Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a classic dish that’s sweet, juicy, and full of flavor. The ham is tender and covered in a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Pineapple rings add a burst of brightness and a little tang that pairs so well with the rich meat.
I love making this ham for holidays or special family dinners because it always feels like a celebration on the table. One of my favorite tricks is to baste the ham with the honey glaze a few times during baking, which makes the outside super glossy and extra tasty. The smell of the honey and pineapple caramelizing together is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
This dish is perfect served warm alongside mashed potatoes or some simple roasted veggies. I find that the combination of sweet and savory gets everyone talking, and there’s always enough leftover for delicious sandwiches the next day. Plus, the pineapple rings on top make the presentation feel festive without any extra fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: A fully cooked bone-in ham gives great flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless works fine too, just adjust cooking time. Spiral-cut hams are super convenient and already sliced for easy serving.
Honey & Brown Sugar: These add the sticky sweet glaze. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave can work well as substitutes. Brown sugar adds depth, but white sugar or coconut sugar are also options.
Dijon Mustard: It balances the sweetness with a little tang. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard are fine alternatives.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Orange Juice: Both add acidity to cut through the richness. Orange juice adds a brighter, fruity note, while vinegar gives a sharper tang. Choose based on your taste preference.
Pineapple Rings and Cherries: Fresh or canned pineapple rings work well here. Fresh will add more texture, but canned is juicier and more classic. Maraschino cherries add color and a burst of sweetness but can be left off if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Ham Nice and Glossy Without Burning the Glaze?
Getting that shiny, caramelized glaze on your ham is all about timing and temperature. Here’s what I do:
- Start by scoring the ham to allow the glaze to soak into the meat.
- Brush on half the glaze before baking to build flavor layers.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent burning while cooking slowly.
- Bake at a moderate 325°F to render fat and heat the ham without drying it.
- Every 20-30 minutes, baste with the remaining glaze to build a sticky coating.
- In the last 20-30 minutes, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and turn golden brown.
- Watch closely at this stage to avoid burning; you want a rich color but not bitter spots.
Patience and gentle heat are key. This method ensures a deep, glossy shine and a great balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with a rack – I use this to allow heat to circulate around the ham for even cooking.
- Pastry brush – helps you evenly coat the ham with the glaze for a shiny finish.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your ham reaches the perfect temperature of 140°F without overdoing it.
- Aluminum foil – covers the ham to prevent burning and helps keep it moist while baking.
- Toothpicks – to secure pineapple rings and cherries in place for presentation.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use Dijon mustard with a splash of bourbon in the glaze for a smoky twist.
- Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cinnamon to the glaze for warmth and spice.
- For a fruity kick, swap pineapple with sliced peaches or apricots in syrup.
- Stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you want a little heat balance the sweetness.
Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
For Garnish:
- 8-10 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
- Maraschino cherries (one for each pineapple ring)
- Fresh celery leaves or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to bake (depending on your ham’s size). Don’t forget to add 15 minutes resting time before slicing. The total makes a perfect centerpiece for special dinners or holiday feasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep—this helps the glaze soak in.
2. Make and Apply the Glaze:
Mix the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), and ground cloves in a bowl until smooth. Brush about half of this glaze evenly all over the ham.
3. Add Pineapple and Bake:
Arrange pineapple rings on the scored surface of the ham, securing each with toothpicks if needed. Place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. Loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
Bake the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the remaining glaze. During the last 20-30 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize and become beautifully glossy.
4. Rest and Serve:
Once the ham’s internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh celery leaves or parsley, and arrange remaining pineapple rings around the ham. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious honey glazed ham!
Can I Use a Frozen Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the ham completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking. This ensures even heating and the glaze will adhere nicely.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before brushing it on the ham.
How Should I Store Leftover Ham?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist and flavorful.
What Can I Serve With Honey Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The sweet glaze also goes well with rice or couscous for a fuller meal.