Alabama Pineapple Brown Sugar Grilled Ham

Ingredients

• 2 thick-cut ham steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pineapple rings
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oily napkins and light the paper.
3. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes, achieving a center grill grate temperature of over 1,000°F.

Step 2: Prepare the pineapple glaze

1. On the flat cooktop near the outer edge, melt the butter.
2. Add the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Stir continuously, allowing the mixture to thicken into a glaze.
4. Move to a cooler section to stay warm.

Step 3: Sear the ham steaks

1. Place the ham steaks on the center grill grate for 1-2 minutes per side to sear at 1,000°F.
2. Once a deep golden crust forms, move them to the flat cooktop to finish cooking.

Step 4: Grill the pineapple slices

1. Place the pineapple rings on the flat cooktop close to the center for slight caramelization.
2. Flip after about 2 minutes, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5: Glaze the ham and finish cooking

1. Move the ham steaks to a medium heat zone and begin brushing with the pineapple brown sugar glaze.
2. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, turning and reglazing frequently.
3. Remove from the grill when the internal temperature reaches about 130°F (carryover heat will bring it to 145°F).
4. Let the ham rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Always remove meat from the grill when it’s about 15°F below the target temperature to allow for carryover cooking.
• For an extra smoky flavor, use fruitwood logs like apple or cherry.
• Brushing the ham with glaze in layers while it cooks builds up a deep, caramelized finish.

Variations

1. Spicy Alabama Ham: Add crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a fiery kick.
2. Whiskey-Glazed Ham: Swap out half the pineapple juice for bourbon or whiskey for deeper, smoky sweetness.
3. Maple-Glazed Ham: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a rich, northern-inspired flavor.
4. Coconut Pineapple Ham: Add coconut milk to the glaze for a tropical, creamy twist.
5. Garlic Herb Ham: Mix minced garlic and fresh thyme into the glaze for a savory balance.

Conclusion

This Alabama Pineapple Brown Sugar Grilled Ham is all about bold, balanced flavors and the unbeatable sear of the Arteflame grill. The combination of heat zones ensures every bite is juicy, caramelized, and deeply flavorful. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a weeknight family dinner, this ham is sure to impress!

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter
• Charred asparagus with lemon zest
• Buttery cornbread
• Southern-style coleslaw
• Grilled peaches with honey and whipped cream