Easy Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe for a Delicious Easter Dinner Without the Fuss

When it comes to celebrating springtime, you won’t find a better centerpiece for your family feast than a glistening pineapple glazed ham. With each juicy slice offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, this dish will have your guests coming back for seconds. We found an easy recipe that uses precooked and pre-sliced ham, so you can enjoy a fancy meal without the fuss. So, keep reading for the secrets to baking mouthwatering ham and how to make your own pineapple glaze. Plus, you can take advantage of those leftovers with some creative meal ideas. Here’s what you need to know to make pineapple glazed ham.

Expert tips for baking pineapple glazed ham

When it comes to baking an entire ham, you might be a little intimidated. But don’t worry, we have some expert tips to ensure you achieve the perfect result every time. Food bloggers Lisa Hatfield from Delicious Table and Nicole Johnson from Or Whatever You Do share their tips.

Choosing the right variety

Importantly, selecting a high-quality ham will make a big difference. We recommend a bone-in, fully cooked ham for easy prep and better flavor. “Use a good whole spiral cut ham,” recommends Hatfield. “These [come] precooked, smoked and available at any grocery store. It truly has incredible flavor and goes so well with sliced whole pineapples on the side. Plus what a real showstopper!” Additionally, the bone also helps retain moisture during cooking.

When selecting a ham, look for one that doesn’t have too much salt; this may overpower the sweetness of the pineapple. Additionally, choose a ham with a good amount of marbling, as this will add moisture and flavor.

Baking ham

First, throw away the pre-made seasonings. “Those little packets that come in the package? Well, they have nothing on this glaze recipe,” says Hatfield. “Using fresh seasonal ingredients really makes a difference, plus there are no preservatives and chemicals.”

Before baking, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to reach the meat. To prevent the ham from drying out, you can cover it loosely with foil. “The temperature doesn’t really matter,” says Johnson. “Ham is so forgiving. We range it from 250-350°F, depending on how fast we want it to be on the table.”

Baste the ham periodically with its juices or the pineapple glaze to keep it moist. Once cooked, allow the ham to rest before slicing so the juices can evenly distribute. We also have a simple trick for keeping baked ham juicy!

Slicing baked ham

If you don’t have a spiral-cut ham, “use an electric knife for slicing and slice from the top down,” adds Johnson. “Then, once you have some large hunks cut off the ham you can cut into smaller slices.” If you want, you can chill the ham for 30 minutes before slicing to firm it up. Additionally, you can use a carving fork to hold the ham steady while slicing. This will help stabilize the meat and prevent it from moving around. If the ham has a rind (outer skin), trim it off so you won’t have a tough, chewy bite. Remember to slice only what you need for immediate serving so the ham won’t dry out.

For more festive ham recipes, try out Coca-Cola Glazed Ham and Rum Ham.

Make your own pineapple glaze

Pineapple and ham have become a classic flavor combination (pineapple ham pizza, anyone?). The acidity of the pineapple helps to cut through the richness of the ham, adding brightness. Additionally, the natural sugars of the pineapple caramelize during cooking, creating a sticky and delightfully sweet glaze that coats the ham.

Creating your own pineapple glaze adds a personalized touch to your ham and allows you to control the flavor. You can also mix in spices such as cloves, cinnamon or ginger. Be sure to let it cool slightly before brushing it onto your ham. Watch this video from Sunday Supper Movement for an easy recipe.

Using fresh vs. canned pineapple

You can use either fresh or canned pineapple in your glaze, and both have their pros. Fresh pineapple offers a more vibrant, juicy flavor, while canned pineapple provides conveniences and consistency. If using fresh pineapple, you will need to core and dice it. However, Johnson says that with canned pineapple, “you can use the juice along with the fruit!”

See also: How to Make Cutting Pineapples as Easy-Breezy as a Walk on the Beach

Easy pineapple glazed ham recipe

We love this baked ham recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch that makes everything easier with a pre-cooked spiral-cut ham. Brush on some homemade pineapple glaze for a sweet, sticky and delicious coating.

Baked Pineapple Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 8-10 lbs. bone-in fully-cooked, spiral-cut ham
• 2½ cups (20 oz. can) pineapple tidbits, or crushed fresh pineapple
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
• Yield: 18 servings

1. Remove ham from refrigerator 1-2 hours before baking and allow it to come to room temperature. 
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until mixture has thickened.
3. Preheat oven to 300°F. Then, remove ham from packaging. Place ham flat side down in a deep baking dish or roasting pan. Optionally, line with aluminum foil for easier clean-up. Brush a few spoonfuls of glaze onto ham’s exterior. Reserve remaining glaze for later. Cover ham tightly with aluminum foil (this will help keep it from drying out).
4. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 110°F. Then, remove from the oven and remove foil tent (set it aside for later). Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Brush remaining glaze all over the ham. Return to oven and continue to bake for another 15 minutes.
5. Remove ham from oven, cover with foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

How to use leftover pineapple glazed ham

Pineapple glazed ham can last far beyond your Easter dinner. Let no ham go to waste by transforming your leftovers into a variety of delicious dishes like the ones below.

1. Sandwiches

Slice leftover ham thinly and use it to make the ultimate sandwich. Pair it with your preferred bread, cheese and condiments for a last-minute lunch or snack.

2. Pasta

Chop leftover ham into bite-sized pieces and add it to pasta dishes such as carbonara, Alfredo or macaroni and cheese for added saltiness and protein.

3. Salads

Diced ham in salads adds a savory element to greens, fruits, vegetables and nuts. You can use it instead of chicken in a Caesar salad or make a classic Cobb salad.

4. Quiches and frittatas

You don’t have to go out and buy new ham for these savory breakfasts. Use your leftover ham in any egg-y or cheesy morning meal.

Storing pineapple glazed ham

Transfer all leftover ham to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. You should store it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. When stored properly, ham will keep for up to four to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. If you have slices, wrap them individually to prevent them from sticking together.

When you want to thaw your pineapple glazed ham, it’s best to do so in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can place it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, for a faster process. Pineapple glazed ham can reheat in the microwave, oven or on a stovetop.

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