Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple (Printable version)

Ham glazed with honey and pineapple creates a flavorful, festive centerpiece suited for celebratory gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Ham

01 - 1 fully cooked bone-in ham, approximately 8–10 pounds

→ Glaze

02 - 1 cup honey
03 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
04 - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
05 - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

→ Garnish & Basting

08 - 1 can (20 ounces) sliced pineapple rings, drained with juice reserved
09 - 1 jar (6 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained
10 - Whole cloves, optional for studding

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan lined with aluminum foil.
02 - Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Optionally, insert whole cloves at the intersections for added aroma.
03 - In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, ground cloves, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice. Heat over medium, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
04 - Brush one-third of the prepared glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
05 - Remove the foil. Arrange pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
06 - Brush additional glaze over the ham. Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with remaining glaze, until caramelized and heated through. Internal temperature should reach 140°F.
07 - Allow ham to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Remove pineapple rings and cherries, slice ham, and serve with pan juices.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sweet and tangy glaze clings to the ham like a secret passed down in each basting.
  • This centerpiece comes together with hardly any fuss, but always feels like a celebration on the plate.
02 -
  • Don't rush the glaze application—a missed corner means less flavor in every bite.
  • Letting the ham rest is crucial for juicy slices, even if everyone is impatient for seconds.
03 -
  • Slicing the ham thin gives every piece a perfect ratio of glaze and meat.
  • Reserve extra pineapple juice to balance the glaze if needed—never toss it out before baking.
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