Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate show-stopping main dish, this Pineapple Glazed Ham has you covered. With its sticky-sweet caramelized glaze and juicy, tender ham, it’s a flavor-packed favorite for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family gathering. The sweet tang of pineapple pairs perfectly with smoky ham for an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for holidays and parties.
- The simple pineapple glaze adds a gorgeous, caramelized finish.
- No special skills required—just follow easy steps for consistently delicious results.
- Leftovers keep beautifully for sandwiches and lunches.
- The ham is juicy, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients for Pineapple Glazed Ham
- 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken glaze)
- Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (optional for garnish)
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Ham
Step 1: Prep the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Remove any packaging and netting from the ham. Place the ham, flat-side down, in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easier cleanup.
- Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern, about 1/4-inch deep. If desired, stud the intersections with whole cloves (optional).
Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, ground cloves, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze is slightly thickened. (For a thicker glaze, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir into the simmering glaze until desired thickness is reached. Learn more about making glazes from Simply Recipes.)
Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Ham
- Brush a generous layer of pineapple glaze over the ham, making sure to get into all the scored lines.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound), basting with more glaze every 30 minutes.
- During the last 30 minutes, remove foil, brush with more glaze, and (if using) add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries secured with toothpicks for the classic presentation.
- Bake uncovered until the ham is heated through (140°F/60°C internal temp) and the glaze is golden, bubbly, and sticky.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the extra glaze on the side if desired.
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: approx. 2 hrs 20 min
Notes for the Best Pineapple Glazed Ham
- For even better flavor, baste the ham every 20–30 minutes with the glaze.
- If using a spiral-cut ham, baste generously so the glaze seeps between the slices.
- Check out Food Network’s guide to cooking ham for more tips on choosing and prepping ham.
Pineapple Glazed Ham Variations
- Spicy Pineapple Glaze: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes for a sweet heat twist.
- Maple Pineapple Ham: Substitute half the honey for pure maple syrup.
- Herby Ham: Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the glaze for a fragrant finish.
Equipment Needed for Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Large roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
- Medium saucepan
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp carving knife
How to Store Pineapple Glazed Ham
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced ham in freezer bags for up to 2 months. For best quality, reheat gently covered with foil in a 325°F (163°C) oven until just warmed through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Serve with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted green beans, and buttermilk biscuits.
- Pair leftovers with rolls or bread for delicious ham sandwiches.
- Try with a fresh, light salad or roasted root vegetables for a balanced plate.
Pro Tips for the Best Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Let the ham rest before slicing to lock in its juices (see more meat resting tips from Serious Eats).
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking—140°F (60°C) is perfectly heated through for pre-cooked hams.
- For an extra-crisp glaze, broil the ham for 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye!
Pineapple Glazed Ham FAQ
- Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time based on weight, as boneless hams may cook a bit faster.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- Yes—store the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.
- Does the glaze work with turkey or chicken?
- Definitely! This sweet and tangy pineapple glaze is delicious on roasted turkey or chicken breasts too.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8 lbs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pineapple rings (about 8 rings)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Whole cloves (for studding, optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, fat side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
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2If desired, stud the intersecting points with whole cloves. Arrange pineapple rings over the ham and secure with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring if desired.
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3In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
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4Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting occasionally.
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5Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until the ham is heated through and caramelized. Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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