Delicious Holiday Baked Pineapple Ham Recipe

Ingredients

• A bone-in ham weighing around 12 pounds, or adjust according to preference
• A generous amount of 40 whole cloves for flavor
• A can of luscious strawberry pie filling, weighing 21 ounces
• ⅔ cup of rich brown sugar for sweetness
• ¼ cup of vibrant yellow mustard to add zest
• An 8-ounce can of sliced pineapple, with reserved juice divided
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening
• Toothpicks for securing the ingredients

Step 1

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and preparing a baking dish with a generous inch of water. Gently nestle the ham into the dish, positioning it flat-side down. With a creative flair, score the top of the ham in diagonal squares and embellish each corner with a clove for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, craft a delectable glaze by combining your chosen pie filling with brown sugar and a hint of mustard. As you stir, crush the strawberries to release their juicy essence, infusing the mixture with fruity goodness. In a separate bowl, concoct a thickening agent by blending cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and incorporate it into the strawberry blend until a luscious, thick texture emerges.

Step 3

Lavishly spread this delightful mixture over the ham, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated in deliciousness. Drizzle the remaining pineapple juice over the ham, being mindful not to disturb the glaze. To seal in the flavors, fashion a foil tent over the ham before placing it in the oven.

Step 4

Let the ham bake to perfection, periodically basting it with the savory juices to enhance its succulence. Once the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) near the bone, typically after 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours of cooking time, it's time to elevate the dish further.

Step 5

Position the oven rack close to the broiler and activate it to a toasty warmth. Adorn the ham with pineapple slices secured with toothpicks for a visually appealing touch, then slide it under the broiler's glow until the fruit glistens with a golden hue, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 6

Once the ham emerges from its final baking session, allow it to rest for 15 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the juices to redistribute. When it's time to slice, start from the smallest end and work your way gracefully towards the center, revealing the tender, flavorful layers within.