Make Every Meal Special with This Delicious Pineapple-Glazed Ham Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Ham has long been a star of holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners alike, but with the right glaze and a little preparation, it can become a standout dish any time of year. Whether you’re planning a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe for a delicious pineapple-glazed ham promises to be a hit. The sweet, tangy flavor of pineapple combines with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of pumpkin pie spice to create a beautifully balanced dish that will impress everyone at the table.

The key to this recipe’s success is its easy yet flavorful glaze. As it bakes, the ham absorbs the sweet and savory elements, creating a juicy, tender centerpiece that pairs perfectly with just about any side dish you can imagine. Plus, the glaze itself caramelizes into a deliciously sticky, golden layer that makes every slice of ham an irresistible treat.

Recipe: Delicious Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 5.5 lbs. boneless smoked ham
• 1 15oz. can sliced pineapple (packed in juice)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Water

Instructions:

1. Gather all the ingredients for the glaze and preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple juice (reserved from the canned pineapple), brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk the mixture until smooth and place it over medium heat.
3. Cook the glaze, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half, thickening into a syrupy consistency. This process should take about 10-15 minutes.
4. Place the boneless smoked ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Brush half of the glaze generously over the entire ham, making sure to cover all exposed surfaces. Arrange the pineapple slices across the top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed.
5. Pour about ½ inch of water into the bottom of the roasting pan to help keep the ham moist while baking. Cover the ham loosely with a tinfoil tent to allow steam to circulate without drying out the meat.
6. Bake the ham for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For a 5.5 lb ham, this should take around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
7. During baking, baste the ham periodically with the juices from the pan, using a baster or large spoon to coat the meat with flavor and moisture.
8. Once the ham reaches 145°F, remove the foil tent, baste one final time, and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly on the surface of the ham.
9. After baking, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The result is a flavorful, tender ham with a sweet and savory glaze that will leave your guests craving more.

The combination of pineapple, brown sugar, and spices brings out the natural flavor of the ham while adding layers of sweetness and warmth. Whether you serve this dish with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans or mix it up with more creative accompaniments, this pineapple-glazed ham is sure to be a favorite at your table.

Here are a few reliable sources you can use for your Pineapple-Glazed Ham recipe:

1. RecipeGuides.org provides a detailed Pineapple Honey-Glazed Ham recipe. This version includes Dijon mustard and honey, adding a sweet and savory balance to the pineapple glaze. The recipe also gives tips on how to baste and finish the ham for optimal flavor​Recipe Guides.
2. MichiganPlum.org offers a Sweet Pineapple Glaze for ham that complements the smoky flavor of the meat. This simple glaze incorporates pineapple juice and brown sugar, creating a perfect caramelized crust when baked​Michigan Plum​Michigan Plum.
3. GrandmothersKitchen.org shares an Old Fashioned Baked Glazed Ham recipe. It provides a classic approach with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, which not only add flavor but also give the ham a traditional decorative touch​Yummigram by Grandmother's Recipes.

These sources give a variety of takes on the classic pineapple-glazed ham, with a mix of both sweet and savory ingredients, ensuring you get the perfect holiday dish.