There’s something extraordinary about a beautifully glazed ham fresh out of the oven. For me, it’s a nostalgic trip back to my grandmother’s Easter Sunday dinners, where the air was filled with the sweet aroma of pineapple and honey caramelizing to perfection. This recipe goes beyond tradition—it turns an ordinary ham into an extraordinary centerpiece.
The glaze, made with tangy pineapple juice and rich honey, creates a glossy, caramelized coating that seals in moisture and infuses the meat with layers of flavor. It’s deceptively simple yet elegant, perfect for a festive holiday table or a cozy Sunday lunch.
With ham gracing over half of the holiday tables, it’s easy to see why this dish is so beloved. This recipe is your ticket to impressing guests without breaking a sweat. It’s a showstopper that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- It’s foolproof. This recipe is forgiving, even for beginners, thanks to the easy glaze and straightforward prep.
- Perfect for holidays. The golden, caramelized exterior always wows guests, making it my go-to for gatherings.
- Leftovers are incredible. Think ham sandwiches, soups, or tossed into a frittata—it’s a gift that keeps on giving.
- The balance of sweet and savory. Pineapple’s tanginess cuts through the richness of the ham, creating a perfectly balanced bite.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the combination of juicy ham with sticky, flavorful glaze.
Pineapple Honey-glazed Ham Recipe
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Basting Brush
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 8-10 pound 3.5-4.5kg cured ham, shank end (cooked or smoked)
- ¼ cup 62ml orange juice
- ½ cup 170g honey
- 1 teaspoon 2g allspice
- ¾ cup 150g brown sugar or more for sprinkling and glaze
- ½ teaspoon 1g nutmeg
- ½ cup 125ml pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon 15g Dijon mustard or more
- ¼ teaspoon 0.5g cloves
- ½-1 teaspoon 1-2g ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons 30ml rum , optional
- 1 20- ounce can pineapple rings drained (reserve ½ cup juice)
- 1 small can maraschino cherries optional
- toothpicks to hold the cherries in place
- ½ fresh lemon squeezed (about 1-2 tablespoons juice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan, sprinkle with ½ cup of brown sugar (optional), and cover with foil.
- Roast for 10-12 minutes per pound (1½-2 hours). Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes.
- For the glaze, combine brown sugar, mustard, orange juice, pineapple juice, honey, spices, rum, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Boil and simmer for 5 minutes until syrupy.
- 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven, arrange pineapple rings on top, and secure cherries in the center of each ring.
- Brush the ham with glaze and bake for 15-20 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 120°F.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before serving, and serve with extra glaze.
