Classic Glazed Ham with Pineapple Sauce is a flavorful holiday or special occasion dish featuring a tender, juicy smoked ham coated with a sweet and tangy pineapple-honey glaze. Paired with a smooth, fruity pineapple sauce, this baked ham recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or family gatherings, this glazed ham impresses with its caramelized crust, aromatic cloves, and easy-to-follow preparation.

Ingredients

For the Glazed Ham

9 to 11 lb bone-in fully-cooked smoked ham (shank or butt portion)
2 tbsp whole cloves
2 tbsp butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup honey
⅓ cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard

For the Pineapple Sauce

⅓ cup light brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup water
1 tbsp butter
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Ham

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Trim excess rind from the ham if necessary. Using a sharp paring knife, make shallow diagonal cuts across the top fat in one direction, then in the opposite direction to form a diamond pattern. Insert cloves at the intersections of the cuts (remove cloves before serving).
Line a large roasting pan with heavy-duty foil and place a rack on top. Position the ham cut-side down on the foil and loosely cover it with foil.
Bake for about 2½ hours (approximately 15 minutes per pound) or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 130°F (54°C).

Make the Glaze

While the ham is baking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice. Whisk in Dijon mustard and bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.

Glaze and Finish Baking

After the initial baking, remove the foil and increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze.
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30–45 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 10–15 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Prepare the Pineapple Sauce

About 30 minutes before the ham is done, whisk together brown sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan (off heat). Gradually stir in pineapple juice and water until smooth.
Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in butter, apple cider vinegar, and salt until smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ham is tender, juicy, and perfectly sweet with a tangy pineapple glaze that pairs beautifully with holiday or special occasion meals. The pineapple sauce adds a fresh, fruity finish that enhances every bite.

Tips

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the ideal temperature without drying out.
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
Brushing the glaze multiple times ensures a caramelized, flavorful crust.

Variations and Substitutions

Sweeteners: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a different flavor profile.
Ham Type: A boneless ham can be used; reduce initial baking time slightly.
Glaze Options: Add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a citrusy twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the ham can be prepared and glazed a day in advance. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
A: Yes, blend fresh pineapple to make juice. You may need slightly more cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Slice and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Pineapple sauce can be drizzled over the ham slices for extra flavor.
Pair with dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the glaze.