Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a classic dish that brings together the sweet and salty flavors in the best way. The ham is coated with a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, and the pineapple rings add a juicy, tropical touch. This combo creates a perfect balance of rich and refreshing tastes that make this ham a winner at any meal.
I love making this recipe during family gatherings or holidays because it always feels special and festive. One of my favorite parts is how the pineapple edges get slightly caramelized, giving that extra sweetness and slight tang. I find that brushing the glaze on a few times while the ham bakes really makes it extra flavorful and glossy—definitely a step I don’t skip!
When serving, I like to plate the ham with some of the golden pineapple slices on top and a drizzle of the nice sticky glaze from the pan. It pairs so well with simple side dishes like mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Honestly, the mix of honey and pineapple makes this ham something everyone comes back for seconds on, and it never fails to put smiles around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: A fully cooked bone-in ham works best here for flavor and moisture. If you need a smaller or boneless ham, that’s okay—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Honey & Brown Sugar: These give the glaze its sweet, sticky texture. Maple syrup or molasses can be used as substitutes if you want a different sweetness style.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard work fine.
Apple Cider Vinegar / Orange Juice: Either brings brightness to the glaze. I prefer orange juice for a fruitier note, especially with pineapple.
Pineapple Slices & Cherries: Pineapple adds juicy sweetness and helps tenderize the ham during cooking. Maraschino cherries add color and a classic look but are optional.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sweet and Sticky Glaze on Your Ham?
The glaze is key to both flavor and appearance. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Stir the glaze ingredients over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and it’s slightly thickened. Don’t boil too long or it may harden too much later.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham before baking and every 20-30 minutes during cooking. This layering creates that shiny, caramelized coating.
- Remove the foil during the last 15-20 mins to allow the glaze to thicken and get sticky without burning.
- If you want a deep caramel color, carefully broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
These steps give the ham that perfect balance of sticky sweetness and golden crust that makes this dish so inviting.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with a rack – I prefer it because it elevates the ham for even cooking and makes cleanup easier.
- Sharp knife – useful for scoring the ham and slicing it later, ensuring neat cuts and even cooking.
- Small saucepan – perfect for simmering the glaze until smooth and bubbly.
- Basting brush – I like a silicone brush to spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Kitchen toothpicks or skewers – helpful for securing pineapple slices and cherries on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pineapple juice instead of orange or apple cider for a more intense fruity flavor.
- Add a pinch of ginger or ground allspice to the glaze for extra warmth and complexity.
- Stir in chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze before baking for savory depth.
- Replace pineapples with roasted apple slices or pear for a different fruity twist that pairs well with the honey glaze.
Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
For the Garnish:
- 1 can (about 20 oz) pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then around 1½ to 2 hours to bake. Add another 10-15 minutes to let the ham rest before slicing and serving. Total time is roughly 2 to 2½ hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ham:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take the ham and, using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep. If you like, press whole cloves into the points where the lines cross. This adds a lovely aroma and extra flavor.
2. Arrange Ham and Pineapple:
Place the ham, flat side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Arrange pineapple slices on top of the ham and around the pan. Secure each pineapple slice to the ham with a maraschino cherry placed in the center, using toothpicks if necessary.
3. Make and Apply the Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes bubbly. Remove from heat and brush a generous amount over the ham and pineapples.
4. Bake and Baste:
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours. Every 20 to 30 minutes, carefully baste the ham with more glaze. This allows the glaze to soak in and form a shiny, flavorful coating.
5. Final Glaze and Caramelize:
For the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil so the glaze can thicken and caramelize. Optionally, you can broil the ham for 2-3 minutes at the very end, watching closely, to create a beautiful golden finish.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with pineapple slices and drizzle some of the pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
Can I Use a Pre-Sliced or Boneless Ham for This Recipe?
Yes! Just keep an eye on the baking time, as boneless or pre-sliced hams may need less time to heat through and glaze. Adjust accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.
How Do I Store Leftover Honey Glazed Ham?
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the glaze up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Rewarm it slightly before brushing onto the ham during baking.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Ham Without Drying It Out?
Reheat slices covered with foil in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) until warmed through, or warm gently in the microwave with a splash of pineapple juice or water to keep it moist.