Description
Sweet Southern comfort meets tropical delight in this classic Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze. Succulent ham slices caramelize under a golden, sticky glaze that balances smoky, tangy, and sugary notes for a memorable centerpiece you’ll crave at family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 (20 ounces) can pineapple slices, drained
- ½ cup whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Spice Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the ham by unwrapping and positioning in a spacious roasting pan with the cut side facing downward. Create intricate diamond-shaped scoring across the surface using a sharp knife. Optionally, insert whole cloves at the diamond intersections for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Craft the glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, continuously stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.
- Decorate the ham’s surface with pineapple slices, carefully anchoring each slice with a toothpick. Place a vibrant maraschino cherry at the center of each pineapple ring, securing with additional toothpicks if needed.
- Apply approximately half of the prepared glaze evenly across the ham’s surface. Shield the meat loosely with aluminum foil and transfer to a preheated oven set at 325F (163C).
- After initial baking, remove the foil and generously recoat the ham with glaze every quarter-hour. Monitor the meat’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 140F (60C) while allowing the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich, glossy appearance.
- Once completed, extract the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for fifteen minutes. This resting period helps redistribute the internal juices. Transfer to an elegant serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for additional flavor intensity.
Notes
- Select a bone-in ham for maximum flavor and moisture retention during baking.
- Choose high-quality honey and real pineapple juice to enhance the glaze’s depth and authenticity.
- Avoid overcooking by monitoring the ham’s internal temperature closely to prevent dryness.
- Consider using low-sodium ham for those watching salt intake, and substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative for diabetic-friendly options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg