If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with bright, tangy sweetness and just the right amount of spice, look no further than this Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe. It transforms an already delicious baked ham into something truly unforgettable, wrapping every tender slice in a luscious, caramelized glaze that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in color. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this glaze will bring warmth, joy, and a little tropical sunshine right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential for balancing sweetness, tang, and savory depth. Each item plays a special role in creating that perfect glaze texture and richness, while also enhancing the ham’s natural flavors.
- Boneless fully cooked ham (about 3 pounds): The star of the dish, ready to soak up all the flavorful glaze.
- ¼ cup water: Keeps the ham moist during baking and creates steam for tenderness.
- 8 ounce can of crushed pineapple (drained): Adds vibrant fruitiness and a hint of acidity to brighten the glaze.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Delivers the warmth and caramel notes essential for that beautiful glaze.
- ¼ cup honey: Enhances sweetness and contributes to the glaze’s sticky, shiny finish.
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard: Introduces a mild kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 pinch salt: Elevates flavor by tying together all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the glaze, so it adheres smoothly to the ham.
How to Make Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple prep ensures your ham cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout the baking process.
Step 2: Arrange the Ham
Place your ham flat side down on the prepared pan. Pour the ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the pan to keep things moist and help the ham stay perfectly tender under the foil.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover both the ham and pan tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 1 ½ hours—this slow baking lets the ham heat through gently, locking in flavor and moisture without drying out.
Step 4: Whip Up the Pineapple Glaze
While your ham bakes, combine crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, spicy brown mustard, salt, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. This blend is where the magic happens, creating a glaze that’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Step 5: Simmer the Glaze
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the mixture bubbles. Once bubbling, keep simmering for one more minute while stirring. This thickens the glaze and intensifies its flavors so it beautifully coats the ham.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil from the ham and pour the pineapple glaze all over it. Re-cover the ham with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 30 minutes, so the glaze caramelizes and forms that gorgeous, sticky crust. If you’re feeling hands-on, baste the ham occasionally with the glaze for extra flavor.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
When the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, it’s done! Remove it from the oven, slice it up, and transfer the glaze from the pan into a gravy boat or small serving bowl for guests to drizzle over their plates. This final step elevates the presentation and lets everyone enjoy that heavenly glaze with every bite.
How to Serve Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or rosemary over the sliced ham to add a pop of green and an herbal aroma that complements the pineapple glaze perfectly. Pineapple rings or maraschino cherries tucked around the platter create a classic, festive touch everyone will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This pineapple-glazed ham pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a zesty coleslaw. The sweetness of the glaze contrasts wonderfully with savory and fresh sides, making your whole meal sing with balanced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ham slices on a bed of steamed coconut rice to highlight the tropical vibe. You can also make sliders using Hawaiian rolls, piling on the ham and a little extra glaze for an irresistible party snack that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover glazed ham tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy those flavors again without loss of moisture or taste.
Freezing
If you want to save ham for longer, slice it and freeze in portioned airtight bags or containers. This Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe holds up well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat ham slices gently in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil to keep them moist. You can spoon extra warmed glaze on top to revive the luscious pineapple flavor and restore that irresistible glossy finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works wonderfully, but be sure to drain it well or strain the juice to avoid excess liquid diluting the glaze’s thickness.
Is this glaze suitable for spiral-cut ham?
Yes! This Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe is delicious on any pre-cooked ham, including spiral-cut. Just apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking as directed.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just give it a good stir and warm it slightly before pouring over the ham for best results.
What else can I add to the glaze for extra flavor?
For a bit of extra sparkle, try adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of ground cloves to the glaze mixture—it adds warmth and deepens the flavor beautifully.
Is the ham fully cooked before baking with the glaze?
Yes, the recipe calls for a fully cooked ham, so the purpose of baking is to warm it through and develop the glaze’s rich, sticky coating without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about preparing and sharing this Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe that makes any occasion feel truly special. The bright flavors, perfect balance of sweet and spice, and that beautiful caramelized finish will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple at your table, too!
Print
Pineapple Glaze for Baked Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Glaze for Ham recipe offers a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements a tender, fully cooked ham. The glaze combines crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, and spicy mustard for a rich, flavorful finish. Slow-baked in the oven, this dish is ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions, yielding juicy, flavorful slices of ham with a sticky, caramelized pineapple coating.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 boneless fully cooked ham (about 3 pounds)
- ¼ cup water
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Position Ham and Add Water: Place the ham flat side down in the prepared pan. Pour ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist during baking. Cover the ham and pan tightly with foil to trap the steam.
- Bake Ham Initially: Bake the covered ham in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours to heat through thoroughly and allow flavors to start melding.
- Prepare the Pineapple Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the drained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, spicy brown mustard, salt, and cornstarch. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and cook the mixture until it becomes bubbly, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once bubbling, reduce the heat slightly and continue to simmer while stirring for 1 minute to thicken the glaze.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: Carefully remove the foil from the ham and pour the pineapple glaze evenly over the surface. Re-cover the ham with foil and return it to the oven, baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Baste the ham with the glaze from the pan occasionally during this time for extra flavor.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Slice the ham into desired portions. Pour the glaze and juices from the roasting pan into a gravy boat and serve alongside the ham for drizzling.
Notes
- Ensure the ham is fully cooked when purchasing as this recipe is designed to heat and glaze, not cook raw ham.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving.
- Draining the crushed pineapple avoids excess moisture diluting the glaze.
- Basting the ham during the final baking step intensifies the pineapple flavor and creates a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Leftover glazed ham can be stored in the refrigerator and served cold or reheated.
