A Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices is one of those dishes that instantly evokes the warmth, aroma, and joy of the holiday season. The shimmering caramelized glaze, sweet and tangy pineapple rings, and juicy, tender ham make it a show-stopping centerpiece worthy of your Christmas table.
This recipe features a perfectly baked, pre-cooked ham coated in a luscious glaze made of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cloves. As it bakes, the glaze caramelizes beautifully, forming a sticky, flavorful coating that enhances every bite. The pineapple slices add tropical sweetness and festive flair, while the cherries in the center of each slice make the dish visually stunning.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it captures everything magical about the holidays — comfort, indulgence, and family togetherness. The combination of honey and brown sugar creates a glossy, golden crust, while the natural saltiness of the ham balances the sweetness perfectly. The pineapple rings not only infuse flavor but also give the dish a nostalgic, old-fashioned charm reminiscent of classic Christmas dinners.
It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, since most hams come pre-cooked — you simply glaze, bake, and baste! The aroma that fills your kitchen while the ham bakes is absolutely irresistible — a sweet, smoky scent that signals Christmas joy.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.
- The glaze is simple yet luxurious, with deep caramelized sweetness.
- The pineapple and honey combination adds a tropical twist to a traditional dish.
- It’s foolproof — even first-time cooks can make it successfully.
- It’s versatile — serve it hot for dinner or cold for sandwiches later.
Once you’ve tried this honey-glazed ham, it’ll become your go-to holiday showpiece every year!
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 servings
- Calories: ~410 kcal per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- Whole cloves, for studding
- 8–10 pineapple slices (from a can or fresh)
- 8–10 maraschino cherries
- Toothpicks or skewers for securing fruit
For the Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapples)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for richness)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a large roasting rack in a baking pan.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern (about ¼ inch deep).
- Insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond — this gives the ham a festive, spiced aroma.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until glossy.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
- Brush the ham generously with half of the prepared glaze.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Bake for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze.
Step 4: Add Pineapples and Caramelize
- After 1 hour, remove the foil.
- Arrange pineapple slices all over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice.
- Brush the entire ham and fruit with the remaining glaze.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, basting twice, until the top is caramelized and sticky.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Carve into slices, ensuring each piece gets some glaze and pineapple.
How to Serve
- Serve warm as the main dish for Christmas dinner alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green bean casserole.
- Garnish the platter with extra pineapple slices and sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.
- For a next-day treat, serve cold slices in sandwiches with mustard or cranberry sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Score deeply but not too deep — you want the glaze to penetrate but not dry out the meat.
- Use the pineapple juice from the can for an extra layer of flavor in the glaze.
- Baste frequently for a thick, caramelized crust.
- Don’t skip resting time — it helps redistribute the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer — internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for a fully heated ham.
Variations
- Maple Glazed Ham:
Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness. - Spicy Honey Glaze:
Add 1 teaspoon chili flakes or hot sauce for a sweet-heat balance. - Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham:
Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for rich, smoky undertones. - Citrus Glazed Ham:
Replace pineapple juice with orange juice and zest for a citrusy twist. - Herb-Infused Ham:
Add chopped rosemary and thyme to the glaze for an aromatic finish.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigerator:
Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days. - Freezer:
Freeze sliced ham (wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags) for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. - Reheating:
Warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil, adding a splash of water or juice to keep it moist.
Special Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush
- Saucepan for glaze
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Toothpicks (for pineapple and cherries)
Conclusion
This Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices is more than a dish — it’s a holiday masterpiece that brings family and friends together around the table. With its sticky, golden glaze, sweet-tart pineapples, and juicy meat, every bite feels like Christmas magic.
It’s classic, comforting, and elegant — a true crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this ham remains a beloved Christmas tradition across generations.
Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices
A Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple Slices is one of those dishes that instantly evokes the warmth, aroma, and joy of the holiday season. The shimmering caramelized glaze, sweet and tangy pineapple rings, and juicy, tender ham make it a show-stopping centerpiece worthy of your Christmas table.
Ingredients
For the Ham
For the Honey Glaze
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Ham : Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a large roasting rack in a baking pan. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern (about ¼ inch deep). Insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond — this gives the ham a festive, spiced aroma.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze : In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until glossy.
-
Step 3: Glaze and Bake : Brush the ham generously with half of the prepared glaze. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Bake for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze.
-
Step 4: Add Pineapples and Caramelize : After 1 hour, remove the foil. Arrange pineapple slices all over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice. Brush the entire ham and fruit with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, basting twice, until the top is caramelized and sticky.
-
Step 5: Rest and Serve : Remove from oven and let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Carve into slices, ensuring each piece gets some glaze and pineapple.
