Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple, a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly blends savory and sweet, is about to become your new favorite centerpiece for any celebration! Imagine the glistening, mahogany-brown crust of a perfectly baked ham, infused with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the rich, golden notes of honey. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

This delightful combination isn’t just a modern invention; the tradition of glazing ham with sweet elements dates back centuries. In medieval times, fruits and honey were used to both preserve and enhance the flavor of meats. The addition of pineapple, a symbol of hospitality and luxury in the 18th century, elevated the ham to a truly special occasion dish. It represents a fusion of cultures and flavors that continues to tantalize taste buds today.

People adore Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple for its incredible flavor profile. The saltiness of the ham is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the honey and the tropical tang of the pineapple. The glaze creates a sticky, caramelized crust that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a relatively easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a simple Sunday supper, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, let’s get started and create a show-stopping ham that will be the talk of the town!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-12 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, juice reserved
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Whole cloves, for studding (optional)
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Ham:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature ensures the ham heats through evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare the ham for glazing. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic discs. Place the ham in a large roasting pan. If your ham is particularly tall, you might need to trim a small portion of the bottom to ensure it sits flat and stable in the pan.
3. Score the ham (optional, but recommended). Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, across the surface of the ham. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and also creates a visually appealing presentation. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you don’t want to separate the ham from the bone. The scoring also helps to render some of the fat, resulting in a more flavorful and less greasy final product.
4. Stud with cloves (optional). If you’re using whole cloves, insert them into the points of the diamonds created by the scoring. This adds a subtle, aromatic flavor and enhances the visual appeal. Don’t overdo it, as cloves can be quite potent. A clove in every other diamond point is usually sufficient.

Making the Honey-Pineapple Glaze:

1. Combine the glaze ingredients. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Make sure the brown sugar is well incorporated to avoid any gritty texture in the final glaze.
2. Simmer the glaze. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex glaze.

Glazing and Baking the Ham:

1. First glaze application. Brush about half of the honey-pineapple glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into all the crevices created by the scoring.
2. Bake the ham. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the ham from drying out during the initial baking process. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone.
3. Second glaze application. Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Brush the ham with another layer of the honey-pineapple glaze.
4. Arrange pineapple slices (optional). If you want to add a decorative touch, arrange the pineapple slices over the surface of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. You can also place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice for added color and sweetness.
5. Final bake. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is nicely caramelized and the ham is heated through. Keep a close eye on the ham during this final baking period to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil.
6. Rest the ham. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil while it rests to keep it warm.

Carving and Serving:

1. Carve the ham. Place the ham on a large cutting board. To carve, start by making a vertical cut down to the bone along one side of the ham. Then, using a long, sharp carving knife, slice the ham thinly, following the contour of the bone. Continue slicing until you reach the bone again. Repeat on the other side of the ham.
2. Serve and enjoy! Arrange the carved ham slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! This honey-glazed ham with pineapple is delicious served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and your favorite holiday side dishes.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the right ham. A bone-in ham will generally have more flavor than a boneless ham. Look for a ham that is labeled “fully cooked,” as this means it is already safe to eat and only needs to be heated through.
• Don’t overbake the ham. Overbaking will result in a dry, tough ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Let the ham rest. Resting the ham before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
• Customize the glaze. Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the glaze to suit your taste. For example, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a splash of bourbon for a more complex flavor.
• Save the ham bone. The ham bone can be used to make a delicious soup or stock. Simply simmer the bone in water with vegetables and herbs for several hours.

Variations:

• Maple-Glazed Ham: Substitute maple syrup for the honey in the glaze.
• Brown Sugar-Glazed Ham: Omit the honey and increase the amount of brown sugar in the glaze.
• Spiced Ham: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the glaze.
• Citrus-Glazed Ham: Add the zest and juice of an orange or lemon to the glaze.

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to impress your guests with a delicious and impressive main course. The combination of sweet honey, tangy pineapple, and savory ham is simply irresistible!

Conclusion:

This Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple isn’t just another holiday recipe; it’s a guaranteed centerpiece that will have your guests raving! The combination of the savory ham, the sweet and tangy pineapple, and that luscious honey glaze creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the table, eager for a slice.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s more than just delicious; it’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. This recipe is straightforward, with clear instructions that even a novice cook can follow. Plus, the impressive presentation makes it look like you’ve spent far more time and effort than you actually have. It’s the perfect way to impress without the stress!

Beyond the ease and the incredible flavor, this Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Serve it alongside classic holiday sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Or, for a more modern twist, try pairing it with roasted asparagus, quinoa salad, or even a vibrant slaw. The possibilities are endless!

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Want to add a little kick? Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the glaze. Prefer a deeper, richer flavor? Use brown sugar instead of honey. You could even add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra layer of complexity. Get creative and make it your own! Consider adding other fruits like cherries or mandarin oranges alongside the pineapple for a more festive look and taste. You can also adjust the amount of pineapple to your liking – some people prefer a ham that’s completely covered, while others prefer just a few strategically placed slices.

I truly believe this recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece.

I’m so excited for you to try this Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple! Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your delicious adventures! Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your holiday celebrations for years to come. Enjoy!