Sweet and Savory Baked Ham with Pineapple Recipes

If you’re looking to delight your family and guests with a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and savory goodness, this Baked Ham with Pineapple recipe is exactly what you need. The juicy, tender ham infused with the tropical zing of pineapple rings creates a mouthwatering centerpiece that’s ideal for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners. Every bite offers a beautiful harmony of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect flavor combination: The sweet pineapple complements the salty, smoky taste of the ham for an irresistible mix.
• Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Visual appeal: The pineapple rings and cloves create a stunning presentation right out of the oven.
• Versatile for occasions: Whether for the holidays or a casual family meal, it fits every occasion.
• Leftovers that taste great: The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as enjoyable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Ham with Pineapple recipe is chosen to build flavor, moisture, and presentation. Simple staples combine to transform a plain ham into a festive, satisfying dish.

• Bone-in ham: A fully cooked, honey-glazed bone-in ham is the foundation for juicy, tender slices.
• Pineapple rings: Fresh or canned pineapple rings add natural sweetness and acidity to balance the ham.
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes during baking to give the glaze a rich, deep sweetness.
• Cloves: Traditional spice that adds warmth and a subtle hint of earthiness.
• Honey or maple syrup: Enhances the glaze with smooth, sticky sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: Introduces a mild tanginess that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
• Pineapple juice: Keeps the ham moist and infuses additional flavor during baking.

Variations for Baked Ham with Pineapple

This recipe is delightfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor the flavors to your liking or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with these fun variations to make the dish your own.

• Spicy twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use pure maple syrup and check all ingredients for gluten-free status to suit dietary restrictions.
• Tropical fusion: Incorporate chopped mango or papaya into the glaze for an extra fruity punch.
• Smoky flair: Brush with a little liquid smoke or smoked paprika to enhance the ham’s smoky notes.
• Herb infusion: Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs around the ham while baking for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Baked Ham with Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate. Stud the ham by pressing whole cloves into the intersections for added flavor and a classic look.

Step 2: Arrange Pineapple Rings

Lay pineapple rings neatly over the scored ham surface, securing each ring with a clove if you like. This ensures the fruit stays in place while roasting and infuses the meat with juicy sweetness.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth and sticky. This glaze is the secret behind the irresistibly sweet and tangy finish.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake

Place the ham on a roasting pan lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham and pineapple. Bake uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes with remaining glaze to build up a shiny, caramelized coating. Cover with foil if the glaze darkens too quickly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the ham is heated through and the glaze is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, so the juices redistribute and the meat remains moist. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Ham with Pineapple

• Choose the right ham: Opt for a pre-cooked, bone-in ham with some fat for optimal juiciness and flavor.
• Don’t skip scoring: Scoring the ham lets the glaze seep in, creating deep flavor pockets.
• Pineapple choice matters: Fresh pineapple offers brighter acidity, while canned lends consistent sweetness.
• Baste often: Frequent glazing during baking creates that sticky, shiny crust everyone loves.
• Use a roasting rack: Keep the ham elevated so heat circulates evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

How to Serve Baked Ham with Pineapple

Garnishes

Add fresh parsley or chopped green onions around the serving platter for pops of color and a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or glazed cherries can also enhance the festive presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair this Baked Ham with Pineapple with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or buttery green beans. A light coleslaw or fresh garden salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich ham.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the ham and arrange it in a fan shape on a large serving board with pineapple rings laid artistically on top. Surround with tropical fruits like mango slices or coconut flakes for a vibrant, island-inspired spread that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover ham tightly wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This preserves moisture and flavor while preventing any unwanted fridge odors from infusing the meat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the ham, slice it first and wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place sliced ham in a covered dish with a splash of pineapple juice or water to keep it moist. Warm in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until heated through, basting occasionally with leftover glaze if available for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use ham steaks instead of a whole ham?

Absolutely! Ham steaks can be baked using the same glaze and pineapple topping, but adjust cooking time since they are thinner—usually about 20-30 minutes depending on thickness.

Do I need to baste the ham during baking?

Basting every 20-30 minutes helps develop a rich, caramelized glaze layer and keeps the ham moist, but if you’re tight on time, a couple of glaze applications will still yield delicious results.

Is it better to use fresh or canned pineapple?

Both work well—fresh pineapple gives a brighter, tangier flavor, while canned pineapple adds consistent sweetness and is more convenient. Choose based on your preference and availability.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before glazing the ham for easier spreading.

What can I do with leftover ham and pineapple?

Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, salads, omelets, or chopped into fried rice or casseroles, transforming your Baked Ham with Pineapple into new delicious dishes.

Final Thoughts

You truly cannot go wrong with this Baked Ham with Pineapple recipe. It’s a winning combination of flavors that feels both comforting and festive, simple enough to make any day special. So gather your ingredients, take your time with the glaze, and prepare to wow your family with a dish that tastes as wonderful as it looks. Happy cooking!

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