As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of spices and sweet fruits wrapped around me like a cozy holiday hug. The star of the show? My Baked Ham with Pineapple, a dish that transforms a festive meal into an unforgettable celebration. This recipe not only brings together the irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors but is also a showstopper that’ll have your guests raving long after the holiday lights fade. One of the best parts? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing you to focus more on cherished moments with loved ones rather than sweaty, last-minute cooking. Plus, with the addition of vibrant sides and delightful desserts, you’ll have a full spread that caters to all taste buds. Ready to explore how to create a truly memorable Christmas dinner? Let’s dive in!
Why is Baked Ham with Pineapple special?
Irresistible Flavor: The mix of sweet pineapple and savory ham creates a mouthwatering balance that will leave everyone craving more.
Effortless Preparation: With its simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can focus on entertaining rather than being stuck in the kitchen, just like with a memorable Honey Glazed Ham.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors from the pineapple and cherries bring a festive flair to your table, making it a true centerpiece.
Family Favorite: This dish appeals to both young and old, becoming a highlight of your holiday feast that will have your loved ones asking for seconds.
Customization: Feel free to play with flavors, substituting with a glazed ham if you’re feeling adventurous.
Perfect Pairings: Serve alongside rich sides like Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes for a well-rounded meal that caters to diverse palates and creates a festive atmosphere.
Baked Ham with Pineapple Ingredients
• Prepare this delightful dish with the following ingredients to impress your family and friends.
For the Ham
- Bone-in ham – A flavorful cut that stays moist and tender during baking.
- Pineapple slices – Adds sweetness and makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Maraschino cherries – Perfect for decorating and enhancing the festive look.
- Brown sugar – Caramelizes during baking, creating a sweet glaze.
- Honey – Helps to balance the sweetness and adds depth to the glaze.
- Dijon mustard – Offers a tangy contrast to the sweet elements of the dish.
For the Glaze
- Ground cloves – Just a pinch adds warmth and subtle spice to the flavor profile.
- Apple cider vinegar – Provides acidity that brightens the overall flavor.
- Orange juice – Enhances sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the ham.
This Baked Ham with Pineapple will be the shining star of your Christmas dinner, delivering not only flavor but also a stunning centerpiece. Enjoy the magic that this dish brings to your holiday table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Ham with Pineapple
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring it’s ready to create the perfect environment for your Baked Ham with Pineapple. This temperature helps caramelize the brown sugar and honey glaze, enhancing the dish’s sweetness. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and a roasting pan to make the assembly seamless.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place the bone-in ham in the roasting pan, cut side down, and score the surface in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the ham. Next, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. This will ensure precise cooking, giving you juicy, tender results after baking.
Step 3: Create the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice until well combined. This delightful blend will create a sticky glaze that coats the ham beautifully. Brush half the glaze all over the outside of the ham, making sure to get into the scores for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add Pineapple and Cherries
Arrange pineapple slices over the surface of the ham, securing each one with a maraschino cherry in the center. This not only adds a sweet garnish but also a vibrant appearance. The fruity toppings will caramelize and infuse the ham with additional sweetness as it bakes, making your Baked Ham with Pineapple even more irresistible.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes per pound. Baste the ham every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze to ensure it remains moist and flavorful, developing a beautiful caramelized crust. Look for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked ham that will impress your guests.
Step 6: Finish Baking and Rest
Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat succulent. As you let it cool, the glaze will set slightly, making for a stunning presentation when you slice into it.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, start slicing the ham into thick, even pieces. Arrange the slices on a serving platter, garnishing with any leftover pineapple and cherries for a festive touch. Your Baked Ham with Pineapple is now ready to shine as the centerpiece of your holiday table, impressive and delicious for everyone to enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze Baked Ham with Pineapple
Fridge: Place leftover Baked Ham with Pineapple in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave gently to retain moisture.
Freezer: If you have more leftovers, slice the ham and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen slices, simply defrost overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Avoid Drying Out: To keep the ham juicy during reheating, consider adding a splash of orange juice or broth to the container before warming. Enjoy!
Baked Ham with Pineapple Variations
Embrace the joy of personalizing your baked ham with pineapple, allowing for delightful twists on this festive favorite!
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Dairy-Free: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave and use coconut sugar for a vegan glaze without losing sweetness.
