Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Introduction

When it comes to holiday dinners, few dishes are as show-stopping as a beautifully glazed ham. Whether it’s for Christmas, Easter, or a special family gathering, Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham has earned its place as the star of the meal. Its tender, juicy meat paired with a golden, sticky glaze that’s a blend of pineapple’s natural sweetness and honey’s richness creates a combination that’s simply irresistible.

This recipe is a family favorite at holiday dinners in our house, and it’s always a hit with guests. What I love most about it is the way the glaze caramelizes as it bakes, giving the ham a mouthwatering sweetness and a glossy, golden exterior. The glaze itself is so easy to make with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!

Not only is this ham delicious, but it also looks beautiful on the table. It’s one of those dishes that gets noticed immediately. Plus, the combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with everything from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. If you want a meal that’s sure to impress, this Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Elegant: The glaze is made with just a few ingredients, and the method is easy to follow, so even beginner cooks can make this impressive dish.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a family gathering, this ham makes any meal feel like a celebration.
• Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking process ensures the ham stays moist and flavorful. The glaze seeps into the meat, making every slice a burst of delicious flavor.
• Versatile Flavor: The balance of sweet pineapple and rich honey creates a glaze that complements the savory ham perfectly, without overwhelming it.
• Beautiful Presentation: With its caramelized glaze and golden exterior, this ham looks stunning on any holiday table.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (15 minutes prep, 2 hours 15 minutes baking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 8-10 people (depending on the size of the ham and how many side dishes you have).
• Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 10 servings):
• Calories: 290
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in ham (spiral-cut or traditional)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for added warmth)

For the Pineapple Honey Glaze:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Next, place your ham on a large roasting pan or a baking sheet with a rim to catch any drips. If you have a spiral-cut ham, gently score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern. The scoring helps the glaze soak in and gives the ham a nice, caramelized exterior as it bakes.

Rub the entire surface of the ham with olive oil and Dijon mustard. This step not only helps the glaze stick but also adds a subtle layer of flavor. Then, sprinkle the ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger (if using) evenly over the ham. The warm spices complement the pineapple and honey, making the ham fragrant and flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Honey Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and let the glaze cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to thicken slightly.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the simmering glaze and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Once your glaze is ready, take a brush or spoon and generously coat the entire surface of the ham with the glaze. Make sure you get the glaze into all the scored sections of the ham, so it can soak in and caramelize during baking. Don’t be shy—use plenty of glaze!

Reserve a bit of glaze to baste the ham later during cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

Transfer the glazed ham to the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes. If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, keep in mind that it will cook faster because the slices are thinner. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F (60°C).

While the ham is baking, baste it with more of the glaze every 30 minutes. This keeps the ham moist and helps the glaze develop a beautiful, sticky crust.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. After resting, slice the ham into thick pieces and serve with extra glaze on the side.

How to Serve

Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement the rich, sweet ham:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts to add earthy flavors that balance the sweetness of the glaze.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for ham, and their mild flavor allows the ham to shine.
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes with crispy edges make a perfect textural contrast to the tender, juicy ham.
• Green Beans Almondine: Tender green beans with crispy almonds provide a light, refreshing side to cut through the richness of the ham.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the extra glaze.

For beverages, try a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze. If you’re serving for a holiday, a sparkling cider or champagne can add an extra festive touch.

Additional Tips

1. Choose the Right Ham: For the best flavor and texture, choose a bone-in ham. Bone-in hams tend to stay juicier during cooking, and the bone adds rich flavor to the meat.
2. Baste Regularly: Be sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes to ensure the glaze coats the surface evenly and helps form that golden caramelized crust.
3. Make the Glaze Ahead: You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when ready to baste the ham.
4. Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: If possible, use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor, but canned juice will work just fine as well.

Recipe Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add some orange zest or lemon juice to the glaze for a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Maple-Glazed Ham: Swap the honey for maple syrup to add a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the glaze.
• Bourbon Infusion: Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a smoky, slightly spicy twist.
• Spiced Ham: For a more aromatic glaze, you can add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a cinnamon stick while simmering the glaze.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store the glaze separately, as it can continue to thicken over time.
• Freezing: Leftover ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the ham in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

FAQ Section

Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?

Yes, boneless hams will also work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of

the ham. Boneless cuts tend to cook faster than bone-in hams, so check the internal temperature early.

Can I make the glaze without pineapple juice?

Yes! You can substitute orange juice or even apple cider for the pineapple juice. This will slightly change the flavor profile but will still be delicious.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can cook the ham in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, basting it with the glaze every hour. It’s a great option if you’re looking to make the ham without using the oven.

Conclusion

Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham is a festive and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your guests and make any holiday meal unforgettable. The combination of tender, juicy ham and a sweet, tangy glaze creates a taste that’s as delicious as it is memorable. Whether it’s for Christmas dinner or any special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try it out, and enjoy the smiles around your dinner table!

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations.

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