Name: Pineapple Glazed Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham; 1 cup light brown sugar; 1 cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; Optional garnish: Pineapple rings

Print Recipe

Pineapple Glazed Ham is like a warm hug on a plate—sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home, with hints of caramelized sugar and tangy pineapple dancing in the air like it’s auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that brightens any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner.

Picture this: You’re surrounded by loved ones, laughter fills the room, and your Pineapple Glazed Ham takes center stage, glistening under the spotlight. As you slice into its tender meat, the golden glaze drips tantalizingly onto your plate. Each bite is a journey through flavor town—sweetness from the pineapple, a hint of spice, and that delightful smokiness from the ham. What more could you ask for?

Why You'll Love This Pineapple Glazed Ham

This incredible Pineapple Glazed Ham transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pineapple Glazed Ham:

Bone-in Ham: A 5-7 pound bone-in ham works best for this recipe; it provides rich flavor and retains moisture.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for sweetness; it’ll caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh or canned juice will add that signature tangy flavor to enhance your glaze.
Honey: A drizzle of honey complements the glaze’s sweetness while adding complexity.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a zesty kick that perfectly balances the sweet elements.
Ground Cloves: Just a pinch of ground cloves will elevate your glaze with aromatic warmth.

For the Garnish:

Pineapple Rings: Canned or fresh rings are perfect for garnishing and infusing flavor into the ham.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Pineapple Glazed Ham:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low-and-slow method allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring your ham stays juicy.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ham

Score the surface of your ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This little trick helps the glaze penetrate deep into that succulent meat.

Step 3: Make Your Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until smooth. The aroma should make you weak in the knees!

Step 4: Apply The Glaze

Place your ham in a roasting pan and pour half of this heavenly glaze over it. Use a brush to ensure every crevice gets some love.

Step 5: Bake It Right

Cover your ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about an hour. Then remove the foil and brush on more glaze every 20 minutes until it’s beautifully caramelized—about another hour should do it.

Step 6: Serve Up Some Happiness

Once it’s golden brown and fragrant enough to make neighbors suspicious of what’s cooking inside your house, remove it from the oven! Let it rest for about ten minutes before slicing. Transfer to plates and drizzle with remaining glaze for that perfect finishing touch.

And there you have it! Your Pineapple Glazed Ham is ready to be devoured—just don’t forget to take pictures first because #foodstagram is calling! Enjoy this delightful dish as part of your next celebration or simply as an excuse to feast on something truly fabulous. Happy cooking!

You Must Know About Pineapple Glazed Ham

This showstopping Pineapple Glazed Ham delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve a mouthwatering Pineapple Glazed Ham, start by preheating your oven while preparing the glaze. Sear the ham briefly to lock in flavors, then bake it slowly to ensure a tender and juicy finish.

Flavor Your Way

Don’t hesitate to customize your Pineapple Glazed Ham! Swap out pineapple for peaches or apricots, add a dash of bourbon for extra kick, or sprinkle in some chili flakes for an unexpected twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Pineapple Glazed Ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When reheating, wrap it in foil and warm it gently in the oven to preserve moisture and flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Pineapple Glazed Ham

This professional-quality Pineapple Glazed Ham relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

A memorable moment was when I served this Pineapple Glazed Ham at a family reunion. Everyone raved about it, and my cousin even asked if I could cater her wedding! It felt great to impress them all with such a simple recipe.

FAQs

What is Pineapple Glazed Ham?

Pineapple Glazed Ham is a delicious and festive dish that features a juicy ham coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. This glaze typically consists of pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves, which together create a delightful flavor profile. The dish is often served during holidays and special occasions, making it a favorite for family gatherings. The combination of savory ham with the fruity sweetness of pineapple makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.

How do I make Pineapple Glazed Ham?

To make Pineapple Glazed Ham, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place a fully cooked ham in a roasting pan. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and mustard to create the glaze. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and brush the glaze over it. Bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with remaining glaze until heated through. This results in a beautifully caramelized exterior.

What can I serve with Pineapple Glazed Ham?

Pineapple Glazed Ham pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for balance. Other popular accompaniments include scalloped potatoes or sweet potato casserole, which complements the sweetness of the glaze. Additionally, homemade bread or dinner rolls can soak up any extra sauce on your plate.

Can I prepare Pineapple Glazed Ham in advance?

Yes, you can prepare Pineapple Glazed Ham in advance! You can glaze and score the ham the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat your oven and bake according to your recipe instructions. This method allows flavors to deepen overnight and saves you time on the day of your event while ensuring your dish still tastes fantastic.

Conclusion

Pineapple Glazed Ham is not only easy to prepare but also offers an unforgettable taste that brings joy to any gathering. By combining savory ham with a sweet pineapple glaze, you create an impressive centerpiece for holiday meals or special occasions. With simple preparation steps and delicious serving suggestions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to try making Pineapple Glazed Ham for your next celebration!