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Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the glaze for a warm, spicy contrast against the sweetness of the pineapple.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic, earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
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Pineapple Salsa: Top your roasted ham with a fresh pineapple salsa—combine diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for added brightness and texture.
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Citrus Variations: Substitute the orange juice with grapefruit or blood orange juice for a unique, tangy flavor profile that will surprise your taste buds.
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Glazed Alternatives: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a Sticky Pineapple Ham glaze instead for a different sweet twist.
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Carnivore Delight: For meat lovers, add bacon strips around the ham before baking, wrapping the savory goodness around the sweet glaze.
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Nutty Crunch: Top your ham with crushed pecans or walnuts for a delicious and crunchy element that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat and soft fruit.
Experimenting with these variations allows you to create a baked ham that’s as unique as your holiday traditions, ensuring every bite is a treasured taste of joy!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Ham with Pineapple options make holiday meal prep a breeze! You can prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, score the ham and brush it with the glaze, adding the pineapple and cherries just before placing it in the oven. You can also score the ham and arrange the fruits up to 3 days ahead, storing it covered in the fridge to keep it fresh and prevent browning. The key is to reapply the glaze while baking to ensure a vibrant, flavorful finish. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and stress-free holiday meal with your loved ones!
Expert Tips for Baked Ham with Pineapple
Score for Flavor: Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze seep in and enhance the savory-sweet flavor of the baked ham with pineapple.
Use a Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your ham is cooked perfectly to an internal temperature of 145°F, preventing dryness.
Baste Often: Don’t forget to baste the ham every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. This keeps the ham moist and promotes a beautiful caramelized crust.
Rest Before Slicing: Allow the baked ham to rest for at least 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy texture.
Presentation Matters: Garnish with additional pineapple slices and maraschino cherries after slicing; the vibrant colors create a festive focal point on your table.
What to Serve with Baked Ham with Pineapple
Create a delightful holiday table that perfectly complements the sweet and savory notes of your star dish.
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Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these potatoes add a comforting element, balancing the ham’s sweetness.
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Maple Glazed Carrots: These vibrant, tender carrots offer a hint of sweetness, echoing the pineapple without overpowering its flavors.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tart and fruity contrast, this classic condiment refreshes the palate between bites of hearty ham.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy, these rolls are perfect for sopping up the delicious juices from the ham, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispiness provide a contrasting texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
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Festive Walnut Salad: A crunchy, fresh salad with seasonal fruits and nuts, adding vibrant colors and bright flavors to your holiday feast.
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Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the richness of the ham, elevating the flavors of the meal.
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Pumpkin Pie: Finish with this holiday favorite; its warm spices and creamy texture bring a nostalgic close to your festive feast.
Baked Ham with Pineapple Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ham for my Baked Ham with Pineapple?
Selecting a bone-in ham is the key! Look for a ham that has a uniform shape and is not too heavily processed. A ham with a nice layer of fat will keep it moist as it cooks, adding richness to the dish. I often choose one that has a bright, fresh color with minimal dark spots.
How should I store leftover Baked Ham with Pineapple?
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The ham will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to preserve it for longer, I recommend slicing the ham, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, and placing it in a freezer bag. That way, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Baked Ham with Pineapple? How?
Absolutely! To freeze, follow these steps:
- Slice the ham into individual portions for easy serving.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil—this helps prevent freezer burn.
- Seal the wrapped slices in a freezer bag, pushing out as much air as possible.
- Label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of orange juice or broth to keep it juicy.
What should I do if my ham is too dry after baking?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! If you find your ham is too dry, slice it and place it in a baking dish. You can add a drizzle of orange juice or broth over the slices, cover it with aluminum foil, and warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 250°F or 120°C) for about 30 minutes. This should help restore some moisture!
Is Baked Ham with Pineapple safe for pets?
It’s best to avoid giving your pets any ham, especially if it’s glazed with sugar or contains ingredients like ground cloves, which can be harmful to them. Always keep a close eye on what human foods they have access to during your festive meal.
Can I make Baked Ham with Pineapple ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the ham and glaze ahead of time. Simply assemble everything in the roasting pan and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This will make your holiday cooking much smoother!
Baked Ham with Pineapple: A Sweet Festive Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the bone-in ham in the roasting pan, cut side down, and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice until well combined.
- Arrange pineapple slices over the surface of the ham, securing each one with a maraschino cherry in the center.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze.
- Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the ham into thick, even pieces and arrange on a serving platter.
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