Pineapple Glazed Ham

This Pineapple Glazed Ham is juicy, tender, and coated in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for holiday dinners, Easter, Christmas, Sunday suppers, or special family gatherings, this classic ham is packed with flavor and makes a stunning centerpiece for any table.

The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and savory ham creates a delicious balance of sweet and salty flavors. As the ham bakes, the glaze forms a glossy, caramelized coating that keeps every slice moist and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy holiday main dish
Sweet and savory flavor
Beautiful caramelized glaze
Perfect for entertaining
Great for leftovers
Simple ingredients
Crowd-pleasing favorite

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

Yield

12–14 servings

Ingredients

For the Ham

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple rings
Whole cloves (optional)

For the Pineapple Glaze

1 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
¾ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed

Roasting pan
Aluminum foil
Small saucepan
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Sharp carving knife

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to:

325°F (165°C)

Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.

Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep.

If desired, insert a whole clove at the intersection of each diamond.

Step 2: Add Pineapple Rings

Arrange pineapple rings over the surface of the ham.

Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Reserve the pineapple juice for the glaze.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.

Bake at:

325°F (165°C)

for approximately:

15 minutes per pound

An 8-pound ham will take about:

1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Step 4: Make the Pineapple Glaze

While the ham bakes, combine in a saucepan:

Pineapple juice
Brown sugar
Dijon mustard
Honey

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

In a small bowl, mix:

Cornstarch
Water

to create a slurry.

Whisk the slurry into the glaze and cook for:

2–3 minutes

until thickened.

Remove from heat.

Step 5: Glaze the Ham

During the last:

30 minutes

of baking, remove the foil.

Brush the ham generously with the pineapple glaze.

Continue glazing every:

10 minutes

until beautifully caramelized.

Step 6: Check Temperature

Since the ham is already cooked, you’re simply reheating it.

The internal temperature should reach:

140°F (60°C)

when measured in the thickest portion.

Step 7: Rest

Remove the ham from the oven.

Tent loosely with foil.

Allow to rest for:

15 minutes

before slicing.

Step 8: Serve

Slice and serve with extra warm pineapple glaze spooned over the top.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Glazed Ham

Don’t Overcook

The ham is already cooked; overheating can dry it out.

Glaze Near the End

Applying glaze too early can cause burning.

Use a Meat Thermometer

This ensures perfectly heated ham without drying.

Save the Pan Juices

Mix them into the remaining glaze for extra flavor.

Variations

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Increase brown sugar to:

1 cup

for a sweeter glaze.

Maple Pineapple Ham

Replace honey with:

Pure maple syrup

Spiced Holiday Ham

Add:

½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves

to the glaze.

Bourbon Pineapple Ham

Add:

2 tablespoons bourbon

to the glaze for a richer flavor.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for:

4–5 days

Freezer

Freeze sliced ham for:

Up to 2 months

Reheating Instructions

Oven

Reheat covered at:

300°F (150°C)

for 10–15 minutes.

Microwave

Heat individual slices for:

30–60 seconds

until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

Calories: 320
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 1,150mg
Sugar: 14g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ham and glaze ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spiral-cut ham?

Yes! Spiral-cut hams work beautifully and absorb the glaze well.

Do I have to use cloves?

No. Cloves are optional but add a traditional holiday flavor.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Yes. Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.

What side dishes pair well with ham?

Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Roasted carrots
Sweet potatoes
Dinner rolls
Mac and cheese

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely. Fresh pineapple rings can replace canned pineapple.