Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple – A Special Chef’s Secret Recipe 🍍🍯
Nothing says festive celebration quite like a beautifully glazed ham, glistening with honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, topped with juicy pineapple rings. This Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the perfect centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or any holiday gathering, bringing together the sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that everyone loves.
The chef’s secret? A flavor-packed glaze that caramelizes perfectly as the ham bakes, creating a deeply rich and glossy crust. The pineapple not only enhances the sweetness but also keeps the ham moist and tender throughout cooking.
Let’s make this show-stopping holiday dish that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress!
⏱ Recipe Time & Servings
| Preparation Time | Total Cooking Time | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes | 12-14 servings |
🛒 Ingredients for My Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs.)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple, drained (reserve ¼ cup pineapple juice)
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
⭐ Pro Tips for Success
- Score the Ham for Maximum Flavor – Cutting a diamond pattern into the surface allows the glaze to penetrate deeply.
- Baste Every 30 Minutes – This ensures the ham stays juicy and flavorful while developing a caramelized crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Letting the ham rest after baking locks in the juices, making each slice tender.
- Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Freshness – If available, swap canned pineapple for fresh rings for a brighter flavor.
- Make a Crispy Glaze Finish – Broil the ham for 3-5 minutes at the end to get a slightly crisp caramelized crust.
🍳 Tools Required
- Roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush
- Small mixing bowl
- Foil for tenting
- Sharp knife for scoring
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
| Substitution | Original Ingredient | New Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Maple syrup | Honey | A deeper, woodsy sweetness |
| Yellow mustard | Dijon mustard | A milder, tangier alternative |
| Apple cider | Pineapple juice | A slightly tart variation |
| Ground cinnamon | Ground cloves | A warm, spiced flavor |
| Bourbon | Pineapple juice | Adds a smoky, boozy depth |
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Glaze the ham ahead of time – Apply the glaze up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge.
- Prepare the pineapple slices – Drain and set them aside the night before.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place the ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ¼-inch deep.
For extra flavor, insert whole cloves at the intersections of the diamond cuts.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
✔ 1 cup honey
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ ¼ cup Dijon mustard
✔ ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
✔ ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
Brush the glaze generously over the entire ham, making sure to get into the scored grooves.
Reserve some glaze for basting later.
Step 5: Add Pineapple Rings
Arrange pineapple slices on top of the ham and secure with toothpicks if needed.
If there are extra slices, place them around the base of the ham in the pan.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 2 hours, basting with reserved glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 7: Caramelize the Glaze
For the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize.
(Optional) Broil the ham for 3-5 minutes at the end to create a slightly crispy glaze.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm, garnished with extra pineapple slices and fresh herbs.
Enjoy your sweet, smoky, and tender holiday ham! 🍍🍯✨
🍽 Serving Suggestions for Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple
| Pairing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | A creamy, buttery side that pairs perfectly. |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | A crispy, savory contrast to the sweetness of the ham. |
| Classic Dinner Rolls | Soft, fluffy rolls to soak up the delicious glaze. |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | A holiday favorite that complements the flavors of the ham. |
🥡 Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in foil or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
Ideas for Leftover Ham:
- Ham and Cheese Omelet – Dice ham into scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Ham Sandwiches – Layer with Swiss cheese, lettuce, and Dijon mustard.
- Ham and Bean Soup – Use the ham bone to make a flavorful broth.
- Hawaiian Pizza – Chop up ham and use it as a pizza topping!
🥦 Nutritional Information and Benefits of This Dish
- High in Protein – Ham provides essential amino acids for muscle repair.
- Rich in Iron & Zinc – Helps support immune function and energy levels.
- Balanced Sweet & Savory Flavors – The glaze enhances natural umami richness.
🍷 Suggested Drink That Pairs With The Dish
Best Drink Pairing: Chardonnay or Pineapple Rum Punch 🍷🍹
Why? The buttery notes of a Chardonnay complement the sweet, smoky flavors of the ham, while a pineapple rum punch enhances the tropical elements of the glaze. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling apple cider!
❤️ Enjoy!
This Honey-Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the perfect show-stopping dish for any holiday gathering. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its sweet, smoky, and caramelized flavors.
Try it and let me know how it turned out! 🍍🍯✨
