Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham: A Holiday Recipe to Remember

The aroma of a perfectly glazed ham is synonymous with holiday gatherings. This recipe elevates the classic ham to new heights with a sweet and tangy pineapple honey glaze that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget dry, boring ham – this recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your next feast!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields enough glaze for a 10-12 pound ham, but you can easily adjust it based on your ham's size.

• The Ham: One 10-12 pound fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral-cut or bone-in – your preference!)
• Glaze Ingredients:
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (from fresh or canned pineapple)
  • 1 cup honey (choose your favorite variety!)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for a subtle savory depth)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves (adds warmth and complements the sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a touch of spice)
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (another warm spice to enhance the glaze)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh pineapple (for added texture and vibrant flavor)

Preparing the Pineapple Honey Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will become.
3. Stir in Pineapple: Once the glaze has thickened, gently stir in the chopped fresh pineapple. Remove from heat.

Baking the Ham:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the Ham (Optional): If using a bone-in ham that isn't pre-scored, score the fat layer in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and helps create a beautiful presentation.
3. Place in Baking Dish: Place the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish.
4. Bake: Bake the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remember that the ham is pre-cooked, so this step is primarily to warm it through and allow the glaze to set.
5. Glazing: During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, begin basting the ham generously with the pineapple honey glaze. Continue basting every 15 minutes, ensuring the ham is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious, sticky glaze.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar. Conversely, increase it for a sweeter glaze.
• Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with other spices or flavors. A dash of nutmeg or allspice could add interesting layers of flavor.
• Make Ahead: The glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Leftovers: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or quiches.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham with classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and roasted vegetables. The sweet and savory glaze pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.

This Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a holiday tradition. Enjoy!