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Perfect Honey Baked Ham Recipe with Easy Pineapple Glaze for Holidays

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A perfectly baked ham glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple and honey mixture, ideal for holiday gatherings and special occasions. This recipe delivers a sticky, caramelized finish with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds), spiral-cut recommended
  • Whole cloves (optional)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (canned recommended)
  • 1/2 cup honey (raw or wildflower honey preferred)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a roasting pan with a rack.
  2. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry. If not spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Optionally stud whole cloves into the diamond intersections. Place ham on the rack, flat side down.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until sugar dissolves and flavors meld.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and crushed pineapple. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until glaze thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Using a basting brush, coat the ham generously with the pineapple glaze. Reserve some glaze for later.
  6. Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with reserved glaze. Tent with foil if glaze darkens too much.
  7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) using a meat thermometer.
  8. Remove ham from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Carve thinly against the grain and serve with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

Use a roasting rack to keep ham elevated and prevent sogginess. Simmer glaze slowly to avoid grainy texture. Save some glaze for basting to build layers of flavor. Rest ham after baking to keep juices locked in. For extra sticky glaze, broil ham for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. Glaze can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated before use.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey baked ham, pineapple glaze, holiday ham, baked ham recipe, easy glaze, holiday main dish, spiral ham, Christmas dinner, Easter brunch

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/perfect-honey-baked-ham-recipe-with-easy-pineapple-glaze-for-holidays/