Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Celebrate your next holiday or special gathering with this stunning Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple. The golden, caramelized exterior paired with sweet pineapple rings and maraschino cherries creates a centerpiece that's as beautiful as it is flavorful. This easy-to-make American classic not only fills the table with enticing aromas but also delivers a juicy, tender slice in every bite—perfect for sharing with family and friends.

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This honey glazed ham is more than just a main dish—it’s a highlight of your feast. The glaze combines honey’s natural sweetness with brown sugar and a hint of Dijon mustard, balanced by apple cider vinegar and fragrant cloves. Baking with pineapple juice infuses the ham with moisture and a tropical twist, while the cherry garnish adds festive pops of color.

Ingredients

• Ham
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)
• Glaze
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Garnish & Basting
  • 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple rings, drained and juice reserved
  • 1 jar (6 oz) maraschino cherries, drained
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan lined with foil.

2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Optionally, stud with whole cloves at the intersections.

3. In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, ground cloves, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.

4. Brush 1/3 of the glaze over the ham. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.

5. Remove foil, arrange pineapple rings over the ham, securing with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.

6. Brush with more glaze. Bake uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with remaining glaze, until caramelized and heated through (internal temp 140°F/60°C).

7. Let rest 15 minutes before carving. Remove pineapple and cherries, slice, and serve with pan juices.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For added depth of flavor, replace canned pineapple with fresh pineapple rings and use the fresh juice for the glaze. Make sure to score the ham surface carefully to allow the glaze to penetrate deeply. Using a meat thermometer ensures the ham reaches perfect doneness without drying out.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe can be tweaked to suit your taste: experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the glaze for warmth. You can also stud the ham with additional whole cloves for an aromatic touch. For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar slightly or substitute with maple syrup.

Serviervorschläge

Serve your honey glazed ham alongside creamy scalloped potatoes and fresh spring vegetables such as steamed asparagus or green beans. The sweet and savory flavors pair wonderfully with light, crisp white wines or sparkling cider for a festive toast.

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Enjoy the rich flavors and festive presentation of this Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple. Its combination of sweet, tangy, and savory notes will impress your guests and make your special occasion truly memorable.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How can I keep the ham moist while baking?

Cover the ham loosely with foil while baking and baste regularly with the honey glaze to lock in moisture and keep the surface glossy.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple slices work beautifully for both garnish and flavor, lending extra brightness to the ham.

→ How do I know if the ham is heated through?

Check with a meat thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), your ham is ready to serve.

→ What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover ham is delicious in sandwiches, omelets, or diced into salads and casseroles for easy meal inspiration.

→ Is this main dish gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free, but always verify ingredient labels, especially for the mustard and maraschino cherries.

→ Which sides pair well?

Classic pairings include scalloped potatoes, spring vegetables, or a crisp salad for a fresh, balanced meal.