Baked Ham with Pineapple

Baked Ham with Pineapple is a classic holiday centerpiece, featuring a juicy, tender ham glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The caramelized glaze, infused with brown sugar, honey, and spices, complements the saltiness of the ham, creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors. Whether for Christmas, Easter, or a festive gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A show-stopping main course for holiday feasts
• Sweet and savory flavors that pair beautifully together
• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
• Leftovers make delicious sandwiches, soups, and casseroles
• The pineapple glaze creates a beautifully caramelized finish

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral-cut or whole)
• Pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Cloves (whole or ground)
• Cinnamon
• Garlic powder
• Butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set the oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern if not pre-cut.
2. Make the glaze:
   • In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, cinnamon, and garlic powder.
   • Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened.
3. Glaze the ham:
   • Brush half of the glaze over the ham.
   • Arrange pineapple rings on top, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Bake the ham:
   • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½–2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
   • Remove foil, apply more glaze, and bake uncovered for the last 20 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy:
   • Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
   • Drizzle with extra glaze and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1½–2 hours
• Resting Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Bourbon-Glazed: Replace some pineapple juice with bourbon for a richer flavor.
• Honey Mustard Twist: Increase Dijon mustard and add a bit of apple cider vinegar.
• Tropical Style: Use fresh mango or orange juice in the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Do I need to use a spiral-cut ham?

No, but a spiral-cut ham makes slicing easier and absorbs more glaze.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh pineapple works great, just be sure to extract some juice for the glaze.

How do I keep the ham from drying out?

Baste it regularly and cover with foil for most of the cooking time.

Can I cook this ham in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4–6 hours, basting occasionally.

What can I serve with baked ham?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or a fresh salad pair well.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm before using.

Should I remove the rind before baking?

Yes, for better flavor absorption. Leave a thin layer of fat for moisture.

How do I know when my ham is done?

Since it’s pre-cooked, it just needs to reach an internal temp of 140°F (60°C).

Can I use another type of sweetener?

Yes! Maple syrup or coconut sugar can replace brown sugar.

How can I use the leftovers?

Use them in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or ham and cheese sliders.

Conclusion

Baked Ham with Pineapple is a holiday favorite that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful. With its sticky, caramelized glaze and juicy interior, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served at Christmas dinner or a festive gathering, this classic dish is sure to make any meal feel special!

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