Pineapple-Glazed Ham

🍍 Pineapple-Glazed Ham Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 2–2.5 hours (depending on ham size)

🍽️ Serves: 12–16

🧾 Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 fully-cooked, bone-in ham (8 to 10 pounds)

• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably 100% juice)

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow if preferred)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening, optional)

Garnish (optional):

• Pineapple rings

• Maraschino cherries

• Toothpicks

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

• Remove ham from packaging and discard any plastic disc covering the bone.

• Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4-inch deep.

• If desired, stud the center of each diamond with a whole clove.

2. Make the Glaze:

• In a medium saucepan, combine:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • Cinnamon and ground cloves

• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

• Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes or until slightly thickened.

• (Optional) Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in to thicken further. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

3. Bake the Ham:

• Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish. Add a small amount of water or pineapple juice to the pan to keep the ham moist.

• Cover tightly with foil.

• Bake for about 15 minutes per pound (e.g., 2 hours for an 8-lb ham), until heated through (internal temp should be around 140°F).

4. Glaze the Ham:

• Remove foil during the last 30–45 minutes of baking.

• Brush generously with pineapple glaze every 10–15 minutes.

• Optional: Decorate with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries using toothpicks before final glazing.

5. Caramelize the Glaze (Optional):

• For extra caramelization, increase oven to 400°F (200°C) during the last 10–15 minutes or use the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

6. Rest and Serve:

• Let ham rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.

• Slice and serve with extra glaze on the side.

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Spiral-sliced hams absorb glaze better and are easier to serve.

• Substitute orange juice for pineapple juice for a citrus variation.

• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for extra depth.

Would you like a printable version or a side dish pairing recommendation?