This Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a showstopper for your holiday table. The sweet and sticky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and warming spices caramelizes beautifully over the juicy ham. Each slice is rich in flavor and elevated by the tangy pop of roasted pineapple rings on top.
Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham makes any gathering feel special. Easy to prepare yet stunning in presentation, it fills the room with irresistible aroma and warmth. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete festive meal that’s sure to impress every guest.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
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1 cup honey
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice
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Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
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Toothpicks
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Brush the glaze generously over the ham.
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Attach pineapple rings over the surface of the ham using toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring if desired.
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Cover ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
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Uncover for the final 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and the pineapples to brown slightly.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Timeless Appeal of Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Honey-glazed ham with pineapple is more than just a recipe – it’s a tradition. From holiday feasts to celebratory dinners, this classic dish has graced family tables for generations. Its unmistakable aroma, golden caramelized crust, and the balance of savory and sweet flavors make it one of the most beloved centerpiece meals, especially during Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
What sets it apart is the delightful fusion of sticky honey glaze, rich ham, and tangy-sweet pineapple slices. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavor that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager appetites and second helpings guaranteed.
Historical Roots of the Dish
The tradition of pairing ham with sweet glazes and fruits dates back centuries. In fact, pineapple-glazed ham became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, during a time when canned pineapple was a relatively new luxury. The Dole Pineapple Company ran successful marketing campaigns promoting pineapple as a versatile ingredient, which led to its widespread use in savory dishes like baked ham.
The idea of glazing meat with sugar or honey, however, dates back even further. In European cuisines, glazing hams with sugar, syrup, or honey was a way to preserve meat while adding extra layers of flavor. Eventually, the fusion of tropical pineapple with a honey-glazed ham brought a festive, tropical twist to an old-world classic – and it stuck.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Have
One of the main reasons this recipe stands out is its universal appeal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for any special occasion. It checks all the boxes: taste, texture, presentation, and aroma. Here are a few reasons why this version of honey-glazed ham with pineapple is a standout choice:
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The sweetness of the honey and brown sugar is perfectly offset by the acidity of the pineapple and the subtle spice from cloves and cinnamon.
- Visually Stunning: The golden-brown crust, glossy glaze, and decorative pineapple rings with cherries create a beautiful, Instagram-worthy centerpiece.
- Feeds a Crowd: One ham can serve a large number of guests, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for gatherings.
- Leftovers are Incredible: From ham sandwiches to breakfast scrambles and soups, the leftovers from this dish are just as versatile and delicious as the original serving.
Healthier Indulgence and Nutritional Benefits
While ham is often considered a rich or indulgent food, this recipe includes several thoughtful choices that make it a healthier option compared to many traditional meat-centered holiday dishes.
- Lean Protein Source: Ham provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune support, and overall energy.
- Natural Sweeteners: The glaze is made primarily from honey and brown sugar, both of which are more natural alternatives to heavily processed syrups or artificial sweeteners.
- Digestive Aid: Pineapple contains bromelain, a natural enzyme that supports digestion and may reduce inflammation.
- Low Waste Meal: The leftover ham bone can be used to create nutritious broths and soups, minimizing waste and maximizing the meal’s value.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing for a large holiday gathering or an intimate family dinner, this recipe is adaptable. For formal dinners, you can present it on a platter with roasted vegetables or citrus slices. For casual meals, serve it alongside mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a simple green salad.
Its festive flair and crowd-pleasing flavor also make it ideal for potlucks, church dinners, and buffet-style meals. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare — the oven does most of the work, allowing you to focus on entertaining your guests or preparing side dishes.
Tips for Best Results
To ensure your honey-glazed ham with pineapple turns out perfect every time, consider the following tips:
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a bone-in, fully cooked ham. It tends to have more flavor and moisture than boneless varieties.
- Score for Success: Scoring the ham not only helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat but also gives the finished ham a beautiful, professional look.
- Don’t Skip Basting: Basting the ham every 30 minutes ensures that the glaze builds layers of flavor and develops that irresistible caramelized crust.
- Let it Rest: Once out of the oven, let the ham sit for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each slice moist and flavorful.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the beautiful things about this dish is its versatility. You can keep it classic or experiment with modern twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add a touch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy-sweet contrast.
- Citrus Burst: Use orange or lime juice in place of vinegar in the glaze to add extra brightness.
- Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
- Bourbon Infusion: A splash of bourbon in the glaze brings complexity and a hint of smokiness.
These small tweaks can elevate the flavor profile and help tailor the dish to different palates and preferences.
What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its rich and sweet flavors. Here are a few tried-and-true companions:
- Scalloped Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes
- Green Bean Almondine or Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Buttered Cornbread or Soft Dinner Rolls
- Fresh Garden Salad with Balsamic Dressing
- Classic Macaroni and Cheese
- Fruit Salad or Cranberry Sauce
And don’t forget the drinks! A crisp white wine like Riesling, sparkling cider, or even a tropical fruit punch can help round out the meal.
What Makes This Dish So Nostalgic
For many families, honey-glazed ham with pineapple evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. It’s the kind of meal grandma would make every Easter, or the dish you remember smelling as you walked into a festive home after Sunday church.
The layers of sweet glaze, the golden pineapples with cherries in the center, the warmth of the spices – all combine to create a feeling of love and celebration. It’s a recipe filled with memory and meaning, one that’s passed down through generations, and for good reason.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck. Honey-glazed ham stores beautifully and can be used in countless ways:
- Ham and Swiss Sliders with Dijon mustard on Hawaiian rolls
- Ham Fried Rice with vegetables and eggs
- Ham and Cheese Omelets or Scrambled Eggs
- Hearty Ham Soup with beans, lentils, or potatoes
- Ham-Stuffed Croissants for a quick breakfast
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
It’s hard to beat a dish that’s easy to make, endlessly delicious, and perfect for just about any gathering. The sweetness of the honey, the bright acidity of the pineapple, and the savoriness of the ham come together in a way that’s nothing short of magical.
This recipe is comforting, nostalgic, festive, and practical — which is why it’s earned a permanent place in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a special meal for your loved ones, honey-glazed ham with pineapple is always a great choice.