Christmas is a season filled with joy, love, and, of course, unforgettable food. At the heart of every festive table lies a dish that brings families together and symbolizes the warmth of the season. This year, let your holiday feast shine with a Glazed Ham with Pineapple, a classic Christmas recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
The succulent ham, coated with a golden brown glaze and adorned with juicy pineapple rings, is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. Whether you are hosting a large Christmas dinner or planning a cozy family gathering, this recipe will impress your guests and create lasting memories.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to prepare the perfect Glazed Ham with Pineapple for Christmas. From ingredients and preparation steps to expert tips, serving ideas, and nutritional values, this detailed guide ensures your holiday centerpiece will be nothing short of spectacular.
Why Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the Perfect Christmas Dish
Christmas recipes carry meaning beyond taste—they represent comfort, celebration, and nostalgia. A Christmas ham with pineapple glaze is a recipe that has stood the test of time for good reasons:
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Festive Presentation – The golden ham studded with cloves and topped with pineapple slices looks like a masterpiece on your holiday table.
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Sweet and Savory Perfection – The combination of smoky ham, caramelized brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and warm spices creates a balance of flavors that delights everyone.
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Easy to Prepare – Despite its elegant appearance, making glazed ham is surprisingly simple. Most of the work happens in the oven while you enjoy time with your family.
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Perfect for Leftovers – Leftover Christmas ham can be used in sandwiches, omelets, soups, casseroles, and more.
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A Holiday Tradition – For many families, pineapple-glazed ham has become a cherished Christmas tradition passed down from generation to generation.
Ingredients for Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this classic Christmas glazed ham:
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
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1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
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1/2 cup honey (for sweetness and shine)
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1/2 cup Dijon mustard (adds tang and depth of flavor)
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (balances the sweetness with acidity)
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1 can pineapple slices (reserve juice for the glaze)
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1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the can)
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Whole cloves (to stud the ham and infuse warm spice)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for holiday flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
For Garnish (Optional):
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Fresh rosemary sprigs
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Maraschino cherries (traditional decoration with pineapple rings)
Kitchen Tools Needed
To prepare your Christmas Glazed Ham with Pineapple, gather these tools:
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Large roasting pan with rack
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Sharp carving knife
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Basting brush
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Aluminum foil
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Small saucepan (for glaze preparation)
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Meat thermometer
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Ladle or spoon for glazing
Step-by-Step Instructions for Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature allows the ham to heat slowly and evenly, keeping it moist and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place it cut-side down on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
Step 3: Score the Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern, about 1/4-inch deep. This not only makes the ham beautiful but also helps the glaze penetrate deeply.
Step 4: Add the Cloves
Insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scored diamonds. The cloves release a warm, festive aroma as the ham roasts.
Step 5: Make the Pineapple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine:
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Brown sugar
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Honey
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Dijon mustard
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Apple cider vinegar
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Pineapple juice
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Cinnamon and nutmeg (if using)
Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 6: Glaze and Roast the Ham
Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Place in the oven and roast, basting every 20–30 minutes.
Step 7: Add Pineapple Slices
About 45 minutes before the ham is finished, arrange pineapple rings on the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Optionally, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. Brush with glaze.
Step 8: Finish Roasting
Continue roasting until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Remove foil for the last 20 minutes to allow caramelization.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Once fully cooked, let the ham rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve as the star of your Christmas dinner.
Helpful Tips for the Best Christmas Glazed Ham
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Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in ham has more flavor and makes for a beautiful centerpiece.
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Don’t Overcook: Since most hams are precooked, you’re only reheating. Overcooking will make it dry.
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Use Foil Wisely: Covering with foil keeps the ham moist, but remove it near the end for that irresistible golden glaze.
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Make Extra Glaze: Reserve some glaze to serve as a sauce on the side.
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Leftovers are Gold: Use leftover ham in Green Bean Casserole, sandwiches, soups, or breakfast omelets.
Serving Suggestions
This Glazed Ham with Pineapple pairs beautifully with traditional Christmas side dishes. Here are some delicious options:
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Green Bean Casserole – A creamy, crunchy, and classic Christmas side dish that complements the ham’s sweetness.
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Mashed Potatoes – Fluffy and buttery, they balance the flavors perfectly.
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Cranberry Sauce – Adds a tart contrast to the ham’s caramelized glaze.
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Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips bring color and nutrition.
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Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 4 oz of ham + glaze)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 22 g
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Carbohydrates: 20 g
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Sugar: 16 g
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Fat: 12 g
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Saturated Fat: 4 g
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Sodium: 1100 mg
Why This Recipe is a Christmas Favorite
The Glazed Ham with Pineapple is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition that captures the essence of Christmas. Its sweet, tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory ham, making it a dish that delights both children and adults.
It’s also versatile: you can prepare it ahead of time, feed a large crowd, and reinvent the leftovers into multiple delicious dishes. With its dazzling presentation, this recipe isn’t just food—it’s a festive centerpiece that completes your Christmas celebration.
Conclusion
This Glazed Ham with Pineapple is the ultimate Christmas recipe—delicious, festive, and guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday table. Whether you’re celebrating with a big family gathering or a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers flavor, beauty, and tradition in one dish.
Make this ham once, and it will become a part of your Christmas tradition for years to come. Gather your loved ones, carve the ham, and let the flavors of the season create memories you’ll cherish forever.
