Glazed Ham with Pineapple

For years, the centerpiece of our holiday table, the star of countless family gatherings, and the dish that magically transforms any ordinary dinner into a festive feast has been, without a doubt, Glazed Ham with Pineapple. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a comforting aroma that fills the house, and a flavor combination that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone, from the pickiest toddlers to the most discerning palates. I still remember the first time I made this dish, slightly intimidated by the prospect of glazing a large ham. But the recipe was surprisingly straightforward, and the result? Absolutely spectacular. The sweet, tangy glaze, perfectly caramelized around the edges, contrasted beautifully with the savory ham, while the juicy pineapple added a burst of tropical sunshine to every bite. My family devoured it, and the compliments poured in, solidifying this dish’s place in our culinary repertoire. It’s become our go-to for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and even just a special Sunday dinner. If you’re looking for a show-stopping main course that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to make, look no further. This Glazed Ham with Pineapple recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Get ready to experience the delightful harmony of sweet and savory that will make this ham the highlight of your next meal.

Ingredients for Glazed Ham with Pineapple

This recipe utilizes simple, readily available ingredients to create a complex and delicious flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bone-in Ham: 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked, bone-in ham The star of the show! A bone-in ham, whether shank or butt portion, provides the best flavor and moisture. Choose a fully cooked ham for ease and convenience. The bone also contributes to a richer flavor and can be used later for soups.

Pineapple Rings (Canned or Fresh): 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple rings in juice, or 1 fresh pineapple, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings Pineapple brings a crucial element of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the ham. Canned pineapple rings are perfectly convenient and work wonderfully, but fresh pineapple, cored and sliced into rings, offers a brighter, fresher flavor.

Brown Sugar (Light or Dark): 1 cup packed brown sugar Brown sugar is the foundation of our glaze, lending a deep molasses-like sweetness and helping to create that beautiful caramelized crust. Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably; dark brown sugar will impart a slightly richer, more intense flavor.

Pineapple Juice: 1/2 cup Pineapple juice enhances the pineapple flavor and adds moisture to the glaze. If using canned pineapple, you can use the juice from the can. Fresh pineapple juice works equally well.

Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the glaze, adding depth and complexity. Its subtle spice also cuts through the richness of the ham.

Honey: 1/4 cup Honey adds another layer of sweetness to the glaze, contributing a floral note and helping to create a glossy, sticky texture.

Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons A touch of apple cider vinegar brings a welcome acidity that balances the sweetness and savory notes, preventing the glaze from becoming cloying. It also tenderizes the ham slightly.

Ground Cloves: 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves offer a warm, aromatic spice that complements both ham and pineapple beautifully, adding a hint of holiday spice and depth to the overall flavor profile.

Maraschino Cherries (Optional): 1/2 cup Maraschino cherries are primarily for visual appeal, adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. They are entirely optional but do enhance the presentation, especially for festive occasions.

Instructions for Perfect Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create a perfectly glazed ham with pineapple that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds:

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures the ham heats through gently without drying out, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully without burning.
• Score the ham (optional but recommended). Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep. Scoring helps the glaze penetrate the ham and creates visually appealing caramelized edges. Be careful not to cut too deep, just through the outer layer.
• Place the ham in a roasting pan. Use a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the ham slightly. This allows for better air circulation and prevents the ham from sitting in its own juices, ensuring even cooking and crispier edges. If you don’t have a rack, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to lift the ham.
• Add water or broth to the pan (optional). Pour about 1 cup of water or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates steam in the oven, helping to keep the ham moist during cooking. Be sure the liquid doesn’t touch the ham itself, it should just be in the bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Glaze

• In a saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
• Simmer the glaze until thickened. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened and reduced. It should be syrupy enough to coat the back of a spoon. This reduction process concentrates the flavors and creates a richer glaze.
• Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool slightly while you prepare the ham for baking.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Ham

• Brush the ham with glaze. Using a pastry brush, generously brush about half of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into the scores if you made them.
• Arrange pineapple rings on the ham. Place pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. You can get creative with the arrangement, creating a visually appealing pattern. If using maraschino cherries, place them in the center of the pineapple rings or around the ham.
• Bake the ham. Place the roasting pan with the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-14 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone, to ensure accurate temperature reading. Since the ham is fully cooked, you are primarily reheating it and caramelizing the glaze.
• Glaze again and continue baking. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and brush it with the remaining glaze. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for the remaining time. This second glaze application creates a beautiful, glossy finish and intensifies the flavor.
• Baste with pan juices (optional). During the last 30 minutes of baking, you can baste the ham with the pan juices every 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and add extra flavor. This is not strictly necessary but can enhance the juiciness and flavor of the ham.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

• Let the ham rest before carving. Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Cover loosely with foil during resting to keep it warm.
• Carve and serve. Carve the ham and serve hot. The glaze will have caramelized beautifully, and the pineapple will be tender and infused with the glaze flavors. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Glazed Ham with Pineapple (per serving, estimated)

• Serving Size: 4 oz (approximately 113g) ham (estimated, may vary based on ham type and serving size)
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g

Note: These are estimated nutritional values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, the cut of ham, and serving sizes. For precise nutritional information, consult a nutritional database or use a recipe analyzer tool with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for Glazed Ham with Pineapple

This recipe is wonderfully manageable, even for busy cooks! The active preparation time is minimal, with the oven doing most of the work.

