Easy Baked Ham with Pineapple for Holidays

If you’re searching for a festive, crowd-pleasing main dish that’s both juicy and packed with flavor, this Baked Ham with Pineapple recipe is made for you. Perfect for holiday feasts, this recipe combines tender, slow-baked ham with the natural sweetness of pineapple, resulting in a mouthwatering harmony your guests will rave about. Beyond the irresistible taste, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free showstopper at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: This baked ham with pineapple requires minimal hands-on time but delivers impressive festive flair.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The juicy pineapple perfectly complements the salty richness of the ham for harmonious flavor.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s an ideal recipe to bring everyone together around the table.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily tailor the glaze and sides to fit your holiday style and dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance or enjoy delicious leftovers, saving you time during busy celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple yet flavorful Baked Ham with Pineapple uses ingredients that are easy to find and each one plays a key role in building that perfect sweet-savory profile. From the quality of your ham to the glaze components, every item brings something special to the dish.

• Pre-cooked Ham: Choose a fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham for juicy, tender results.
• Pineapple Rings or Chunks: Adds natural sweetness and a bright, tangy contrast.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized glaze that pairs beautifully with the ham.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Cloves: Provides warm, festive spice notes that elevate the flavor.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Enhances glaze stickiness and depth of sweetness.
• Fresh Pineapple Juice or Orange Juice: Enhances moisture and adds a zesty brightness.
• Maraschino Cherries (optional): Classic garnish that adds a pop of color and an extra hint of sweetness.

Variations for Baked Ham with Pineapple

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to swap ingredients or add your personal twist, it’s easy and fun to experiment!

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the glaze for a subtle heat boost.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free mustard and brown sugar to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Tropical Flair: Incorporate mango or papaya chunks along with pineapple for a sweet, exotic twist.
• Smoky Aroma: Use smoked paprika or brush the ham with liquid smoke before baking for enhanced depth.
• Alcohol Infusion: Splash in a bit of dark rum or whiskey in the glaze for added warmth and complex flavor.

How to Make Baked Ham with Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the pre-cooked ham in a roasting pan with the fat side up, so it bastes itself as it cooks. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Glaze

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, pineapple or orange juice, and ground cloves until smooth. This glaze will infuse the ham with sweetness and warmth while keeping it moist.

Step 3: Glaze and Add Pineapple

Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored cuts. Arrange pineapple rings evenly on the surface, securing each with a clove in the center if desired, and drizzle any remaining glaze on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound, occasionally basting with the pan juices. Remove the foil in the last 20 minutes to let the glaze caramelize beautifully, enhancing flavor and appearance.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let your ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step ensures all those juicy flavors stay locked in so every bite is tender and delicious.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Ham with Pineapple

• Choose Quality Ham: A high-quality pre-cooked ham is key for tender, flavorful results.
• Score Deeply: Make crisp diamond cuts on the ham’s surface to help the glaze soak in.
• Don’t Skip the Glaze Basting: Frequent basting keeps the ham moist and the glaze sticky and shiny.
• Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: Fresh juice enhances natural sweetness better than canned options.
• Allow Proper Resting Time: Resting the ham before slicing locks in moisture for ultimate tenderness.

How to Serve Baked Ham with Pineapple

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprigs add a pop of green and freshness. If you’re feeling festive, scatter maraschino cherries between pineapple rings for a classic holiday look that’s both charming and flavorful.

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Ham with Pineapple with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sweet potato casserole. The sweetness of the pineapple beautifully complements savory and green vegetable sides, creating a well-balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the ham on a decorative platter surrounded by extra pineapple chunks and fresh citrus slices for a vibrant presentation. Consider carving the ham into thick slices and layering it on a wooden board with tropical fruit salsa or chutney for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Baked Ham with Pineapple tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, it stays delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze sliced leftover ham wrapped in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To keep the glaze from drying out, try freezing with some of the pan juices or a small amount of broth.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through, basting occasionally with any reserved glaze or juices to maintain moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a fresh ham instead of pre-cooked for this recipe?

While fresh ham requires longer cooking times and special preparation, this baked ham with pineapple recipe is designed for pre-cooked ham to simplify the process, ensuring ease and great taste.

How long should I bake the ham per pound?

Plan on baking the ham about 15 to 18 minutes per pound at 325°F, covering with foil until the last 20 minutes for glaze caramelization.

What can I substitute for pineapple if I don’t like it?

If pineapple isn’t your favorite, try substituting peach slices or apricots, which also offer natural sweetness and a lovely texture when baked.

Is it necessary to score the ham?

Scoring is highly recommended as it allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, boosting flavor and creating an attractive presentation.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free brown sugar and mustard options, and always double-check labels for hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This easy Baked Ham with Pineapple recipe is a joyful addition to any holiday table, combining classic flavors with simplicity that anyone can master. Its irresistible balance of sweet and savory notes will surely become a cherished tradition in your family celebrations. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch how this delicious centerpiece brings everyone closer together.

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