When it comes to holiday feasts, few dishes make as stunning a centerpiece as Glazed Ham with Pineapple. With its caramelized exterior, tangy-sweet glaze, and juicy slices of ham crowned with golden pineapple rings, this dish is a time-honored classic for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and any special gathering.
Not only is it visually striking, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to prepare. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the perfect Glazed Ham with Pineapple, from selecting your ham, preparing the glaze, and cooking it to perfection, to tips for serving and pairing with sides like Green Bean Casserole or creamy mashed potatoes.
By the end, you’ll have a reliable, mouthwatering recipe guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients for Glazed Ham with Pineapple
For the Ham
- 1 whole or half bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
- Whole cloves (about 30–40, for studding)
the Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup honey (for added sweetness and shine)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for warm spice)
Garnish & Baking
- 1 can pineapple slices (about 10–12 rings, drained with juice reserved)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for a traditional vintage look)
- Toothpicks (to secure pineapple and cherries to ham)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush or spoon
- Small saucepan (for preparing glaze)
- Sharp carving knife
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third to accommodate the ham’s height.
2: Score the Ham
Place the ham, fat side up, on a roasting rack in the pan. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Insert whole cloves into the intersections of the cuts. This not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful presentation.
3: Make the Pineapple Glaze
In a saucepan, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Pineapple juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Spices
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
4: Bake the Ham
Brush the ham generously with the glaze. Tent loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes.
5: Add Pineapple Rings
During the last hour of baking, remove foil and decorate the ham with pineapple rings secured with toothpicks. If using cherries, place them in the center of each ring. Brush with additional glaze.
6: Caramelize and Finish
In the last 20–30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to allow the glaze and pineapple to caramelize. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7: Rest and Serve
Remove ham from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Tent with foil and let rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Ham – Bone-in hams have more flavor and stay juicier. Spiral-cut hams are convenient but can dry out faster, so baste frequently.
- Glaze Timing – Don’t add pineapple rings too early; they may overcook and fall apart. Adding them in the last hour ensures perfect caramelization.
- Don’t Skip Resting – Resting allows juices to redistribute for tender, juicy slices.
- Make It Ahead – You can bake the ham a day ahead, then reheat gently with extra glaze before serving.
- Pairing Ideas – Serve with Green Bean Casserole, roasted sweet potatoes, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete festive meal.
Variations
- Spiced Rum Glaze – Add 1/4 cup dark rum to the glaze for depth.
- Maple Glazed Ham – Substitute maple syrup for honey for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to balance the sweetness.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 4 oz ham with glaze)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
Why Glazed Ham with Pineapple is Perfect for Holidays
- Visually Stunning – The glossy glaze, golden pineapples, and red cherries make for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Crowd-Friendly – One ham easily serves 12–15 people.
- Versatile Leftovers – Ham sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and breakfast scrambles benefit from leftover slices.
- Tradition Meets Flavor – Pineapple’s sweetness perfectly balances salty ham, creating a nostalgic holiday classic.
Pairing with Green Bean Casserole
If there’s one side dish that pairs flawlessly with Glazed Ham with Pineapple, it’s Green Bean Casserole. The creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions of the casserole complement the sweet-savory ham beautifully. Together, they create a balance of flavors and textures that define holiday comfort food.
Conclusion
A holiday table feels incomplete without a stunning Glazed Ham with Pineapple. Its combination of salty, smoky ham, sweet pineapple glaze, and festive presentation makes it a timeless favorite. Pair it with sides like Green Bean Casserole, roasted vegetables, and buttery rolls, and you have a feast to remember.
Next time you’re planning for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, skip the stress and serve this iconic dish. With just a little preparation, you’ll deliver a meal that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
