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There’s something magical about gathering around a perfectly glazed ham, its golden crust shimmering in the light, filling your kitchen with aromas of warm spices, citrus, and honey. This Pineapple Honey Baked Ham isn’t just a dish it’s a centerpiece of togetherness and celebration. Whether you’re preparing it for Christmas, Easter, or a family gathering, this recipe invites you to create more than just food; it encourages you to share joy at the table.
Why You’ll Love Honey Pineapple Glazed Ham
Glaze, spice, and juicy fruit bring this traditional baked ham to life. Pineapple and honey are the ultimate pair sweet, tangy, and slightly caramelized from the oven’s heat. You’ll love this recipe because:
- It balances savory ham with sweet, tropical flavors.
- It’s easy to prepare and mostly hands-off once in the oven.
- The presentation of pineapple rings and cherries creates a festive look.
- The glaze doubles as a sauce to serve on the side.
Juicy Honey Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe for Family Dinners
A festive Pineapple Honey Baked Ham with sweet glaze, pineapple rings, and optional cherries, perfect for holidays and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 8-10 pound cured ham, shank end (cooked or smoked)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½–1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp rum (optional)
- ½ fresh lemon, squeezed
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, drained
- 1 small can maraschino cherries (optional)
- Toothpicks
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325℉ (160℃).
2. Place ham cut side down in roasting pan, sprinkle with brown sugar, cover with foil, and bake 10–12 minutes per pound.
3. Combine remaining brown sugar, mustard, juices, honey, spices, rum, and lemon juice in saucepan. Simmer until syrupy.
4. Thirty minutes before done, remove ham, arrange pineapple rings and cherries with toothpicks.
5. Brush with glaze, return to oven, bake 15–20 minutes while basting every 10 minutes until thermometer reads 120°F.
6. Remove, let rest 15 minutes, slice, and serve with glaze.
Notes
Score the ham before baking for better flavor penetration. Use quality honey for a rich glaze. Rest before slicing for tender ham.
Ingredients for Honey Pineapple Glazed Ham
Here’s what you need to craft a show-stopping baked ham recipe that’s delicious and crowd-pleasing:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cured ham, shank end | 8–10 lbs (3.5–4.5 kg) | Fully cooked or smoked |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup (150 g) | Plus more for sprinkling |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp (15 g) | Adds tanginess |
| Orange juice | ¼ cup (62 ml) | Fresh preferred |
| Pineapple juice | ½ cup (125 ml) | From reserved can juice |
| Honey | ½ cup (170 g) | Use quality honey for best flavor |
| Allspice | 1 tsp (2 g) | Warm, earthy notes |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp (1 g) | Sweet and aromatic |
| Cloves | ¼ tsp (0.5 g) | Slight spice depth |
| Ground ginger | ½–1 tsp (1–2 g) | Adjust to taste |
| Rum (optional) | 2 tbsp (30 ml) | Adds richness |
| Lemon juice | 1–2 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Pineapple rings | 1 can (20 oz) | Drained, with juice reserved |
| Maraschino cherries (optional) | 1 small jar | For decoration |
| Toothpicks | As needed | To secure pineapple and cherries |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Sprinkle with ½ cup brown sugar if desired.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 10–12 minutes per pound (around 1½–2 hours total).
Making the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine: leftover brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, pineapple juice, honey, spices, rum, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 5+ minutes until syrupy.
Glazing the Ham
- Thirty minutes before cooking finishes, remove ham from oven.
- Decoratively arrange pineapple rings over ham, securing cherries in centers with toothpicks.
- Brush with pineapple honey glaze.
- Return to oven, baking 15–20 minutes while basting every 10 minutes.
- Bake until thermometer reads 120°F (49°C).
Serving
- Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with warm glaze on side for drizzling.
Helpful Tips for Honey Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Score the ham: Scoring in diamond shapes allows glaze to penetrate more deeply.
- Don’t skip resting: It ensures juices redistribute, keeping ham moist.
- Use quality honey: Raw or local honey brings out beautiful caramelized flavors.
- Presentation tip: Place on a large platter surrounded by roasted potatoes, asparagus, or steamed green beans for a stunning table centerpiece.
FAQs About Honey Pineapple Glazed Ham
How long should you bake a ham?
You’ll need about 10–12 minutes per pound at 325°F for a cured ham.
Can you make pineapple honey glazed ham in advance?
Yes. Bake the ham, cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven and brush with extra glaze.
Is rum necessary in the recipe?
No, it’s optional for extra flavor. You can substitute with apple or more pineapple juice.
What sides go best with ham?
Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls are all classic pairings.
Conclusion: Bring Joy to the Table
This Pineapple Honey Baked Ham will impress your guests not just with its taste, but also with its nostalgic, festive appearance. Every slice is juicy, tender, and coated with a golden glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory. Serve it at your next holiday gathering, and watch how easily it becomes the star of your table.