Baked Ham with Pineapple

There’s nothing quite like a Baked Ham with Pineapple to bring both sweetness and savory goodness to your holiday table. The combination of juicy ham with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, enhanced by a simple glaze, makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a festive dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this baked ham is the perfect centerpiece for your meal.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham (preferably a spiral-cut ham for easy slicing)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or pineapple juice for extra sweetness)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple, or fresh if using)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for added warmth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of spice)
• Pineapple slices (about 6-8 slices, from a can or fresh)
• Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

For the Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the glaze)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for a bit of depth)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. If using a spiral-cut ham, ensure the cut side is facing down to help keep the ham moist during baking.
• Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and adds a nice presentation.

2. Make the Glaze:

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, cloves, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until everything is combined into a smooth glaze.
• Brush some of the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to coat the scored areas evenly.

3. Bake the Ham:

• Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the glaze.
• About 30 minutes before the ham is done, add the pineapple slices around the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. Brush the pineapple slices with some of the glaze as well.
• For extra flavor, you can stud the ham with whole cloves, inserting them into the intersections of the diamond cuts.

4. Prepare the Pineapple Glaze:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and reduce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
• Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

5. Final Glaze and Caramelization:

• After 1 hour, remove the foil from the ham and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush the ham with the remaining glaze and return it to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and golden brown.
• Optionally, you can garnish the pineapple slices with maraschino cherries for a festive touch.

6. Serve:

• Once the ham is fully cooked and caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve the ham with the caramelized pineapple slices and any extra glaze on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-14
Calories per Serving (1 slice, with glaze): Approximately 300-350 calories

• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including resting time)

How to Serve

• Slice the ham into 1/2 to 1-inch thick slices and arrange on a platter with the pineapple slices and caramelized glaze drizzled over the top.
• This ham is perfect as the centerpiece of your holiday meal, and it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
• Serve with dinner rolls or a fresh salad on the side.

Additional Tips

• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you want to ensure the ham is heated perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also pre-score the ham and prepare the pineapple slices beforehand to save time on the day of baking.
• Leftovers: Leftover ham is great for sandwiches, casseroles, or even soups. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

• Maple Glazed Ham: Replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup for a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with the smoky ham.
• Spicy Pineapple Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pineapple.
• Brown Sugar and Bourbon Ham: For an extra rich flavor, use bourbon in the glaze in place of some of the apple cider vinegar. The caramel notes from the bourbon will enhance the sweetness of the ham and pineapple.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair your baked ham with classic sides like roasted potatoes, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad. A tangy coleslaw also balances the rich sweetness of the ham.
• Festive Drinks: For holiday dinners, serve this ham with wine (a light white or semi-dry red), or complement it with a spiced cider or even a festive sparkling water.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Ham can be frozen in slices or whole. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

Special Equipment

• Roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
A1: Yes! Boneless ham works perfectly for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since boneless hams tend to cook faster.

Q2: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A2: Yes, fresh pineapple works beautifully! Just slice it into rings or chunks and follow the same steps for glazing and baking.

Q3: How do I keep the ham from drying out?
A3: The key to moist ham is baking it at a lower temperature and basting it regularly with the glaze. Keeping the ham covered with foil during the initial baking helps it stay juicy.

Q4: Can I make this ham the day before?
A4: Absolutely! You can bake the ham the day before and refrigerate it. Reheat the ham covered in foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

This Baked Ham with Pineapple is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a stunning and delicious centerpiece for your holiday feast or special occasion!

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