The best holiday ham recipe is this baked ham with a sweet pineapple and brown sugar glaze and pineapple and cherry decorations. This ham will be the star of your holiday table.
Good morning, cousins! Today I’m going to share a new and better recipe for a baked holiday ham: a ham glazed with sweet pineapple and brown sugar. In my house, no holiday is complete without pineapple ham on the table. I seriously believe everyone should have at least one baked ham recipe in their collection. So today, I’m sharing my pineapple and brown sugar ham recipe!.
If you’ve been reading for a while, you know that I’ve already shared two brown sugar ham recipes. The first was a pineapple glazed ham, and the second was this brown sugar baked ham. This is the best of the best! I put all of my ham recipes together in one and made the best pineapple glaze or sauce from scratch. This pineapple ham recipe is now my go-to during the holidays. The best part? It’s so freaking easy to make. The “hardest” part is garnishing the ham with pineapples and cherries. You’ll love the sweet glaze, which is made with honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and the right mix of holiday spices.
Is this pineapple brown sugar ham making you hungry yet? It’s time for me to show you how to make it!
A juicy ham glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce is a showstopping centerpiece for holidays and special occasions. While the combination of savory baked ham and fruit may seem unlikely, the sweet and slightly acidic pineapple complements the salty pork perfectly The caramelized brown sugar gives the glaze even more complexity.
Glazed ham studded with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries is impressive looking but surprisingly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can master this classic recipe. Follow the steps below for pointers on choosing a ham preparing the pineapple glaze decorating the ham, and cooking it to tender perfection.
Choosing the Right Ham
You’ll typically have two main options when buying a ham to glaze with pineapple—bone-in or boneless. Either works well, so choose based on your preferences.
Bone-in hams tend to have more robust pork flavor. The bone adds moisture and protects the meat too. Opt for bone-in if you want premium ham flavor.
Boneless hams are easier to carve and serve. They cook faster as well. Go boneless if convenience is key.
For this recipe, choose a fully-cooked ham, which is ready to eat as-is but benefits greatly from glazing and reheating. An uncooked fresh ham would require extra long cooking from scratch.
Ideally, choose a spiral sliced ham. The slices help the glaze really seep into the meat. Or ask the butcher to slice your ham.
Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person for ample portions. An 8 to 10 pound ham feeds a small crowd.
Making a Sweet and Tangy Pineapple Glaze
The glaze coats the ham with sweet, slightly tangy pineapple flavor. Brown sugar adds deep caramel notes too.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rum or whiskey (optional for depth)
To make the glaze:
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- You can also make the glaze in the microwave for convenience.
The mixture will thicken into a syrupy glaze as it boils. Let it cool slightly before pouring over the ham.
Decorating the Ham with Pineapple
Studding the ham’s surface with pineapple rings makes for a stunning presentation. The fruit also infuses more flavor.
You’ll need:
- 1 fresh pineapple
- Maraschino cherries
- Toothpicks
To decorate:
- Peel, core and slice the pineapple into rings. Use a round cutter to remove the tough core.
- Arrange rings over ham surface. Secure with toothpicks.
- Place a cherry in the center of each ring.
Refrigerate the decorated ham while you preheat the oven to let flavors meld.
Baking Times for Glazed Ham
Cook the ham at 325°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, measured on a meat thermometer.
Cooking times vary based on size. Estimate 10-15 minutes per pound.
For example, an 8-10 pound ham bakes for 80-150 minutes total.
I recommend this baking technique for optimum flavor:
- Bake ham 25-30 minutes.
- Brush with some glaze, bake 30 minutes more.
- Brush with remaining glaze, bake 30 more minutes.
The ham should caramelize and turn a rich, amber color.
Let it rest at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for impressive glazed ham with pineapple:
Prep
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham fat-side up in a roasting pan.
Make the Glaze
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In a small saucepan, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey or maple syrup, and rum or whiskey if using.
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Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
Decorate With Pineapple
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Peel, core and slice pineapple. Use a round cutter to remove core.
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Arrange pineapple rings on ham surface. Secure with toothpicks. Place a cherry in center of each ring.
Bake the Ham
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Bake ham 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven.
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Generously brush ham with some of the glaze. Bake 30 minutes more.
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Brush with remaining glaze and bake 30 final minutes.
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Internal temperature should reach 140°F.
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Let rest 15 minutes before cutting.
Serving Suggestions
Glazed ham is versatile and pairs well with many classic side dishes:
- Baked sweet potatoes or yams
- Scalloped potatoes or potato casserole
- Cornbread, rolls, or biscuits
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or asparagus
- A fresh salad
Leftover glazed ham makes amazing sandwiches, omelets, or pizza too. You can also dice it up for ham fried rice or pasta.
The possibilities are endless with this delicious baked ham. With its sweet pineapple glaze and festive look, it’s guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
The next step is to make the glaze. In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine the pineapple juice, cherry juice, brown sugar, mustard, honey, and spices, then mix well. Next, add the cornstarch and stir until combined.
Move the sauce to a medium-sized saucepan. Over medium-high heat, whisk the sauce constantly as it boils. As the sauce comes to a boil, it will begin to thicken into a perfect glaze. This will take about 3-5 minutes, and then it’s done!.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Ham
Your ham should be prepped and ready to go in a large roaster pan (I use these large aluminum pans). The last step is to pour the hot pineapple and brown sugar ham glaze over the ham, pineapples, and cherries, making sure the surface of the ham is nicely covered.
When the oven is hot, put the ham in it for 30 minutes (or half the baking time, depending on how big your ham is). When the time is up, take the ham out of the oven and baste it with the roaster pan’s glaze and juices. You want to make sure all that delicious flavor is infused directly into the ham.
Return the ham to the oven for the remainder of the cooking time, about 20-30 minutes. Let the finished ham rest for 15 minutes before serving.
How to Make Classic Pineapple and Honey Glazed Ham at Home
FAQ
Do you put the glaze on a ham before you cook it or after you cook it?
Is it better to use fresh or canned pineapple for ham?
How do you heat a precooked ham with glaze?
How to make pineapple glazed ham?
Seasonings: You’ll need garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, paprika, nutmeg, and cloves. These step-by-step instructions show how easy it is to make pineapple-glazed ham. Whisk everything together in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Once simmering, cook for one minute, or until slightly thickened.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
Can you make pineapple ham glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make pineapple ham glaze ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. The next day or when ready to use, reheat it on half power in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until it is loose. How much ham does this glaze cover?
Can You bake a ham with pineapple?
Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included. Go retro with this brown sugar baked ham with pineapple. Massage brown sugar and spices into the ham 24 hours before you serve it. Cover with pineapple, and bake slow and low for a juicy, succulent Easter or Christmas ham.