Few dishes are as iconic and universally loved as a beautifully glazed ham. Whether it’s served at a festive Easter brunch, a cozy Christmas dinner, or any special family gathering, Pineapple Glazed Ham always manages to steal the spotlight. It’s sweet, savory, juicy, and tender—everything you want in a celebratory main course.
This classic recipe is all about balance: the saltiness of the ham meets the rich sweetness of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice, with a hint of tang from Dijon mustard and the umami depth of soy sauce. The result? A sticky, caramelized glaze that clings beautifully to the crisped exterior of the ham, creating a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with pantry staples like brown sugar, honey, and mustard.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Impact: Using a pre-cooked ham means less work with impressive results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday dinners to Sunday family meals.
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: The pineapple glaze is the perfect flavor complement to the salty, smoky ham.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect pineapple glazed ham:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless), about 8–10 pounds
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably 100% juice, no sugar added)
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (adds depth and contrast)
- ¼ cup honey (for richness and stickiness)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (adds tang and sharpness)
- ¼ cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained (for garnish and texture)
Tip: Bone-in hams tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but boneless options work just as well and are easier to slice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate heat ensures the ham warms through evenly without drying out.
2. Score the Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about ¼-inch deep. This not only adds a decorative touch, but also allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat more effectively.
3. Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. The aroma will be sweet and tangy—an early preview of what’s to come.
Optional Variation: Add a pinch of ground cloves or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra complexity.
4. Glaze the Ham
Place the scored ham in a large roasting pan, preferably with a rack. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the top of the ham, making sure it drizzles into the scored lines.
Pro Tip: You can also reserve a small amount of glaze to brush on during the final minutes of baking or to serve on the side.
5. Bake the Ham
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). This timeframe works for a fully-cooked ham that just needs reheating and glazing.
For a caramelized finish, remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking and baste with additional glaze.
6. Serve with Pineapple Chunks
Let the ham rest for about 10–15 minutes before carving. Garnish with drained fresh pineapple chunks and a drizzle of the remaining glaze. The combination of juicy meat, golden glaze, and fruity garnish makes for a memorable presentation.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Ham: A spiral-cut ham is convenient for serving, but a whole ham retains more moisture.
- Don’t Skip the Scoring: It’s not just decorative—the glaze seeps into those cuts for deeper flavor.
- Glaze at the Right Time: Avoid applying glaze too early or it might burn. Start halfway through baking if using a higher sugar glaze.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For food safety and perfect texture, aim for 140°F (60°C) internal temp for a pre-cooked ham.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple glazed ham is the kind of entrée that pairs well with a wide variety of sides. Here are a few favorites:
- Savory Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts
- Fresh & Light: Garden salad, citrus slaw, steamed asparagus, or a fruit salad with more pineapple
- Starches: Cornbread, dinner rolls, rice pilaf, or even mac and cheese for a comforting twist
Pair it with a slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or a sparkling cider for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Ham freezes well! Slice it and freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in the oven, covered with foil, or warm slices in a skillet with a bit of the glaze or pineapple juice to keep it moist.
Leftover Ideas: Make ham sandwiches, breakfast hash, ham and bean soup, or dice it into omelets and quiches.
A Holiday Favorite Year After Year
This Pineapple Glazed Ham has everything you want in a centerpiece dish: a glossy finish, flavorful interior, and crowd-pleasing taste. It evokes memories of holidays past while creating new traditions at your table. Whether you’re serving it at Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a Sunday feast, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort and smiles.