This is the best holiday ham recipe! A baked ham coated with sweet pineapple and brown sugar glaze decorated with pineapples and cherries. This ham will be the star of your holiday table.
Hey Cousins! Today, I am sharing a new-and-improved recipe for baked holiday ham: a sweet pineapple and brown sugar glazed ham! In my house, no holiday is complete if I don’t have pineapple ham on the table. I seriously believe everyone should have at least one baked ham recipe in their collection. So today, I’m sharing my pineapple and brown sugar ham recipe!
If you’ve been around for a while, you know I’ve shared a few different brown sugar ham recipes before (my first was a pineapple glazed ham, and my second was this brown sugar baked ham). Well, this one is the best of the best! I literally combined all my ham recipes into one and made the perfect homemade pineapple glaze/sauce. This pineapple ham recipe is now my go-to during the holidays. The best part? It’s so freaking easy to make. The “hardest” part is garnishing the ham with pineapples and cherries. The sweet glaze has all your favorite ingredients, like honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and the perfect combination of holiday spices.
Are you drooling yet?! Now that I’ve talked this pineapple brown sugar ham up a bit, let me show you how to make it!
Turkey with pineapple and cherry is a mouthwatering dish that brings together sweet, tart, and savory flavors for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. As both a professional chef and an enthusiastic home cook, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that spark the imagination and take basic ingredients to new heights. This unique turkey dish delivers on both fronts through its playful use of contrasting flavors and textures.
In this detailed article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this show-stopping dish at home, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques. You’ll also get the inside scoop on the history of this recipe, as well as creative ways to customize it and present it for a stunning table spread. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
A Tantalizing Blend of Sweet and Savory
At first glance pineapple and cherry may seem like unusual pairing for turkey but their sweet and tart notes beautifully complement the savory juiciness of the meat. The brown sugar in the glaze further enhances the complexity of flavors. As the turkey roasts, the fruit break down and mingle with the poultry juices, forming a syrupy sauce that provides pops of brightness in every bite.
This is a great dish for the holidays, as the pineapple and cherry give it a festive tropical flair. But it would also make a lovely centerpiece for a summer barbecue or al fresco dinner party. However you choose to serve it, your guests are sure to be delighted and intrigued by these flavors dancing together in perfect harmony.
Selecting the Freshest Ingredients
The key to success with this dish lies in choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients. Start with an organic free-range turkey, as these birds will have the best flavor and texture. Plan on about 1 pound of turkey per person, and select a 12 to 14 pound bird for a medium sized gathering.
For the fruit, use fresh, ripe pineapple and cherries. Canned versions tend to be mushier in texture. The pineapple should smell fragrant and tropical, while the cherries should be plump and firm. Avoid any bruised or moldy pieces. Gather about 1 cup chopped pineapple and 1 cup pitted cherries per turkey.
The Art of Marinating and Glazing
One of the secrets that makes this turkey extra succulent is marinating it before roasting. This simple process infuses flavor all the way into the meat.
To start, combine melted butter, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, white wine, and spices like oregano in a bowl. Use about 1/2 cup of butter, honey, and brown sugar per turkey. Massage this mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Right before roasting stuff the cavity with the fresh pineapple and cherries. Then liberally brush the turkey with more marinade. The sugars will caramelize and form a beautiful golden brown crust during cooking.
Every 30 minutes during roasting, baste the turkey to keep it beautifully glazed. For easy basting, you can mix extra marinade with pan drippings to form a sauce. The end result is finger licking good!
Mastering the Cook Time
Roasting a turkey can seem daunting for novice cooks. But following some simple guidelines will ensure you end up with tender, juicy meat.
Plan on roasting the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. So a 14 pound bird will take about 3 hours at 350°F. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should reach 165°F. The pineapple and cherries may cause the browning to progress faster, so tent foil over the turkey if the skin gets too dark before the interior is cooked through.
Once roasted, let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you slice into it. Dig in and enjoy this masterpiece!
Serving Suggestions for a Stellar Spread
A dish this beautiful and celebratory deserves an equally impressive table presentation. Here are some tips for creating a pineapples and cherry turkey feast to remember.
Sides: Choose lighter sides like roasted veggies, pilaf, or salad to balance the richness of the meat. A starch like sweet potatoes or wild rice blends nicely with the fruit flavors.
