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Perfect Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe with Easy Pineapple Relish

apricot mustard glazed ham - featured image

A tangy and sweet apricot mustard glazed ham paired with a fresh pineapple relish, perfect for holidays and casual meals alike. The glaze caramelizes into a sticky, shiny coat that complements the ham’s salty richness, while the pineapple relish adds a zesty brightness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 pounds fully cooked bone-in ham (preferably spiral-cut)
  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup whole grain or Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove ham from packaging and place in roasting pan, cut side down if spiral sliced. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper until smooth and spreadable.
  3. Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep, being careful not to cut too deep.
  4. Using a basting brush, coat the entire ham generously with the apricot mustard glaze, making sure to get into the scored lines.
  5. Cover ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze. Remove foil during the last 20 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  6. Meanwhile, combine drained crushed pineapple, diced red bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir gently and refrigerate until serving.
  7. Check ham’s internal temperature; it should reach 140°F (60°C). If no thermometer, ensure ham is hot and glaze is bubbling.
  8. Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve slices topped with pineapple relish and extra glaze if desired.

Notes

Keep extra glaze on hand for serving. If glaze thickens too much during baking, add a splash of water before brushing. Score the ham to allow glaze penetration and caramelization. Fully thaw ham before cooking. Drain pineapple well to avoid watery relish. Soak diced onion in cold water for milder flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: apricot mustard glazed ham, pineapple relish, holiday ham recipe, easy ham glaze, sweet and tangy ham, spiral ham recipe