that can make pineapple mushy. Baked ham with pineapple is a classic, but almost all recipes call for using canned pineapple since fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain that can make ham mushy.