Introduction
Nothing says celebration quite like a perfectly roasted ham. A Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple elevates the classic holiday centerpiece into a sweet and savory masterpiece that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Imagine the rich, golden glaze caramelizing under your oven’s heat while juicy pineapple rings infuse each slice with tropical sweetness. This recipe isn’t just about cooking—it’s a festive experience that turns any gathering into a memorable feast.
Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, Easter, or a special family dinner, mastering the art of a Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple will guarantee compliments, smiles, and second helpings. With simple ingredients, clear instructions, and a few expert tips, even novice cooks can achieve a chef-worthy result.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Fearless Flavor: Sweet honey, tangy pineapple, and warm spices create a harmonious taste explosion.
-
Easy & Stress-Free: Minimal prep with step-by-step instructions for even beginners.
-
Perfect Presentation: Diamond-scored ham with pineapple rings creates a stunning centerpiece.
-
Moist & Juicy: Scoring and glazing ensures every bite is tender.
-
Holiday-Friendly: Ideal for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any festive gathering.
-
Customizable: Swap spices or fruit to match your family’s taste.
-
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like brown sugar and honey for gourmet results.
-
Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet and savory balance appeals to kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the Ham and Glaze:
-
1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
-
1 cup honey (local honey recommended for unique flavor)
-
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
½ teaspoon ground cloves
-
1 cup pineapple juice (fresh for best flavor)
-
1 can pineapple rings in juice (not syrup)
-
Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions & Tips:
-
Brown Sugar: Dark sugar adds depth; light sugar gives milder sweetness.
-
Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright, fruity flavor; canned juice works fine.
-
Ham: Spiral-cut ham can be used for convenience, but bone-in adds flavor.
-
Spices: Nutmeg or allspice can be added for a warm holiday note.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for even cooking. Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern (1/4 inch deep). This allows the glaze to penetrate and creates a visually appealing presentation.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth (~5 minutes). The natural sugars in honey will start to thicken, creating a luscious coating for the ham.
Step 3: Glaze the Ham
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored areas. Arrange pineapple rings on top and secure with toothpicks if needed. This step infuses flavor and adds a visually stunning look.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 20–30 minutes with the remaining glaze. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow caramelization. Watch as the sugars form a golden, glossy crust.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This ensures juicy, tender slices that hold their flavor. Garnish with maraschino cherries for festive flair.
Pro Tips
How to Make Ham Juicy and Sweet
-
Basting frequently ensures the Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple stays moist.
-
Avoid overcooking; ham is fully cooked before baking.
-
Use fresh pineapple juice for a bright, tropical flavor.
PAA Questions
Q1: Can I make this recipe with a spiral-cut ham?
Yes! Reduce baking time slightly, as spiral hams are pre-sliced and absorb glaze faster.
Q2: Can I prepare this ham a day in advance?
Absolutely. Prepare, glaze, and refrigerate overnight. Reheat at 325°F, basting every 20 minutes.
Q3: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Cover loosely with foil and remove only in the last 30 minutes to allow caramelization without burning sugars.
Best Ways to Serve
-
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls for a traditional feast.
-
Add a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
-
Pair with fruit-based sides like cranberry sauce or pineapple chutney to enhance the tropical notes.
Internal Links:
-
Try our Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes with ham.
-
Explore Holiday Side Dishes for festive pairing.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 8 slices)
-
Calories: 380 kcal
-
Protein: 28 g
-
Carbohydrates: 24 g
-
Sugars: 18 g
-
Fat: 18 g
-
Saturated Fat: 6 g
-
Sodium: 1150 mg
-
Fiber: 1 g
Tip: Nutritional content may vary based on ham type and glaze.
Storage & Leftovers
-
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
-
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
-
Reheating: Oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Baste lightly to retain moisture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned rings?
Yes! Slice fresh pineapple into rings or chunks. Brush with glaze and secure with toothpicks.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Definitely. It scales easily; double ingredients for extra-large hams.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free; check labels on processed ham or maraschino cherries.
Q: How do I get a caramelized crust without burning?
Bake covered, remove foil last 30 minutes, and baste glaze frequently. Sugar burns quickly, so keep a watchful eye.
Variations
-
Diet-Friendly: Use sugar-free honey substitute.
-
Smoky Ham: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the glaze.
-
Regional Twist: Include orange juice instead of pineapple juice for a citrusy glaze.
-
Spicy Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
Conclusion
Creating a Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is more than cooking—it’s a celebration on a plate. Juicy, tender, and golden, this ham brings warmth, flavor, and festive cheer to any table. Don’t just make dinner; craft memories that linger long after the last slice disappears.