Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple

A festive centerpiece featuring succulent ham glazed with honey and studded with sweet pineapple, this dish is perfect for a celebratory Easter dinner. The combination of savory bone-in ham and a sweet, caramelized glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that will delight your guests.

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Preparation for this elegant meal is surprisingly straightforward, taking only 20 minutes before the ham enters the oven. Over the course of two hours, the glaze thickens into a golden crust that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy meat inside.

Ingredients

• Ham: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)
• Glaze: 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Garnish & Basting: 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple rings (drained and juice reserved), 1 jar (6 oz) maraschino cherries (drained), whole cloves (optional for studding)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan lined with foil.

Step 2

Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Optionally, stud with whole cloves at the intersections.

Step 3

In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, ground cloves, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 4

Brush 1/3 of the glaze over the ham. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Step 5

Remove foil, arrange pineapple rings over the ham, securing with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.

Step 6

Brush with more glaze. Bake uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with remaining glaze, until caramelized and heated through with an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Step 7

Let rest 15 minutes before carving. Remove pineapple and cherries, slice, and serve with pan juices.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If you have leftovers, this ham is delicious when sliced thin for sandwiches or chopped into breakfast omelets.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor and a more vibrant presentation, you can use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned. Additionally, studding the ham with whole cloves is an optional step that adds a classic aromatic depth to the dish.

Serviervorschläge

For a complete and traditional meal, pair this honey glazed ham with scalloped potatoes and fresh spring vegetables. Be sure to serve the sliced ham with the flavorful pan juices collected during the baking process.

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With its glistening golden glaze and vibrant fruit garnish, this Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is guaranteed to be the highlight of your table, offering a delicious tradition for any celebration.

Questions & Answers

→ How do you keep ham juicy while baking?

Baste frequently with the honey glaze and cover with foil initially to help retain moisture.

→ Can fresh pineapple be substituted for canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple adds extra flavor and can be used in place of canned rings for garnish and juice.

→ What internal temperature should ham reach?

The ham should reach 140°F (60°C) for safe serving and optimal tenderness.

→ What can I do with leftover ham?

Leftovers work well in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles for easy meals after gatherings.

→ Are there gluten concerns with any ingredients?

Check labels on mustard and maraschino cherries for potential gluten-containing additives, though the main components are gluten-free.

→ What side dishes pair well?

Scalloped potatoes, spring vegetables, and a fresh salad complement this ham centerpiece.