Glazed Pineapple Ham
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It not too long before it will be Easter. So this week, I am sharing recipes for your Easter dinner. We are starting off with a simple glazed pineapple ham. It’s just a way to make your regular ham a little more fancy and special.
You make this recipe using a boneless ham. When it comes to boneless ham, I find that the Hormel Cure 81 ham to be one that never disappoints. Also, you can find it at just about any grocery store.
With this recipe, each slice of ham gets topped with a slice of canned pineapple and a maraschino cherry in the center of the pineapple ring. This makes the ham look beautiful plus it adds flavor. Once the slices of ham have their fruity topping, they will bake for 15 minutes covered with foil.
After the 15 minutes of baking comes the glaze. It’s a mixture of apple juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. If preferred, you could totally use pineapple juice in place of the apple juice. This way you can just use the juice from the canned pineapple. There is no need for the extra purchase of apple juice if you don’t have it on hand. Then the ham bakes uncovered for another 25 minutes.
Ingredients for Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham
- BONELESS COOKED HAM
- CANNED PINEAPPLE SLICES
- MARASCHINO CHERRIES
- LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
- APPLE JUICE
- DIJON MUSTARD
Instructions for Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe
To start, preheat the oven to 400°F. In a 9×13 baking dish or a roasting pan, arrange the ham slices in two slightly overlapping rows. Each slice gets a tropical touch—top with a pineapple ring and place a cherry in the center. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to begin melding together.
While the ham warms in the oven, prepare the pineapple glaze. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple juice (or pineapple juice), and mustard until smooth and well combined. This mixture creates a rich, tangy coating that will caramelize beautifully as it bakes. Once the initial baking time is up, remove the foil and generously pour the sauce over the ham. Continue cooking uncovered, basting every five minutes, for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This process helps the glaze thicken while infusing each slice with a deep, glossy coating.
When finished, this dish serves nine and pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh rolls. Whether you’re making it for Easter or any other special occasion, this Pineapple Glazed Ham is sure to impress with its balance of sweetness and savory goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a whole ham instead of slices?
Yes! If you’re using a whole ham, simply score the surface in a diamond pattern and place the pineapple rings and cherries on top, securing them with toothpicks. Increase the baking time as needed, following the package instructions for a fully cooked ham.
What type of ham works best for this recipe? Boneless or bone-in ham both work well! When using a pre-cooked ham, you’re mainly heating and glazing it, so focus on ensuring it gets a nice caramelization on the surface.
Can I substitute the pineapple rings with fresh pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple adds great natural sweetness. Just slice it into rings or chunks and layer them on top of the ham as you would with canned pineapple.
How can I prevent the ham from drying out?
Covering the ham with foil during the initial bake helps retain moisture. Also, be sure to baste regularly with the glaze, as this keeps the ham juicy while adding flavor.
What can I use instead of apple juice in the glaze?
You can swap apple juice for orange juice, pineapple juice, or even a splash of cola for a unique caramelized taste.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick stir before using.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F or microwave in short intervals to keep it from drying out.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Glazed Pineapple Ham
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs boneless cooked ham sliced into 18 slices
- 40 oz pineapple slices two 20 oz cans
- 18 maraschino cherries
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp apple juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- In a 9 x 13 baking dish, layer the ham slices overlapping in 2 rows. Top each slice of ham with a pineapple slice and a cherry in the middle of each pineapple ring. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, apple juice and mustard. Uncover the ham and drizzle with the glaze. Continue to cook, glazing in 5-minute intervals, for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Serves 9.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman.
