Ham with Pineapple Glaze
A juicy, spiral-cut ham baked with a sweet and tangy pineapple brown sugar glaze. This showstopper is the perfect centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or any special family gathering, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.
For 12 servings
7 steps. 135 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- a.Let the ham sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to ensure even cooking. Place the ham, cut-side down, in a large roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bake the ham for approximately 90 minutes (about 10-12 minutes per pound).
- 3
While the ham is in its initial baking phase, prepare the glaze
- a.In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 4
After 90 minutes, carefully remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil
- a.Using a pastry brush, generously apply about one-third of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it between the spiral slices. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered.
- 5
Bake for another 15 minutes
- a.Remove from the oven and brush with another third of the glaze. Carefully arrange the pineapple rings over the ham, securing each with a toothpick if necessary. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
- 6
Brush the ham and pineapples with the remaining glaze
- a.Return to the oven and bake for a final 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (not touching the bone) reads 140°F (60°C).
- 7
Transfer the ham to a large cutting board
- a.Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist ham. Serve warm with any pan drippings.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1A meat thermometer is your best friend for a perfectly cooked ham. Always cook to temperature, not just time.
- 2Don't glaze too early! The high sugar content can cause the glaze to burn before the ham is fully heated through.
- 3Letting the ham rest at room temperature before baking helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.
- 4Save the ham bone after carving. It's excellent for making flavorful soups, like split pea or bean soup.
- 5If your ham is not spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to allow the glaze to penetrate.
- 6For a deeper flavor, you can stud the ham with the optional whole cloves before the first glazing step.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Glaze
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
Citrus TwistCitrus Twist
Substitute the pineapple juice with fresh orange juice and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a bright, citrus-forward flavor.
Bourbon GlazeBourbon Glaze
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon or dark rum into the glaze mixture. Simmer for an extra minute to cook off some of the alcohol.
Different SweetenerDifferent Sweetener
Replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup for a different, slightly woodsy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with ham.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ham is rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork is a great source of several B vitamins, particularly thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and B6. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish provides important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid health and immune function, as well as zinc and phosphorus.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this ham (approximately 250g) contains around 450-550 calories, depending on the fat content of the ham and the amount of glaze.