Introduction to Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Sweet, savory, and effortlessly festive Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a timeless main dish that makes every table feel like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, a cozy holiday dinner, or simply treating your family to a delicious weekend meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. The pairing of juicy ham with golden pineapple rings and a sticky brown sugar glaze creates a bold, crave-worthy flavor that people remember long after the last bite.
This Glazed Ham with Pineapple recipe is a crowd-pleaser, not only because it looks impressive, but because it’s incredibly simple to prepare. The oven does most of the work, and the result? A perfectly caramelized ham with tropical notes, a bit of tang, and irresistible sweetness.
Why You’ll Love Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe
There’s something nostalgic yet elegant about Glazed Ham with Pineapple. It’s one of those recipes that remind us of family dinners, holiday spreads, and leftovers worth fighting over.
- Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet brown sugar and pineapple juices mingle with salty, savory ham.
- Low effort, big payoff: All you need is a few ingredients and some oven time.
- Gorgeous presentation: Pineapple rings and cherry centers add a festive, vintage charm.
- Great for leftovers: Ham sandwiches, omelets, casseroles you name it.
- Feeds a crowd: Ideal for gatherings, yet simple enough for everyday dinners.
Once you serve this Glazed Ham with Pineapple, don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s new tradition.
📋 Ingredients Notes for Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciously simple recipe:
Main ingredients:
1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (7–9 pounds)
1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
Toothpicks (to secure pineapple rings)
Optional for garnish:
Maraschino cherries (adds color and sweetness)
Fresh rosemary or parsley (for plating)
Ingredient tips:
- Choose a bone-in, pre-cooked ham for best flavor and texture.
- Pineapple rings work best, but you can use chunks in a pinch.
- Brown sugar + honey = the dream glaze combo. Dijon adds depth.
👨🍳 How to Make Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe
Making Glazed Ham with Pineapple is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for perfect results:
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup. Place a rack inside if you have one.
Step 2: Score the ham
Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern. This step not only makes the ham beautiful but allows the glaze to seep deeper into the meat.
Step 3: Make the glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 4: Decorate
Place the ham in the pan. Arrange pineapple rings on top, securing each with a toothpick. Add cherries to the center of each ring if using. For a traditional touch, insert whole cloves into the scored sections.
Step 5: Glaze and bake
Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 6: Final glaze and caramelization
Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich, golden color. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top or on the side.
🔥 Expert Cooking Tips
- Don’t skip scoring: The glaze clings to the cuts and flavors every slice.
- Use the pineapple juice: Add a splash to the glaze or pour into the roasting pan for steam and sweetness.
- For extra sticky glaze: Brush a final coat of glaze after resting and broil for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Foil makes cleanup easier: Always line your pan to catch sticky drips.
- Leftover glaze? Mix it with pan drippings and a splash of mustard for a tangy dipping sauce.
🌿 Variations and Substitutions
One of the beauties of Glazed Ham with Pineapple is how easy it is to tweak:
- No pineapple? Try canned peaches or sliced apples.
- Sugar-free option: Use monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar.
- Add a spicy twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot honey.
- Maple magic: Swap honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Gluten-free: Ensure your Dijon mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free.
🍽 What to Serve with This Recipe
Wondering what to pair with your Glazed Ham with Pineapple? Here are some crowd-favorite ideas:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- Honey mustard avocado salad for a fresh bite
- Warm dinner rolls or cornbread
- Easter Swirl Pie or Easter Day Jello Cookies for dessert
Mix and match to build your ideal holiday spread.
🎯 FAQs for Glazed Ham with Pineapple
1. Can I use boneless ham?
Yes, just adjust the cook time boneless hams heat more quickly.
2. What size ham do I need?
Plan on 3/4 pound per person for bone-in ham or 1/2 pound for boneless.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the ham, store it in slices, and reheat gently with extra glaze.
4. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Place the ham in a slow cooker, pour glaze over, and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
6. What can I make with leftover ham?
Make ham and cheese puff pastry pockets, toss into omelets, or add to soup or mac & cheese.
📝 Conclusion for Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a Sunday dinner, or just craving something sweet and savory, this Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the ultimate centerpiece. It’s warm, nostalgic, and packed with flavor plus, it leaves your house smelling like the holidays. With juicy ham, golden glaze, and bursts of tropical pineapple, it’s a recipe that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
Want more Easter inspiration? Pair it with Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars or bring a pastel-perfect dessert to life with Easter Swirl Pie. Whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be delicious.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
This Glazed Ham with Pineapple recipe delivers tender, juicy ham coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard, topped with caramelized pineapple rings for the perfect holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–9 pounds)
1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Whole cloves (optional)
Toothpicks
Maraschino cherries (optional for garnish)
Fresh rosemary or parsley (optional for serving)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a roasting pan with foil.
Score the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and glaze is thickened.
Place ham in the prepared pan and arrange pineapple rings on top, securing with toothpicks. Place a cherry in the center of each ring, if using.
Brush the glaze all over the ham generously.
Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
Remove foil for the final 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use the pineapple juice from the can to thin out the glaze if needed.
For extra flavor, insert whole cloves into the scored sections of the ham.
This recipe can be made in a slow cooker; cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Leftovers are great in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast hash.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Glazed Ham with Pineapple, pineapple ham, holiday ham recipe, brown sugar ham glaze