A Juicy, Sweet & Savory Holiday Showstopper
The ultimate centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or Sunday dinner! This succulent ham is coated in a sticky-sweet pineapple glaze with honey, mustard, and soy sauce for the perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make but impressive enough for special occasions!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Foolproof & impressive – Minimal effort, maximum wow factor.
✅ Perfect glaze – Sweet pineapple + savory soy + tangy mustard.
✅ Leftovers for days – Great for sandwiches, soups, and more!
✅ Crowd-pleaser – Feeds a hungry family or party.
📝 Ingredients
(Serves 12–15)
For the Ham:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (8–10 lbs), bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup (240ml) pineapple juice
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
- ¼ cup (85g) honey
- ¼ cup (60g) Dijon mustard
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup (40g) fresh pineapple chunks, drained
(Optional: Cloves for studding, maraschino cherries for color!)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Ham
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern (½-inch deep cuts).
2️⃣ Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and mustard.
- Simmer 5 mins until slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Glaze & Bake
- Place ham in a roasting pan, pour ½ glaze over it.
- Bake uncovered 35–45 mins, basting every 15 mins, until internal temp reaches 140°F (60°C).
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Rest 15 mins, then slice and serve with pineapple chunks and extra glaze.
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 For extra flavor: Stud ham with cloves before glazing.
🔹 Crispier glaze? Broil 2–3 mins at the end.
🔹 No drippings? Add ½ cup water to the roasting pan.
❓ FAQs + Variations
1. Can I use spiral-cut ham?
✅ Yes! Reduce bake time to 20–25 mins (it’s already sliced).
2. How do I store leftovers?
🧊 Fridge: Up to 5 days (wrap tightly).
❄️ Freeze: Up to 2 months (slice first for easy reheating).
3. No fresh pineapple?
🍍 Use canned pineapple chunks (drained well).
4. Too salty?
🍯 Soak ham in cold water 1 hour before baking.
5. Gluten-free option?
🌾 Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- With scalloped potatoes and green beans
- On Hawaiian rolls for sliders
- In a breakfast hash with eggs
⏳ Time & Nutrition
Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Total: 1 hr
Calories: ~300/serving | Servings: 12–15
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Glazed Ham is a holiday essential—juicy, glossy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for:
- Easter brunch
- Christmas dinner
- Sunday family gatherings
Sweet, savory, and always the star of the table! 🎄🍽️
(Tip: Save the bone for split pea soup or beans!)
