Introduction

Few holiday dishes bring the same sense of joy and celebration as a beautifully baked ham glazed with golden honey and adorned with juicy pineapple rings. This recipe is a timeless classic, often found at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving gatherings. The savory richness of ham pairs wonderfully with the sweet, caramelized glaze made from honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. The pineapple rings not only add a festive look but also bring a burst of tropical sweetness that enhances every bite.

What makes this dish extra special is how effortless it is to prepare despite its elegant presentation. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create a centerpiece worthy of any feast.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of flavors: The salty-sweet contrast of ham, honey, and pineapple creates irresistible layers of taste.
• Eye-catching presentation: Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (optional) make it look straight out of a holiday cookbook.
• Feeds a crowd: This dish is ideal for family gatherings and large celebrations.
• Minimal effort, big payoff: The oven does most of the work while your house fills with the most amazing aroma.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is more than just food—it’s tradition. A honey-glazed ham not only delivers a flavorful and juicy meal but also carries the warmth of togetherness. Whether it’s your first time cooking ham or you’re carrying on a family tradition, this recipe ensures a perfectly tender, caramelized centerpiece that everyone will remember.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 – 2.5 hours (depending on ham size)
• Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12–14
• Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal (varies by ham size and glaze amount)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Holiday Classic)

Ingredients

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for warmth)

For Garnish

• 1 can pineapple rings (about 10–12 slices)
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for added festivity)
• Toothpicks (to secure pineapple and cherries)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Ham
   • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • Place ham, flat side down, on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
   • Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with shallow cuts (about ¼ inch deep). This helps the glaze soak in.
   • If desired, stud the intersections of cuts with whole cloves.
2. Prepare the Glaze
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
   • Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
3. Bake the Ham
   • Brush the ham generously with half of the glaze.
   • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
4. Add Pineapple Rings
   • After 1.5 hours, remove the ham from the oven.
   • Arrange pineapple rings over the ham, securing with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring if using.
   • Brush with more glaze and return to oven uncovered.
5. Finish Baking
   • Bake for another 30–45 minutes, basting once or twice, until ham is deeply caramelized and pineapple is golden.
   • Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for reheating fully cooked ham.
6. Rest and Serve
   • Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

• Slice the ham into thick or thin portions depending on preference.
• Spoon extra glaze and roasted pineapple over the top for added flavor.
• Serve alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, or rolls.

Recipe Tips

• Use bone-in ham for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Scoring helps the glaze penetrate—don’t skip this step.
• If glaze thickens too much while baking, loosen it with a splash of orange juice or water.
• For extra caramelization, broil the ham for 3–5 minutes at the end (watch closely).

Variations

1. Spicy Glaze – Add 1–2 tsp of chili flakes or sriracha for a sweet-spicy kick.
2. Maple Twist – Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a New England touch.
3. Citrus Boost – Add orange zest and juice to the glaze for a bright flavor.
4. Whiskey Ham – Stir in 2 tbsp of bourbon or whiskey into the glaze for depth.
5. No Pineapple Version – Skip the pineapple and use just the glaze for a simpler presentation.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap sliced ham tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm covered slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or in a skillet with a splash of water.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Sharp carving knife
• Basting brush
• Toothpicks (for securing pineapple/cherries)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use boneless ham instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless works fine, but bone-in ham is more flavorful and makes a better presentation.

Q2: Do I need to glaze the ham multiple times?
Yes, frequent glazing creates that glossy, caramelized crust everyone loves.

Q3: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.

Q4: How do I know when my ham is done?
A pre-cooked ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple Rings is more than just a main course—it’s a celebration on a platter. With its gorgeous golden glaze, sweet tropical accents, and irresistible aroma, it transforms any holiday meal into a true feast. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re keeping a family tradition alive, this dish guarantees smiles, full bellies, and a centerpiece that will be remembered for years.