When spring rolls around and the flowers bloom, our family always gathers around a big, beautiful ham. It’s a tradition that began with my grandmother, who believed no spring feast was complete without a Glazed Ham with Pineapple glistening at the center of the table. Her recipe, sweetened with brown sugar, kissed with tangy mustard, and crowned with juicy pineapple rings, has become a beloved tradition in my own kitchen too.

Today, I’m sharing a version of Grandma’s springtime masterpiece — with easy steps so you can recreate this mouthwatering classic for your next family gathering or Easter celebration. 🍍🐖

Glazed Ham with Pineapple

This sweet and savory glazed ham with pineapple is the perfect centerpiece for your spring gatherings. Juicy, caramelized, and full of flavor!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Roasting Pan with Rack
• Basting Brush
• Meat Thermometer
• Aluminum Foil

Ingredients

  

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 can sliced pineapple in juice (20 oz) drained, juice reserved
• maraschino cherries optional
• toothpicks
• whole cloves optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the ham dry and place it flat-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. Optionally press a clove into the center of each diamond.
• In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves. Simmer until slightly thickened.
• Attach pineapple slices and cherries to the ham using toothpicks.
• Brush ham generously with glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
• Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize. Remove ham once internal temperature reaches 140°F. Rest before slicing and serving.

Notes

Tip: Save the pan juices for drizzling over slices. This enhances moisture and flavor.

Keyword Easter ham, glazed ham with pineapple, spring ham recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for gatherings: Serves 10 generously.
• Spring fresh: Light, fruity notes from pineapple brighten the ham’s rich flavor.
• Simple preparation: Minimal prep time for maximum flavor.
• Visually stunning: The pineapple and cherry accents make it a centerpiece-worthy dish.

Ingredients of Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this unforgettable spring glazed ham:

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 can (20 oz) sliced pineapple in juice, drained and juice reserved
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for decoration)
• Toothpicks
• Whole cloves (optional, for extra flavor)

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
• Place the ham, flat side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan.

2. Score the Ham

• Using a sharp knife, gently score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4-inch deep.
• If desired, press a whole clove into the center of each diamond for extra aroma.

3. Make the Glaze

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
  • Ground cloves
• Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until thickened slightly.

4. Decorate with Pineapple and Cherries

• Attach pineapple slices to the ham using toothpicks.
• If using, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

5. Bake the Ham

• Brush the ham generously with some of the glaze.
• Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes.

6. Finish the Ham

• Remove foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
• Continue to baste and watch carefully to prevent burning.

7. Rest and Serve

• Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), remove the ham from the oven.
• Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Glazed Ham with Pineapple

• Choose a bone-in ham for the juiciest flavor.
• Don’t skip scoring! It helps the glaze soak into the ham.
• Use real pineapple juice — it’s naturally sweeter than syrup-packed varieties.
• Save the pan juices to drizzle over sliced ham when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your spring ham with fresh, vibrant sides like:

• Roasted asparagus with lemon zest
• Creamy scalloped potatoes
• Spring pea salad
• Freshly baked buttermilk biscuits

🌸 For a spring-themed touch, garnish your platter with edible flowers or extra pineapple slices!

Storing and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze leftover ham slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently, covered in foil, at 300°F until warmed through.

Fun Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Tropical Twist: Replace half the brown sugar with coconut sugar and sprinkle toasted coconut before serving.
• Maple Madness: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper, richer glaze.

Why Pineapple and Ham are the Perfect Match

Pineapple’s natural acidity tenderizes the ham while its sugars caramelize to create a glossy, flavorful crust. The contrast of salty, smoky meat with sweet, tangy fruit is simply irresistible — no wonder it’s a classic!

Historically, this combination became popular in mid-20th century America, when tropical fruits were seen as exotic and festive, perfect for holiday tables. And today, it still brings the same sunny joy to springtime celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you keep a glazed ham moist?

To keep a glazed ham moist, bake it covered with foil for most of the cooking time and baste it regularly with the glaze and pan juices. Resting the ham before slicing also helps retain moisture.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh pineapple can be used, but be sure to slice it thinly and collect any juice for the glaze to maintain the recipe’s sweet flavor.

3. How long does it take to bake a fully cooked ham?

Generally, you should bake a fully cooked ham at 325°F (165°C) for about 15–18 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

4. What’s the best way to store leftover glazed ham?

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

5. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Just reheat it slightly before brushing it over the ham.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says “springtime celebration” quite like a golden, sticky Glazed Ham with Pineapple. Whether it’s Easter Sunday or a simple family gathering, this showstopper will win hearts and appetites alike. It’s a recipe close to my heart, and I hope it becomes a tradition in your home too! 💛