Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices

Introduction

The Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices is a holiday classic that brings sweetness, savoriness, and festive cheer to your Christmas dinner table. The ham is slow-baked to perfection, basted with a luscious honey glaze infused with brown sugar, mustard, and warm spices, then topped with golden, caramelized pineapple slices. The result is a centerpiece that is not only stunning to look at but also irresistibly delicious.

This ham is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for Christmas gatherings. It’s simple to prepare but looks and tastes gourmet, filling your home with a sweet-spiced aroma that sets the tone for a joyful holiday feast.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food with a festive twist. The balance of salty ham with sweet honey and pineapple creates a harmony of flavors that feels like Christmas on a plate. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the ham a glossy finish that looks picture-perfect on the holiday table. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, versatile enough to serve warm at dinner or cold in sandwiches the next day. For me, this dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about tradition, nostalgia, and bringing family together around one memorable centerpiece.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• It’s a show-stopping centerpiece that immediately impresses guests.
• The sweet-savory flavor combination is universally loved.
• Easy to prepare yet elegant enough for Christmas dinner.
• Makes plenty of leftovers that are just as delicious.
• Pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and stuffing.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on ham size)
• Resting Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours
• Servings: 12–14
• Calories: ~450 calories per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / European Holiday Cuisine
• Course: Main Course, Christmas Dinner

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
• Whole cloves, for studding

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for milder flavor)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Topping:

• Pineapple slices (canned or fresh, about 8–10)
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
• Toothpicks

Simple Directions

1. Score the ham and stud with cloves.
2. Prepare glaze with honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
3. Bake ham, basting every 20–30 minutes with glaze.
4. Add pineapple slices during last 30 minutes of baking.
5. Rest, carve, and serve with remaining glaze.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place ham on a large roasting pan.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.
4. Stud the ham with whole cloves where the cuts intersect.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

1. Brush the ham generously with glaze.
2. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound.
3. Every 20–30 minutes, uncover and baste ham with more glaze.

Step 4: Add Pineapple Slices

1. About 30 minutes before the ham is finished, arrange pineapple slices over the ham and secure with toothpicks.
2. If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice.
3. Return to oven uncovered and continue baking until ham is glossy and caramelized.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before carving.
2. Slice thinly and serve with pan juices or reserved glaze.

How to Serve

Serve slices of ham with pineapple rings on the side for presentation. It pairs wonderfully with holiday staples such as mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, or even a fresh green salad for balance. Leftovers are excellent in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For extra caramelization, broil the ham for 3–5 minutes at the end.
• Use a roasting rack so heat circulates evenly around the ham.
• Tent ham with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
• Save the ham bone for soups and stews—it adds incredible flavor.

Variations

• Maple Glaze: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
• Spiced Ham: Add cayenne or chili powder for a sweet-heat glaze.
• Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut on top of pineapples for a unique garnish.
• Whiskey Glaze: Add a splash of bourbon or rum for depth.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap ham slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Sharp carving knife
• Toothpicks (for pineapple slices)

Conclusion

The Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices is a true holiday classic that combines tradition, flavor, and elegance in one dish. With its glossy honey glaze, caramelized pineapples, and tender juicy ham, it’s a centerpiece guaranteed to wow your guests. It’s simple enough to prepare yet festive enough to be unforgettable, making it a recipe you’ll want to bring back year after year. Perfectly sweet, savory, and heartwarming—this ham is Christmas on a platter.

Print Recipe

Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices

Author: admin Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 150 mins Total Time 2 hrs 50 mins

Servings: 14 Calories: 450 calories

Description

The Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices is a holiday classic that brings sweetness, savoriness, and festive cheer to your Christmas dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
• Whole cloves, for studding

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for milder flavor)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground cloves
• ¹⁄₂ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Topping:

• Pineapple slices (canned or fresh, about 8–10)
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Ham : Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).Place ham on a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Stud the ham with whole cloves where the cuts intersect.
2. Step 2: Make the Glaze : In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: Bake the Ham : Brush the ham generously with glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound. Every 20–30 minutes, uncover and baste ham with more glaze.
4. Step 4: Add Pineapple Slices : About 30 minutes before the ham is finished, arrange pineapple slices over the ham and secure with toothpicks. If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice. Return to oven uncovered and continue baking until ham is glossy and caramelized.
5. Step 5: Rest and Serve : Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before carving. Slice thinly and serve with pan juices or reserved glaze.

Keywords: Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices