Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a perfect blend of sweet and savory that brings festivity to any table. The juicy ham is coated in a sticky honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while slices of tangy pineapple add a refreshing burst of flavor. This dish looks as good as it tastes, with a glossy finish and hints of caramel and fruit that catch everyone’s eye.
I love making this ham because the glaze is so simple yet completely transforms the flavor. The honey melts into every nook and cranny, giving the ham a lovely crunch on the outside without drying it out. Adding pineapple on top is my favorite touch — not just for the taste but also because it makes the dish feel extra special and a little tropical. It’s a classic combination that always gets compliments!
When I serve this honey glazed ham, I usually pair it with some roasted veggies or a simple green salad to keep things fresh and balanced. It’s a great centerpiece for holiday meals or Sunday dinners with family. I’ve even had leftovers that taste amazing cold the next day, so that’s always a win in my book. If you want a dish that feels comforting and a bit fancy without too much fuss, this honey glazed ham with pineapple is one to try.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: Spiral-cut hams are great because they’re pre-sliced and easy to serve. You can swap for a bone-in ham if you like, but it may take longer to cook and slice.
Honey: This adds a natural, sweet shine to the glaze. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well too.
Brown Sugar: I use packed brown sugar for a deep caramel flavor. Light brown sugar is fine, or even white sugar if that’s what you have.
Dijon Mustard: Mustard gives a tangy balance. Yellow mustard can be used, but Dijon adds a smoother, milder taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Orange Juice: Both add acidity to brighten the glaze. Orange juice gives a fresh citrus note, which I prefer for a lighter finish.
Spices (Cinnamon & Cloves): These warm fall spices add subtle depth. If you don’t have cloves, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can be a good substitute.
Pineapple Rings: Use canned or fresh pineapple. Fresh is juicier but canned is more convenient and has a consistent sweetness.
How Do You Get the Perfect Honey Glaze That’s Sticky and Caramelized?
The glaze is what makes this ham stand out. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Warm the honey, brown sugar, and other glaze ingredients in a pan until sugar dissolves completely.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham right at the start and repeat every 20 minutes while baking. This layers the sweetness.
- Don’t wrap the ham fully; baking uncovered helps the glaze thicken and form a glossy, slightly crispy crust.
- In the last 10 minutes, use the broiler to caramelize the glaze and pineapple a bit. Keep a close eye since it can burn fast.
- Let the ham rest after cooking so juices settle and the glaze firms up a little.
These steps make your ham flavorful with a sticky, golden finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan – I use a large one to hold the ham and pineapple comfortably, making basting easier.
- Small saucepan – for cooking the glaze until smooth and bubbly.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the glaze evenly over the ham for a shiny finish.
- Kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon – for arranging pineapple slices and turning the ham if needed.
- Meat thermometer – to check when the ham reaches the right temperature, about 140°F (60°C).
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Spice up the glaze with a dash of ginger or a pinch of cayenne for some warmth and heat.
- Use pineapple juice instead of apple cider vinegar or orange juice for a more filled-out tropical flavor.
- Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the glaze for a richer, boozy note—great for special occasions.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts after baking for extra crunch and flavor contrast.
Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham and Glaze:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For Garnish:
- 1 can (about 8 slices) pineapple rings, drained
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation and about 1 to 1½ hours for baking. Don’t forget to allow 10-15 minutes for the ham to rest before slicing. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ham:
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place your spiral-cut ham in a large roasting pan with the cut side facing down.
2. Make the Honey Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar completely dissolves and the glaze is smooth and bubbling.
3. Apply the Glaze and Pineapple:
Use a pastry brush to generously coat the entire ham with the honey glaze. Arrange the pineapple rings around the ham in the roasting pan. If you like, attach pineapple rings to the ham with toothpicks and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring for a festive touch.
4. Bake and Baste:
Bake the ham uncovered for about 1 to 1½ hours. Every 20 minutes, brush more glaze over the ham to build up a delicious sticky coating. Check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) to ensure the ham is thoroughly warmed.
5. Caramelize the Glaze:
For the last 10 minutes, switch your oven to broil and move the ham closer to the heat source. This helps caramelize the glaze and pineapple for a beautiful, golden finish. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the ham slices along with the glazed pineapple. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want an extra pop of color.
This honey glazed ham with pineapple is sweet, slightly spiced, and full of beautiful caramelized flavor. A perfect centerpiece for holidays, family dinners, or any special meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Yes! While spiral-cut ham is easiest to serve, you can use a bone-in or boneless ham. Just adjust the baking time—larger hams may need a bit longer to warm through. Use a meat thermometer to check for 140°F (60°C) internally.
Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple slices add a bright, juicy flavor. Just peel, core, and slice them about ¼ inch thick. You might want to pat them dry slightly to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How Do I Store Leftover Ham?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist and tasty.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Warm it slightly before brushing on the ham to make it easier to spread and to bring back the smooth consistency.