Ham with Pineapple Glaze
A beautifully baked ham coated in a sticky, sweet-and-tangy pineapple glaze. The fruit's natural acidity cuts through the richness of the meat while brown sugar and cloves create a gorgeous caramelized crust. Perfect for holidays and special gatherings.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the ham.
1.Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).2.Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.3.Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. - mix · ~9 min
Make the pineapple glaze.
1.In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and dijon mustard.2.Whisk continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble gently, about 3-4 minutes.3.Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.TIPKeep an eye on the glaze — it can burn quickly once the sugar starts to caramelize. - assemble
Decorate the ham and apply the first glaze.
1.Stud the intersections of the scored diamond pattern with the whole cloves.2.Arrange the pineapple slices across the top and sides of the ham, securing each with a toothpick.3.Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and secure with the same toothpick.4.Brush the entire surface of the ham generously with the prepared glaze. - bake · ~60 min
Bake the ham covered.
1.Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil, making sure the foil does not touch the glaze.2.Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.TIPTent loosely — if the foil sticks to the glaze it will pull off the beautiful caramelized coating. - bake · ~25 min
Glaze again and finish baking uncovered.
1.Remove the foil and generously brush another layer of glaze all over the ham.2.Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).3.Bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the exterior is deeply caramelized and glossy.TIPThe internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) — this is a pre-cooked ham so you are simply reheating and glazing. - rest · ~15 min
Rest the ham before slicing.
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat for moist, tender slices.
- serve
Slice and serve with pan juices.
Remove the toothpicks. Slice the ham along the spiral cuts and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining pan juices over the top.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Score the ham in a tight diamond pattern so the glaze and cloves penetrate deeper into the meat.
- 2Bring the ham to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for more even heating.
- 3Use a silicone brush to apply the glaze — it won't shed bristles into the sticky sugar.
- 4Save the pan drippings; they make an incredible base for a pineapple gravy or sauce.
- 5Let the ham rest at least 15 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked inside each slice.
- 6If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, tent the ham loosely again with foil for the final bake.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Pineapple Ham
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or 1 minced chipotle in adobo to the glaze for a smoky-sweet heat that cuts through the richness.
Ginger Pineapple GlazeGinger-Pineapple Glaze
Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and a splash of soy sauce for an umami-laced, zesty twist.
Sugar Free HamSugar-Free Ham
Replace brown sugar with a brown monk fruit sweetener and honey with sugar-free maple syrup for a keto-friendly caramelized finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein Source
Smoked ham provides a dense supply of complete protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in B Vitamins
Ham is naturally high in B6 and B12, which support energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.
Pineapple's Vitamin C Boost
Pineapple juice and rings contribute vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion.
Frequently asked questions
No — you only need to reheat it to 140°F (60°C). Overcooking will dry out the slices. The glaze adds flavor without further cooking the meat.
