Ah, baked ham, a staple of holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners! There’s something inexplicably nostalgic about it, especially when it’s kissed by the sweetness of pineapple and cherries. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the aroma—it’s like a warm hug that tastes as good as it smells. This dish, with its caramelized glaze and juicy slices, feels like a festive celebration on a plate—comfort food at its finest.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the ham in a large baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, reserved pineapple syrup, and lemon-lime soda. Stir until well mixed and set aside.
- Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/2 inch deep, and insert a whole clove into each diamond.
- Pour the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Arrange pineapple slices over the ham and secure each slice with toothpicks.
- Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and use toothpicks to secure them in place.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for one hour. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze.
- Monitor the ham closely to prevent the pineapple and cherries from burning. Once done, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Before slicing, remove all toothpicks and cloves from the ham.
Ingredients
- 1 smoked ham (bone-in, 10 lbs)
- 1 can of pineapple slices in syrup (20 ounces, drained, syrup reserved)
- 10 maraschino cherries
- 3 tablespoons of whole cloves
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 can of lemon-lime soda
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for ham with pineapple and cherries?
- You will need a 10 lb bone-in smoked ham, a can of pineapple slices in syrup, maraschino cherries, whole cloves, brown sugar, and lemon-lime soda.
- How do you ensure the pineapples and cherries stick to the ham?
- Use toothpicks with rounded ends to attach the pineapple slices and cherries to the ham. This method helps them stay in place and prevents the toothpicks from sticking out awkwardly.
- Why use lemon-lime soda in the glaze?
- The lemon-lime soda adds a unique flavor and helps the glaze thicken as it bakes, enhancing the overall taste of the ham.
- What type of ham works best for this recipe?
- A smoked ham that is not spiral cut is recommended. Spiral cut hams can dry out during baking and make it difficult for the fruits to adhere properly.
- How do you prevent the fruit topping from burning?
- Bake the ham covered initially, then uncover it towards the end. Place your oven rack on the lowest level to keep the fruit topping away from the top heating element, and watch it carefully as the baking time concludes.
Tips
- Use whole cloves and toothpicks with rounded ends to secure the pineapple slices and cherries to the ham, ensuring they stay in place and avoid injury while handling.
- Opt for a smoked ham that is not spiral cut to prevent it from drying out and to allow the fruits to adhere more easily.
- Monitor the oven closely towards the end of the cooking time to prevent the pineapple and cherries from burning. Lowering the oven rack can help keep the fruit topping away from the heat source.
- Choose pineapple slices packed in syrup rather than juice, as the syrup helps thicken the glaze during baking.
Equipment
- Large baking pan
- Toothpicks with rounded ends
