Create the perfect holiday feast with this spectacular Pineapple-Glazed Ham that transforms a simple ham into an elegant centerpiece featuring a glossy, caramelized pineapple glaze that delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every succulent slice. This isn’t just heated ham – it’s a celebration worthy main course that combines the natural saltiness of cured ham with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, brown sugar, and warm spices that caramelize into a beautiful golden coating during baking. Each slice reveals perfectly moist, tender ham with a gorgeous lacquered exterior that’s been infused with pineapple flavor throughout, creating layers of taste that make every bite memorable and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting Easter dinner, planning a Christmas feast, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to master the art of preparing ham that looks and tastes like it came from the finest hotel buffet, this pineapple-glazed version brings both elegance and comfort to your holiday table while filling your home with incredible aromas.
Serving: 12-15 people
Cooking Time: 3 hours (including glazing time)
Ingredients
For the Ham:
1 spiral-cut ham (8-10 pounds), fully cooked
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup water
Whole cloves for studding (optional, traditional)
For the Pineapple Glaze:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for subtle heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnish:
Fresh pineapple rings
Maraschino cherries
Fresh herbs (parsley or rosemary)
Orange slices
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, which provides the perfect temperature for gentle heating that warms the ham through without drying it out.
Remove the ham from its packaging and rinse under cold water to remove any excess brine or packaging liquids, then pat completely dry with paper towels.
If desired, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep through the fat layer, which creates an attractive appearance and allows the glaze to penetrate better.
For traditional presentation, stud the intersections of the diamond pattern with whole cloves, which adds aromatic spice and classic visual appeal.
Place the prepared ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan and add the pineapple juice and water to the bottom of the pan to create steam during cooking.
Initial Baking Process
Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying and place in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or about 2-2.5 hours for an 8-10 pound ham.
The goal is to heat the ham through to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, since it’s already fully cooked and just needs warming.
While the ham bakes, prepare your spectacular pineapple glaze that will transform this into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Creating the Perfect Pineapple Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, ground cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar completely and blend all the flavors together.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly and becomes more concentrated in flavor.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry, then gradually whisk this into the simmering glaze.
Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and has a beautiful, glossy consistency.
Remove from heat and set aside, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
The Glazing Process
During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, remove the foil from the ham and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with the pineapple glaze, making sure to get into all the scored lines and crevices.
Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes, then brush with glaze again and continue baking.
Repeat this glazing process 2-3 times during the final 30 minutes, building up beautiful layers of caramelized glaze that create that stunning lacquered appearance.
Final Caramelization
The ham is finished when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit and the glaze has caramelized to a beautiful golden-brown color.
The surface should be glossy and slightly sticky, with some darker areas where the sugars have caramelized perfectly.
If the glaze seems to be browning too quickly, tent the ham with foil while continuing to cook to the proper internal temperature.
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Presentation and Carving
Transfer the glazed ham to a large serving platter or carving board, arranging it attractively for your table presentation.
Garnish around the ham with fresh pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, orange slices, and fresh herb sprigs for a festive, colorful display.
If desired, brush with any remaining warm glaze just before serving to refresh the glossy appearance and add extra flavor.
Carve the ham by slicing along the bone and following the natural muscle lines, creating uniform slices that showcase the beautiful glaze.
Tips for Perfect Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Choose a quality ham that’s already spiral-cut for convenience, or ask your butcher to score it professionally for the best appearance.
Don’t overcook since the ham is already fully cooked – you’re just warming it through and developing the glaze, so watch the internal temperature carefully.
Build glaze layers by applying multiple thin coats rather than one thick application, which creates better caramelization and more intense flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit throughout without overcooking and drying out.
Save pan drippings as they make an excellent base for gravy or can be reduced into a sauce for serving alongside the ham.
Plan timing carefully by working backward from serving time, allowing for proper resting after the final glazing process.
Keep glaze warm during the cooking process for easier brushing and better adherence to the ham surface.
Make extra glaze as guests often enjoy additional glaze drizzled over their ham slices for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Strategy
The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and reheated gently before using, making holiday meal preparation more manageable.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover ham keeps well wrapped in the refrigerator for up to one week and makes excellent sandwiches, soups, and breakfast dishes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 13 servings):
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 14g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 1,285mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
- Zinc: 2.8mg
- Selenium: 28mcg
- Thiamine: 0.8mg
This festive ham provides excellent high-quality protein along with important minerals like selenium and zinc that support immune function. Ham is naturally rich in B vitamins, particularly thiamine, which supports energy metabolism and nervous system function. The pineapple glaze adds vitamin C and natural enzymes, while the moderate serving size helps balance the sodium content typical of cured meats. Though indulgent for special occasions, this ham offers substantial nutrition that makes it a satisfying centerpiece for holiday celebrations when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal with vegetables and lighter sides.