• Prep Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (This includes scoring the ham, making the glaze, and arranging the pineapple.)
• Cook Time: Approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours (This depends on the size and type of ham. Allow roughly 10-14 minutes per pound at 325°F/160°C.)
• Rest Time: 10-15 minutes (Essential for juicy and tender ham)
• Total Time: Approximately 2 – 3 hours (From start to finish, including preparation, cooking, and resting time.)

This timeline makes it a perfect dish for holidays or weekend gatherings, allowing you to prepare the ham and glaze in advance, and then simply bake it closer to serving time.

How to Serve Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Glazed Ham with Pineapple is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Holiday Sides:
  • Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic accompaniment to ham, offering a rich and comforting contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
  • Green Bean Casserole: Another holiday staple, green bean casserole provides a comforting and familiar side dish with a satisfyingly creamy texture.
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: Embrace the sweet theme with a sweet potato casserole, perhaps topped with pecans or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
  • Stuffing or Dressing: A flavorful stuffing or dressing, whether bread-based or cornbread-based, is a must-have for a holiday ham dinner.
• Fresh and Bright Sides:
  • Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus, lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, offers a fresh and vibrant counterpoint to the richness of the ham.
  • Broccoli Salad: A crisp and refreshing broccoli salad with a creamy dressing and perhaps some dried cranberries or bacon bits (if not strictly vegetarian for all sides).
  • Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad, especially one featuring tropical fruits like mango or papaya, complements the pineapple glaze and adds a burst of freshness.
  • Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a palate cleanser and adds a healthy element to the meal.
• Comforting and Savory Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side dish that pairs well with almost anything, including glazed ham.
  • Mac and Cheese: Indulge in creamy mac and cheese for a truly comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.
  • Cornbread: Warm cornbread, especially slightly sweet cornbread, is a delicious accompaniment to ham, soaking up the pan juices and glaze.
  • Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham.
• Serving Occasions:
  • Holiday Feasts: Perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any large holiday gathering.
  • Sunday Dinner: Elevate a regular Sunday dinner with this impressive and flavorful ham.
  • Potlucks and Parties: Glazed ham is a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks and parties, as it’s easily transportable and always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Special Celebrations: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion with this show-stopping centerpiece.

Additional Tips for the Best Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Elevate your Glazed Ham with Pineapple to the next level with these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a bone-in, fully cooked ham for the best flavor and ease of preparation. Shank or butt portions both work well. Consider the size of your crowd when choosing the ham weight to ensure you have enough (or not too much!).
2. Don’t Skip Scoring (Optional but Recommended): Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, creating more flavorful and visually appealing caramelized edges. It also helps render out some of the surface fat, resulting in a slightly crisper exterior.
3. Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: Feel free to customize the glaze to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, increase the brown sugar or honey. For a tangier glaze, add a bit more Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar. You can also experiment with other spices like ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
4. Use Fresh Pineapple for a Brighter Flavor: While canned pineapple is convenient and works well, fresh pineapple offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using fresh pineapple, make sure it’s ripe and juicy. You can also grill or sauté fresh pineapple slices briefly before glazing for a slightly caramelized flavor.
5. Secure Pineapple Rings Properly: Use toothpicks to securely attach the pineapple rings to the ham, especially if you are using thicker slices or fresh pineapple. This prevents them from sliding off during baking and ensures they stay in place for an attractive presentation. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!
6. Don’t Overbake the Ham: Since the ham is fully cooked, the goal is to reheat it gently and caramelize the glaze. Overbaking can dry out the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and remove it from the oven promptly.
7. Make Extra Glaze: Consider making a little extra glaze to serve on the side. Some people love to drizzle extra glaze over their ham slices or side dishes. You can also use leftover glaze for other purposes, like brushing on grilled chicken or pork chops.
8. Rest the Ham Adequately: Resting the ham after baking is crucial for juicy and tender results. Allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist ham. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while resting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Here are some common questions and answers about making Glazed Ham with Pineapple:

Q1: Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use a boneless ham. However, bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and moist. If using a boneless ham, follow the same baking instructions but reduce the cooking time slightly as boneless hams may cook a bit faster.

Q2: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before using. This is a great time-saving tip for busy holiday cooking.

Q3: What if I don’t have pineapple rings? Can I use pineapple chunks?
A3: Yes, you can use pineapple chunks if you don’t have rings. Simply arrange the chunks around and on top of the ham. While rings create a more classic presentation, chunks will still provide the delicious pineapple flavor.

Q4: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A4: Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy flavor and subtle spice, but you can experiment with other mustards. Yellow mustard will work in a pinch, but it will have a milder flavor. Spicy brown mustard could also add a nice kick.

Q5: How do I store leftover glazed ham?
A5: Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven, microwave, or skillet until heated through. It’s delicious in sandwiches, soups, or omelets!

Q6: Can I freeze leftover glazed ham?
A6: Yes, you can freeze leftover glazed ham. Wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q7: My glaze is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A7: If your glaze is too thin, continue to simmer it over medium heat for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. Be careful not to burn it.

Q8: Can I make this recipe on a grill?
A8: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the ham on indirect heat, away from direct flames. Glaze and grill as directed, monitoring the temperature and ensuring the glaze doesn’t burn. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor to the ham, adding another layer of deliciousness.

Print