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Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple

2 hoursEasyServes 10-12

This ham is pure holiday magic on a platter. Every Christmas growing up, my grandmother would score that beautiful diamond pattern with such precision, then brush on layer after layer of that sweet, sticky glaze. The house would fill with the most incredible aroma—honey, brown sugar, and that hint of tropical sweetness from the pineapple. It's the kind of centerpiece that makes everyone gather around the table a little closer, creates those photo moments we treasure forever, and most importantly, tastes like pure celebration.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

  • • 8-10 lb spiral-cut ham
  • • 1 can pineapple rings, drained
  • • 24 whole cloves
  • • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries

For the Glaze:

  • • 1 cup honey
  • • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • • 1/4 cup pineapple juice

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove ham from packaging and place in a large roasting pan.
  2. 2. If your ham isn't pre-scored, make diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern across the surface.
  3. 3. Insert whole cloves into the intersection points of the diamond pattern for classic presentation.
  4. 4. For the glaze: whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and pineapple juice until smooth.
  5. 5. Brush half of the glaze generously over the entire ham surface.
  6. 6. Secure pineapple rings to the ham with toothpicks, placing cherries in the centers.
  7. 7. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound (about 2 hours for an 8 lb ham).
  8. 8. Remove foil for the last 30 minutes and brush with remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
  9. 9. Ham is done when internal temperature reaches 140°F and the glaze is beautifully caramelized.
  10. 10. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving. Drizzle with any pan drippings before serving.

Bre's Pro Tips

  • • Line your pan with foil for easier cleanup—trust me on this one!
  • • Save the pineapple juice to add to the glaze for extra flavor
  • • If the glaze starts to get too dark, tent with foil
  • • Leftover ham makes incredible sandwiches and breakfast hash
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