Ingredients
Spice Rub
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest from 1 orange
Glaze
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- Juice from 1 orange (about 1/2 cup)
- 3/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/3 cup bourbon or pineapple juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice (for sprinkling)
Ham
- 5 to 6 pound bone-in, previously cooked spiral ham
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a large roasting pan to hold the ham during baking.
- Prepare Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, ground thyme, allspice, cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix well to form a fragrant spice rub.
- Rub Ham: Pat the pre-cooked spiral ham dry then rub the spice mixture thoroughly all over its surface, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Wrap and Bake: Tightly wrap the rubbed ham in heavy-duty nonstick foil. Place it into the roasting pan and bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Make Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, juice of 1 orange, 3/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice, and bourbon or pineapple juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the glaze reduces and thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add Pineapple: After the initial 30 minutes baking, remove the ham from the oven and carefully peel back the foil. Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice over the ham’s surface, then reseal the foil and bake covered for an additional 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Broil with Glaze: Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven broiler temperature to 500°F (260°C). Peel back the foil again and drizzle the prepared orange pineapple glaze evenly over the ham.
- Caramelize Glaze: Place the ham uncovered directly under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully to caramelize the glaze without burning—this step caramelizes the sugars and creates a beautiful glossy crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven, loosely cover it, and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender slices.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover ham airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months for future meals.
Notes
- Using bourbon in the glaze adds a depth of flavor, but pineapple juice is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
- Don’t overbake the ham to avoid drying it out; the internal temperature should reach about 140°F.
- Keep a close eye while broiling since the glaze can burn quickly; watch carefully and remove promptly when caramelized.
- Letting the ham rest before slicing ensures juicy, tender pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American