This Pineapple-Glazed Christmas Ham recipe combines sweet pineapple, rich ham, and a delicious glaze for a festive centerpiece. Perfect for your holiday meal!

A pineapple-glazed Christmas ham is a festive delight, blending the savory richness of ham with the tangy sweetness of pineapple. This tropical twist on a holiday classic will undoubtedly be the star of your Christmas table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying this recipe for the first time, the detailed steps below will guide you through the process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful ham that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. With step-by-step instructions, ingredient details, and expert tips, this recipe is designed to make your holiday cooking stress-free and rewarding.

Ingredients

The foundation of any great recipe is the quality and selection of its ingredients. Let’s break down the components needed for this pineapple-glazed ham to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

1. The Ham: Begin with a fully cooked, bone-in ham weighing between 8 to 10 pounds. The bone enhances the flavor, while the fat layer helps the meat remain moist during cooking. Spiral-cut hams are also a great choice, as they allow the glaze to seep into the pre-sliced layers for maximum flavor.
2. Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple rings are essential for this recipe. Canned rings packed in juice (not syrup) are ideal for consistent sweetness. If using fresh pineapple, ensure it’s ripe for natural sweetness.
3. Cherries: Maraschino cherries add a festive touch to the pineapple rings. Their bright red color enhances the visual appeal of the dish, making it an eye-catching centerpiece.
4. Whole Cloves: These aromatic spices can be optionally inserted into the ham’s scored surface, lending a warm, spicy undertone to the dish. They’re perfect for enhancing the Christmas vibe.
5. Glaze Ingredients: The glaze is the soul of this recipe. You’ll need brown sugar for depth, pineapple juice for tanginess, honey for natural sweetness, Dijon mustard for balance, apple cider vinegar for brightness, and spices like ground ginger and cloves to tie it all together.

Having all ingredients prepped and measured in advance can streamline your cooking process, making the entire experience more enjoyable and less hectic.

Preparing the Ham

Proper preparation of the ham is the key to ensuring even cooking and a flavorful final product. Taking the time to follow these steps will make all the difference in your dish.

1. Thawing: If your ham is frozen, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator. This can take up to 24 to 48 hours depending on its size. Never thaw the ham at room temperature, as this can lead to uneven thawing and potential food safety issues.
2. Scoring: Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts about 1 inch apart, taking care not to cut too deeply into the meat. This step not only allows the glaze to penetrate but also creates a stunning appearance once cooked.
3. Clove Insertion: If using whole cloves, insert them at the intersections of the diamond cuts. This enhances both the aroma and the visual presentation of the ham. Be mindful to space them evenly for a polished look.
4. Arranging Pineapple and Cherries: Secure pineapple rings to the surface of the ham with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring, securing it with another toothpick. This step ensures the garnishes stay in place during cooking.
5. Roasting Pan Setup: Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Place a roasting rack inside the pan to elevate the ham. This allows hot air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
6. Positioning the Ham: Place the ham cut-side down on the roasting rack. This helps retain its juices and prevents the exposed area from drying out during the baking process.
7. Covering: Tent the ham loosely with foil to protect the surface from over-browning during the initial cooking phase. This step is crucial for maintaining a moist and tender texture.

Proper preparation sets the stage for a perfectly cooked ham, ensuring each bite is infused with flavor and juiciness.

Crafting the Pineapple Glaze

The glaze transforms this ham from ordinary to extraordinary. By combining sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, the glaze creates a caramelized coating that’s irresistible.

1. Mixing Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of pineapple juice, ¼ cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves. Stir until well mixed.
2. Heating the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly to prevent burning and ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Simmering: Allow the glaze to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. As it cooks, the liquid will reduce and thicken, creating a glossy texture that will cling to the ham beautifully.
4. Adjusting Flavor: Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning as needed. For more tanginess, add an extra teaspoon of mustard or a splash of vinegar. For added sweetness, a touch more honey will do the trick.
5. Cooling: Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly before application. A warm glaze is easier to brush onto the ham and adheres better than a hot or cold glaze.
6. Preparing for Basting: Divide the glaze into two portions—one for basting during cooking and another for serving alongside the ham. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures you have a fresh batch for the table.
7. Optional Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of soy sauce or a splash of bourbon to the glaze. These additions complement the sweetness and add depth.

A well-made glaze can elevate the dish to new heights, enhancing both its taste and visual appeal.

Roasting and Glazing

Roasting is the heart of this recipe, where all the preparation and flavors come together. Following these steps ensures a perfectly cooked ham.

1. Initial Roasting: Place the prepared ham in the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Roast the ham for 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this will take approximately 2 hours.
2. First Glaze Application: During the last hour of cooking, remove the foil and brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham. This allows the glaze to caramelize and infuse into the scored surface.
3. Frequent Basting: Continue basting the ham every 15 minutes. Each layer of glaze builds flavor and creates a glossy, caramelized crust. Be sure to baste the pineapple rings and cherries as well for a cohesive flavor profile.
4. Monitoring Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the ham’s internal temperature. The goal is to reach 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part of the meat. This ensures the ham is heated through without overcooking.
5. Final Glaze: In the last 10 minutes of roasting, apply a final thick layer of glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to achieve a deeper caramelization. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Resting: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
7. Optional Garnishing: Before serving, drizzle any remaining glaze over the ham and garnish with fresh pineapple slices or herbs for an extra festive touch.

By paying attention to every detail during roasting, you’ll achieve a ham that’s tender, flavorful, and show-stopping.

This pineapple-glazed ham is an ideal blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will make your Christmas feast unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a small family dinner, this recipe ensures everyone will leave the table satisfied.

1. Can I use a pre-sliced ham for this recipe?
   Yes, a spiral-cut ham works perfectly for this recipe. The pre-sliced layers allow the glaze to seep deeper into the meat, enhancing the flavor.
2. What can I use as a substitute for pineapple rings?
   You can use pineapple chunks or fresh pineapple slices if you don’t have pineapple rings. Just ensure they’re evenly distributed on the ham for optimal flavor.
3. Do I have to use maraschino cherries?
   Maraschino cherries are optional but highly recommended for their festive look. You can skip them or use another garnish like cranberries or citrus slices.
4. What’s the purpose of scoring the ham?
   Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively and creates a beautiful pattern on the surface when it caramelizes.
5. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before using.
6. Is it necessary to use cloves in this recipe?
   No, cloves are optional. They add a warm, spicy note, but the ham will still be delicious without them if you prefer a milder flavor.
7. How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
   Covering the ham with foil during the initial roasting phase and basting it frequently with the glaze will help retain its moisture.
8. What should the internal temperature of the ham be?
   When measured at the thickest part, the ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For accuracy, use a meat thermometer.
9. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
   Yes, fresh pineapple works well. For the best results, make sure it’s ripe and sweet. Fresh pineapple juice can also be used for the glaze.
10. How do I keep the pineapple and cherries attached to the ham?
    Use toothpicks to secure the pineapple rings and cherries to the ham. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
11. Can I cook the ham in a slow cooker?
    Yes, a slow cooker can be used for this recipe. Cook the ham on low for 4–6 hours, basting with the glaze occasionally.
12. What should I do with the leftover glaze?
    Serve leftover glaze as a sauce on the side or drizzle it over the ham slices for added flavor. You can also use it as a dip for bread.
13. Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
    Yes, boneless ham can be used. However, bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and are more traditional for holiday meals.
14. How do I store leftovers?
    Wrap the leftover ham tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
15. What sides pair well with pineapple-glazed ham?
    Popular sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cornbread, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. The sweet and savory ham complements a variety of dishes.