How to Make Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Jun 30, 2025Service Lifter

Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Sweet and Savory Perfection: The rich, smoky flavor of ham pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey and the bright tang of pineapple, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes as it bakes.
Impressive Yet Easy: This dish looks like it took all day, but it’s surprisingly simple. With just a few basic ingredients and some hands-off oven time, you can create a centerpiece worthy of any celebration.
Holiday-Ready and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a big family gathering, this ham is always a hit and serves a generous crowd.
Incredible Leftovers: Leftover honey glazed ham makes amazing sandwiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles. One meal turns into many with very little effort.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Versatile: No complicated substitutions required! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable, swap honey for maple syrup or add a spicy kick with a pinch of cayenne.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ham:

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds, spiral cut or whole)
1 can of pineapple rings (with juice reserved)
Whole cloves (optional, for extra flavor and decoration)
Toothpicks (to secure pineapple slices)

For the Honey Glaze:

½ cup honey
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or substitute with orange juice)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Pinch of ground cloves or allspice (optional)

Preparing the Ham

1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, place a rack in the lower third of the oven so the ham has plenty of space.

2. Score the Ham (if not spiral-cut)
If your ham isn’t spiral-sliced, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a crisscross diamond pattern. This helps the glaze soak in and gives it a beautiful presentation.

3. Add the Pineapple Rings
Drain your pineapple slices, reserving the juice for your glaze. Arrange the rings across the surface of the ham and secure each one with a toothpick. For extra flair, you can press a whole clove into the center of each pineapple ring.

4. Prepare the Roasting Pan
Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. Add a little water or pineapple juice (about ½ cup) to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist while baking. Line the pan with foil if you want easier cleanup later.

5. Cover and Bake
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during the first stage of baking. You’ll remove it later for glazing and caramelization.

Making the Honey Glaze

This glaze is the secret to that shiny, sticky, caramelized crust that makes honey glazed ham so irresistible. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for the Glaze:

½ cup honey
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ cup pineapple juice (from the canned rings or substitute with orange juice)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of ground cloves or allspice (optional for extra warmth)

How to Make It:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, mustard, pineapple juice, and vinegar. If using spices, add them now.
Simmer and Stir: Stir continuously as the mixture heats up. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. The sugar should be dissolved and the glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
Cool Slightly: Remove from heat and let it cool just a bit—this will make it easier to brush onto the ham.

Tip: If you like a thicker glaze, you can simmer it longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water to help it thicken further.

Glazing and Baking the Ham

Now that your ham is prepped and your glaze is ready, it’s time to bring everything together in the oven for a sweet, caramelized finish.

1.Bake the Ham Covered (Initial Bake)

Place the ham (cut-side down) in your prepared roasting pan.
Cover it loosely with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes per pound.
For an 8-pound ham, this will be about 2 hours.
This covered baking period warms the ham and keeps it juicy.

2. Begin Glazing

About 30–45 minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and peel back the foil.
Brush a generous layer of your honey glaze all over the surface of the ham and
pineapple rings.

3. Bake Uncovered

Return the ham to the oven uncovered to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Baste with additional glaze every 10–15 minutes until the ham is golden, glossy, and slightly sticky.
Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially if your glaze has a lot of sugar.

4. Check for Doneness

Your ham is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for a pre-cooked ham.
If using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the ham without touching bone.

5. Rest Before Slicing

Once baked, let the ham rest for at least 15–20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps your slices tender.

Serving Suggestions

Honey glazed ham with pineapple is a showstopper on its own—but pairing it with the right sides takes your meal to the next level. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or a cozy Sunday dinner, here are some delicious ideas to serve alongside your ham:

Perfect Side Dishes

Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting. A classic pairing with ham.
Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus: Adds color and freshness to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Sweet Potato Casserole: Lean into the sweet and savory theme with this crowd-pleasing favorite.
Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up that sticky glaze.
Macaroni and Cheese: Rich and creamy, it’s a kid-approved side that never disappoints.
Cranberry Sauce or Apple Chutney: Adds a tart contrast to the sweet pineapple glaze.

Final Thoughts About Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Honey glazed ham with pineapple is more than just a meal, it’s a tradition that brings people together with every sweet and savory bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The tender ham, sticky glaze, and caramelized pineapple create a beautiful balance of flavors that feels both nostalgic and celebratory.

And if you want to take your glaze to the next level, consider using high-quality, raw honey from Ames Farm. Ames Farm single-source honey adds rich depth and floral notes that make this dish truly unforgettable.

Ready to make memories around the table? Fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of honey and ham fill your home.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Yes! A boneless ham works just as well and is easier to slice. Just keep in mind that bone-in hams often have more flavor and a juicier texture. Adjust your cooking time slightly if your boneless ham is smaller.

What can I use instead of pineapple?

If you’re not a fan of pineapple, try substituting with apple slices or even orange slices. You can also skip the fruit entirely and still enjoy the honey glaze on its own.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Cover the ham with foil during the first part of baking and add a bit of juice or water to the bottom of the roasting pan to keep it moist. Basting with glaze during the final stage also helps lock in moisture.

What kind of honey is best for this recipe?

For the richest flavor, use a high-quality raw or local honey. Lighter honeys, like clover or wildflower, add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the dish, while darker honeys offer a more robust, caramel-like depth. We love using Ames Farm’s single-source honey, each jar has its own unique flavor profile that can elevate the glaze beautifully.