If you’re craving a show-stopping centerpiece that brings a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe is your new best friend. It transforms a simple fully cooked ham into a heavenly dish with a beautifully caramelized pineapple glaze, offering juicy bites infused with hints of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and aromatic cloves. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday supper, this recipe will not only impress your guests but also fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that promise comfort and celebration in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe comes together with staples you might already have in your pantry, paired with a few special touches that bring the glaze to life. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the flavor and texture, while adding a vibrant color contrast that makes your dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Fully cooked ham (about 6 pounds): The star of the show, ready to soak up the pineapple glaze and heat through evenly.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons total): Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- Maraschino cherries (8, optional): These sweet jewels offer a pop of color and an extra hint of sugary charm atop the pineapple rings.
- (20 ounce) can pineapple rings (with juices): Essential for the glaze’s bright, tropical sweetness and moisture that keeps the ham juicy.
- Brown sugar (3 tablespoons): For that rich caramelization and molasses undertone that makes the ham glaze irresistibly sticky and flavorful.
- Ground cloves (â…› teaspoon): Just a whisper of warm spice to add depth and a festive touch to the glaze.
How to Make Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F to ensure a steady, moderate heat that will cook the ham gently. Next, carefully score the surface of your fully cooked ham in a diagonal pattern – this not only creates a beautiful diamond-shaped design but also allows the glaze to seep deeper into those cuts, maximizing flavor in every bite. Place the ham in a casserole dish to catch any delicious juices as it cooks.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Pineapple Glaze
While the oven is warming, prepare the glaze by whisking together 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice from the can, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. This simple yet transformative mixture combines sweetness, tang, and warm spice; it is the heart of this Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe and will coat your ham with a luscious sticky glaze later on.
Step 3: Apply Mustard and Pineapple Juice, and Begin Baking
Brush the entire surface of the ham with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to create a tangy base layer that complements the later glaze. Then pour the leftover pineapple juice over the ham to keep it moist throughout the long bake. Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake for 80 minutes to slowly warm the meat without drying it out.
Step 4: Glaze, Adorn, and Finish Baking
After this initial cook, remove the ham from the oven and brush it generously with your prepared pineapple glaze. Top the ham by layering pineapple rings over the surface, securing each with toothpicks. If you’re feeling festive, tuck half a maraschino cherry into the center of each pineapple ring for a vibrant, classic look. Bake the ham uncovered for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, keeping a close eye so the glaze caramelizes beautifully without burning, and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Step 5: Rest Before Slicing
Once perfectly baked and gorgeously glazed, take your ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy instead of dry and crumbly. Then slice, serve, and prepare for all the compliments coming your way!
How to Serve Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
The classic pineapple rings with maraschino cherries are both tasty and eye-catching garnishes that add color and a touch of sweetness. For a fresh twist, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or mint around the ham platter to add a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the golden glaze. These little touches make your presentation unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe pairs wonderfully with traditional savory sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or glazed carrots. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw can balance the rich sweetness of the ham. And don’t overlook warm dinner rolls or cornbread to mop up any extra glaze and juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this ham carved family-style on a wooden board lets guests enjoy the rustic appeal and easy access. Alternatively, arrange pre-sliced pieces on a large platter with extra pineapple rings and cherries scattered around for a festive buffet setup. You could even build ham sliders using fresh buns and a smear of mustard or pineapple chutney for a creative, casual twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then refrigerate. Properly stored, these delicious remnants will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep any extra pineapple glaze separate to maintain its texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ham for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the ham into manageable portions and wrap each piece carefully with freezer paper or heavy-duty foil, then seal in a freezer bag. Use within 2 months for best flavor. Avoid freezing the glaze separately; it’s best made fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices of ham in a covered baking dish at 275°F, brushing lightly with any reserved glaze or pineapple juice to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Avoid overheating to maintain that perfect tender texture you loved.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of mustard in this Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe?
Yes! While Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy and smooth flavor, you can experiment with whole grain or spicy brown mustard. Each will give the glaze a slightly different character but still complement the pineapple sweetness wonderfully.
Is it necessary to score the ham before baking?
Scoring is highly recommended because it allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing flavor and creating a more attractive presentation. It also helps the glaze caramelize nicely on the surface for that signature look.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The pineapple glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before brushing it onto the ham to reincorporate any ingredients that may have settled.
What temperature should the ham reach to be safely served?
Your ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F to be ready for serving. This ensures it is warmed through without overcooking, which keeps it juicy and tender.
Are maraschino cherries necessary for this recipe?
Maraschino cherries are optional but add a delightful burst of color and a hint of extra sweetness that makes the dish feel festive. If you prefer, you can skip them or replace with fresh cherries or even small pieces of candied pineapple.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your cooking repertoire. Its blend of sweet pineapple, tangy mustard, and warm spices creates a symphony of flavors that brighten any meal. I promise once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again for family dinners, celebrations, or whenever you crave something comforting and spectacular. Give it a whirl and enjoy every glorious bite!
Print
Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe features a tender, fully cooked ham enhanced with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze complemented by Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and cloves. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and studded with pineapple rings and optional maraschino cherries, this dish is an ideal centerpiece for festive occasions or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 6 pounds)
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- â…› teaspoon ground cloves
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for brushing ham)
- 8 maraschino cherries (optional)
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings (with juices)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the ham.
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, diagonally score the surface of the fully cooked ham to allow the glaze to penetrate and for better browning. Place the ham in a casserole dish suitable for oven use.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice (reserved from the pineapple can), brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this glaze aside for later use.
- Apply Initial Coating: Brush the entire surface of the ham with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Pour the remaining pineapple juice over the ham to add moisture and flavor. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying out during the initial bake.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 80 minutes, allowing it to heat through gently and absorb the flavors.
- Glaze and Decorate: Remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Brush the prepared pineapple glaze evenly over the ham. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the ham and secure each with a toothpick. For an extra touch of color and sweetness, add half a maraschino cherry to the center of each pineapple ring if desired.
- Final Baking: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Be careful not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Using a fully cooked ham reduces the required cooking time and ensures even heating.
- Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate and enhances the presentation.
- To check doneness without a thermometer, verify the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Resting the ham before slicing helps retain moisture and improves texture.
- Maraschino cherries are optional but add a classic festive look and sweetness.