Sauces: Drizzle extra glaze over the sliced turkey or pass cranberry sauce on the side. A dollop of tangy yogurt adds a nice contrast.
Drinks: The sweetness calls for a dry white wine, bubbly champagne, or tropical cocktail. A ginger ale cranberry spritzer would also pair well.
Decor: Fresh herbs, flowers, pineapples rings, or maraschino cherries make lovely garnishes. Scatter gold sequin confetti or glitter pinecones for extra sparkle.
With the right blend of flavors, colors, and textures, you can transform an already amazing dish into a true culinary masterpiece. Get creative with your serving style!
Variations on a Theme
Once you’ve mastered the classic preparation, there are endless ways to put your own spin on pineapple cherry turkey. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
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Use orange or tangerine instead of pineapple for a citrusy twist.
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Mix up the spice blend, adding cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or red pepper flakes.
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Glaze with a combo of pineapple juice, maple syrup, and ginger.
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Stuff the turkey with wild rice, sausage, or corn bread dressing.
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Roast pineapple rings and cherries separately to use as a topper.
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Toast pecans or walnuts to sprinkle over the finished dish.
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Serve sliced turkey over a tropical fruit salad.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this amazing dish your own!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
As with any complex recipe, little mishaps can pop up even when following the directions carefully. Here are some troubleshooting tips for creating flawless pineapple cherry turkey every time:
Dry turkey – Increase marinating time, baste more frequently, or use a probe thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Bland flavor – Allow marinade to penetrate deeper by injecting or butterflying the turkey.
Burnt skin – Use lower heat, tent with foil, or rub skin with oil before roasting.
Poor glaze adhesion – Ensure turkey is dry before glazing, and don’t add glaze too early.
Mushy fruit – Add fruit later in roasting process to avoid overcooking.
With some minor adjustments, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin, well-seasoned meat, and vibrant fruit flavors.
The Joy of Crafting an Edible Masterpiece
As you can see, turkey with pineapple and cherry is so much more than just a delicious dish. It’s a chance to unleash your inner chef and create a visually stunning, unforgettable food experience. You’ll delight in dreaming up new flavor combinations, serving styles, and cooking techniques.
Happy feasting!
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey with Pineapple and Cherry
Cooking a new dish, especially one as unique as turkey with pineapple and cherry, can raise a lot of questions for home chefs. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Why use pineapple and cherry with turkey?
The sweet and tart flavors of the fruit balance beautifully with the savory, rich turkey. The glaze also helps keep the meat moist and infuses it with flavor.
What kind of turkey works best?
Choose a free-range or organic turkey for the most flavor. Plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. A 12-14 lb bird serves 8-10.
Should I brine or marinate the turkey?
Marinating is recommended to enhance juiciness and allow the fruit flavors to penetrate the meat. Brining would overpower the glaze.
What temperature and how long should I roast the turkey?
Roast at 350°F, allowing 15 minutes per pound, until the thigh reaches 165°F. For a 14 lb turkey, that’s about 3 hours.
Can I prepare this the day before?
Yes! Marinate the raw turkey 1-2 days ahead. Roast the fully cooked turkey a day ahead, then reheat gently to serve.
What are the best side dishes?
Lighter sides like roasted veggies, rice pilaf, or a green salad balance the rich turkey nicely. Complement with a cranberry or fruit sauce.
How do I get the glaze to stick to the turkey?
Be sure the turkey is dry before glazing. Brush
Baked Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham Recipe Tips & FAQs
What I love about this recipe, aside from how easy it is to make, is how you can adjust it to your tastes! Y’all know I always say follow the written recipe, but even the best home cooks have their own recipe secrets they love to share. So, here are some pro tips and FAQs to make the most delicious holiday pineapple glazed ham possible.
Step 1: Decorate the Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
Now, this might seem a little extra, but honey… Cousin Rosie ain’t nothin’ if not extra! Honestly, covering the ham with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries infuses even more flavor into the ham and makes it looks extra pretty when you serve it up.
First, drain the juice from the pineapple slices and cherries. You can use canned pineapple slices or fresh pineapple slices, but either way, you need pineapple juice! Then place the pineapple rings all over the surface of the ham, securing using toothpicks. Finally, pin a cherry into the center of each pineapple ring and around the open spaces on the surface of the ham, and then you’ve got a perfectly garnished, ready-to-glaze ham!