Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe. I’ve made this ham for countless family gatherings, and it always brings a little magic to the table—caramelized, juicy, with just the right balance of sweet and spice. Stick around and I’ll share exactly how you can get it just right, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe comes from combining sweet pineapple, warm spices, and tangy mustard with a hearty spiral-cut ham. Each ingredient serves a purpose to elevate the classic ham without overwhelming it. Here’s a quick look at why these key ingredients are important:

• Bone-in fully cooked spiral cut ham: Using spiral cut saves you from slicing—the ham already comes pre-sliced, which makes serving a breeze and ensures even cooking.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich caramel sweetness that helps create a shiny, sticky glaze on the ham’s surface.
• Crushed pineapple with juice: The pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, plus a fruity brightness that cuts through the saltiness of the ham.
• Lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the glaze, balancing the sugar and pineapple.
• Dijon mustard: Brings just enough tang and depth to make the glaze complex and interesting.
• Ground cinnamon and cloves: These warm spices add subtle holiday vibes without being overpowering.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often experiment with the glaze ingredients depending on what I have on hand or what flavors my guests like best. Feel free to make it your own!

• Extra spice kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey to give the glaze a gentle heat, which is a total crowd-pleaser.
• Fruit twist: If you want a change from pineapple, mango or apricot preserves stirred into the glaze works beautifully too.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to share with guests who have dietary restrictions.
• Leftover creativity: I also use leftover ham in sandwiches or salads the next day, and trust me, that glaze adds a whole new flavor dimension.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Start Baking the Ham

First up, preheat your oven to 325°F. I like to line my baking dish with heavy-duty nonstick foil because it makes cleanup super easy, and you can catch all those delicious drippings. If you only have regular foil, double it up to prevent any leaks. Then, remove the ham from its packaging and discard that glaze packet if it came with one—you’re making your own, way better glaze here! Place the ham flat side down in the pan and pop it in the oven for one hour. This begins warming the ham through gently without drying it out.

Step 2: Mix Up Your Flavorful Pineapple Glaze

While the ham’s cooking, whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl: brown sugar, crushed pineapple (with juice included—don’t drain that!), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. This glaze is where all the magic happens. I usually give it a little stir halfway through cooking to keep that sugar dissolved and ensure you get plenty of pineapple goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Glaze, Bake, and Repeat

After the first hour, carefully pull the ham out and use a spoon or pastry brush to drizzle half the glaze all over the ham’s surface—and be sure to work some between the layers of the spiral cut for maximum flavor penetration. Put it back in the oven for 30 minutes, then repeat the glazing process with the rest of the glaze. The second glaze bakes in, creating that gorgeous sticky crust everyone loves. Bake it a final 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches about 140–145°F. This ensures it’s fully warmed through and juicy.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

When your timer goes off, pull the ham out and transfer it to a rimmed serving platter. I always lay the ham flat side out—it makes grabbing slices so much easier when serving. I like to tuck some fresh kale leaves or crisp greens around the edges for a pop of color and a little “wow” factor, but that’s totally optional. Finally, save those flavorful pan juices! They make a great base for ham gravy or just a tasty pour-over. Serve your ham warm or at room temperature and watch your guests ask for seconds.

How to Serve Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this ham with some fresh, crisp kale leaves for that nice burst of green—it’s simple but instantly elevates the look of the platter. Sometimes I sprinkle a few fresh pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries around the plate to play up the glaze flavors and add a festive touch.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright cranberry sauce. I also love a buttery dinner roll or sweet potato casserole alongside it—comfort food at its best.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes arrange the ham slices fan-style on a large wooden cutting board embellished with fresh herbs, pineapple rings, and edible flowers. It makes the entire spread feel so festive and inviting—like the star of the buffet is practically shining!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. From my experience, it stays juicy and tasty for about 3-5 days—perfect for quick sandwiches or reheating for a second round of deliciousness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the ham before storing it in freezer-safe bags or containers. I’ve found it best to freeze no more than 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually cover the ham with foil to keep it moist and warm it gently in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the portion size. For quick reheating, smaller slices work great in the microwave—just watch closely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe is hands down my go-to for holidays, family dinners, or anytime I want to impress without sweating it in the kitchen. It hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, warm spices, and that melt-in-your-mouth ham texture. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a regular in your recipe rotation like I have. Trust me, once you try this glaze, you’ll never reach for that boring old store-bought glaze again!

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