Name: Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients: 1 (10-12 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham; 1/2 cup Dijon mustard; 1 cup honey; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, juice reserved; Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional); Whole cloves, for studding (optional)

Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple: the star of any holiday feast! Imagine sinking your teeth into a succulent slice of ham, its salty, savory flavor perfectly complemented by the sweet, tangy burst of caramelized pineapple. It's a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, leaving you craving more. This isn't just a dish; it's a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The tradition of glazing ham dates back centuries, with honey being a favored ingredient for its natural sweetness and ability to create a beautiful, glossy finish. The addition of pineapple, however, is a more modern twist, bringing a tropical flair to this classic dish. Some believe the pairing originated in the mid-20th century, as canned pineapple became more readily available, inspiring creative cooks to experiment with new flavor combinations.

What makes Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple so irresistible? It's the delightful contrast of textures – the tender, juicy ham against the slightly chewy, caramelized pineapple. The sweet and savory combination is simply divine, appealing to a wide range of palates. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both seasoned chefs and kitchen novices alike. Whether you're celebrating Easter, Christmas, or simply want to elevate your Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let's get started and create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

1 (10-12 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1 cup honey
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, juice reserved
Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)
Whole cloves, for studding (optional)

Preparing the Honey Glaze

Okay, let's get started with the most important part – the glaze! This is what's going to give our ham that beautiful, sticky, sweet, and tangy flavor. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined. We want a smooth and luscious glaze.
Simmer the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the glaze to thicken slightly. You'll notice it becoming a bit more syrupy.
Taste and Adjust: Give the glaze a taste! This is your chance to adjust the flavors to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more honey or brown sugar. If you want more tang, add a splash more apple cider vinegar. Remember, you're the chef!
Set Aside: Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. We'll use it later to baste the ham.

Preparing the Ham

Now, let's get the ham ready for its transformation. This step is crucial for ensuring the glaze penetrates the ham and creates that delicious crust.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature will allow the ham to heat through without drying out.
Score the Ham: Place the ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Be careful not to cut too deep, you just want to score the surface. This scoring allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and also creates a beautiful presentation.
Stud with Cloves (Optional): If you're using whole cloves, insert them into the points of the diamond pattern. This adds a lovely aroma and a subtle spicy flavor. It's totally optional, but I think it adds a nice touch.
Place in Roasting Pan: Place the ham in a large roasting pan. If you have a roasting rack, use it to elevate the ham slightly. This will help with even cooking.
Add Pineapple Juice: Pour about 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the ham moist during baking.

Baking and Glazing the Ham

Here comes the fun part! We're going to bake the ham and baste it with that amazing honey glaze. Get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible.

Initial Bake: Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from drying out during the initial baking period. Bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Baste with Glaze: Remove the ham from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Using a pastry brush, generously brush the ham with about half of the honey glaze. Make sure to get into all the crevices created by the scoring.
Arrange Pineapple Slices: Arrange the pineapple slices around the ham in the roasting pan. You can also secure them to the ham with toothpicks if you like.
Return to Oven: Return the ham to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze every 5-7 minutes. The glaze should caramelize and become sticky and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Final Temperature Check: The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Again, use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Resting and Carving the Ham

Patience is key! Letting the ham rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Rest the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial for a juicy ham!
Carve the Ham: Using a sharp carving knife, carve the ham against the grain. Start by slicing down along the bone to separate the meat. Then, make slices perpendicular to the bone.
Arrange and Garnish: Arrange the carved ham on a serving platter. Garnish with the baked pineapple slices and maraschino cherries (if using).
Serve and Enjoy! Serve the honey glazed ham warm and enjoy! It's perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or any time you want a delicious and impressive meal.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your honey glazed ham? Here are a few ideas:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick.
Citrus Twist: Add the zest and juice of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a bright and citrusy flavor.
Different Fruit: Use other fruits like peaches, apricots, or cranberries instead of pineapple.
Smoked Ham: For an even more flavorful ham, use a smoked ham.
Glaze Variations: Experiment with different types of honey, such as clover honey, wildflower honey, or buckwheat honey.
Slow Cooker Option: You can also cook the ham in a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until heated through. Baste with the glaze occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

Honey glazed ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

Mashed potatoes
Sweet potato casserole
Green bean casserole
Roasted vegetables
Dinner rolls
Mac and cheese
Salad

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover honey glazed ham (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat leftover ham, you can either microwave it, bake it in the oven, or pan-fry it. If microwaving, heat in short intervals to prevent it from drying out. If baking, wrap the ham in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. If pan-frying, slice the ham and cook in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving
Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious honey glazed ham! I hope this recipe helps you create a memorable meal for your family and friends.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple recipe is more than just a dish; it's a guaranteed centerpiece for any holiday gathering, Sunday supper, or special occasion. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe because it perfectly balances the savory richness of the ham with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and pineapple. The glaze creates a beautiful, caramelized crust that's simply irresistible, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure magic. It's a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes, without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen. Why is this Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple a must-try? Because it's incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the salty ham, the sweet honey, and the tropical pineapple creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the presentation is stunning! Imagine bringing this golden-brown beauty to the table – your guests will be wowed. But the best part? It's versatile! While I've shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serving Suggestions: Serve this Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple alongside classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. For a lighter touch, try pairing it with a fresh salad or roasted asparagus. Don't forget the cranberry sauce! And for leftovers (if there are any!), this ham is fantastic in sandwiches, omelets, or even diced into a hearty soup. * Pineapple Variations: While I love using fresh pineapple rings, you can also use canned pineapple slices or even crushed pineapple in the glaze. If you're feeling adventurous, try grilling the pineapple slices before adding them to the ham for a smoky flavor. * Glaze Variations: Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze will do the trick. For a deeper, richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of bourbon to the honey glaze. You could even incorporate some brown sugar for a more molasses-like sweetness. * Herb Infusion: Consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an earthy aroma and flavor. Simply tie a few sprigs together with kitchen twine and tuck them under the ham while it bakes. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you'll love it as much as my family and I do. It's a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. The Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a showstopper. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can't wait to hear about your experience! Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite sides to serve with it? Share your photos on social media and tag me – I'd love to see your creations! Happy cooking! I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!