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Introduction for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Did you know that ham is served in over 60% of American households during Easter celebrations, making it the most popular centerpiece for this spring holiday? There’s something truly special about a perfectly glazed ham that brings families together around the table. The Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a way that has stood the test of time. This classic recipe features a spiral-cut ham bathed in a caramelized pineapple and brown sugar glaze that creates an irresistible sticky exterior while keeping the meat incredibly juicy inside.
Whether you’re hosting your first Easter dinner or continuing a long-standing family tradition, this recipe delivers both impressive presentation and comforting flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients List for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
For the Ham:
- 1 (8-10 pound) spiral-cut ham, fully cooked
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice (reserve juice)
- 1/2 cup whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries (optional, for decoration)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
- 3/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Substitution options:
- No pineapple slices? Use 1 cup of pineapple preserves instead of slices and juice
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile
- Light brown sugar can be used if you prefer a milder flavor than dark brown sugar
- For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze
The beauty of this baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar is how the sweet, fruity notes balance perfectly with the savory, smoky qualities of the ham.
Timing for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Preparation time: 15 minutes (25% less prep time than many holiday main dishes)
- Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (based on an 8-10 pound ham)
- Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Rest time before serving: 15 minutes (essential for juiciness!)
Planning tip: Allow approximately 15-18 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham when baking at 325°F. This ensures your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F while remaining juicy and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from packaging and rinse briefly under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. If your ham doesn’t have a flat side, use a small ring of aluminum foil to keep it steady.
Tip: Bringing your ham to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking results in more even cooking and better moisture retention.
Step 2: Score and Decorate the Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor. If using cloves, press one into each intersection of the diamond pattern – they’ll infuse subtle warmth throughout the cooking process.
Tip: For easier insertion of cloves, make small holes with a toothpick first.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Cherries
Secure pineapple slices onto the ham using toothpicks. Place cherries in the center of each pineapple ring for that classic holiday presentation. This isn’t just for aesthetics – the pineapple will caramelize and infuse flavor directly into the ham’s exterior.
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can skip the decorative pineapple placement and simply add the fruit to the pan around the ham.
Step 4: Create the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. You’ll know it’s ready when the glaze coats the back of a spoon.
Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum to the glaze mixture.
Step 5: Begin Baking
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent premature browning. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes (for an 8-10 pound ham).
Tip: Position the ham with the cut side down to prevent moisture loss during the initial baking period.
Step 6: Apply the Glaze
Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 375°F. Carefully remove the foil and brush one-third of the glaze all over the ham, getting into all the scored crevices. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes.
Tip: A silicone pastry brush works best for applying the sticky glaze without losing bristles in your ham.
Step 7: Repeat Glazing
Remove the ham again and apply another third of the glaze. Return to the oven for 20 more minutes. Then repeat one final time with the remaining glaze, baking for a final 20 minutes until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F and the exterior is beautifully caramelized.
Tip: For extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness. Drizzle any pan drippings over the sliced ham before serving.
Nutritional Information for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Per serving (approximately 6 oz):
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 23g
Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brand and type of ham used. Most of the sugar content comes from the glaze, which can be adjusted to taste.
Healthier Alternatives for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Reduce sodium: Choose a lower-sodium ham or soak a traditional ham in cold water for 4-6 hours before cooking, changing the water every hour
- Lower sugar option: Cut the brown sugar to 1/2 cup and use unsweetened pineapple in juice
- Diabetic-friendly version: Replace brown sugar with brown sugar substitute and use sugar-free pineapple packed in juice
- Lighter glaze: Use pineapple juice reduced on the stovetop with just 1/4 cup of honey (omitting brown sugar)
- Add fiber: Serve with a generous portion of roasted vegetables to balance the meal
Serving Suggestions for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
This spectacular ham deserves equally delicious accompaniments to create a memorable Easter feast:
- Creamy scalloped potatoes complement the sweet ham perfectly with their rich, savory flavor
- Roasted asparagus or green beans add a vibrant, fresh element to balance the rich ham
- Buttery dinner rolls are essential for soaking up the delicious glaze and making mini ham sandwiches
- Southern-style macaroni and cheese provides comforting indulgence that pairs wonderfully
- A bright spring salad with strawberries and goat cheese creates a refreshing contrast
- Deviled eggs make a perfect Easter-themed appetizer while the ham finishes cooking
For a stunning presentation, serve the ham on a large platter surrounded by fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a pop of color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Overcooking: Since spiral hams are pre-cooked, you’re essentially just heating it through. Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying it out.
- Adding glaze too early: Applying the sugar-based glaze at the beginning will cause it to burn before the ham is heated through.
- Discarding the ham bone: Save it for flavoring soups or beans later!
- Skipping the resting period: Cutting immediately after removing from the oven causes juice loss and drier meat.
- Not adjusting cooking time for size: Larger hams need more time; smaller ones need less. Allow 15-18 minutes per pound.
- Using a shallow pan: Ham releases juices during cooking that you’ll want to capture for extra flavor.
Storing Tips for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking
- Store sliced ham in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap
- Refrigerated ham will maintain best quality for 3-5 days
- For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months
- Label frozen packages with the date to track freshness
- Thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
Reheating tip: To prevent your leftover ham from drying out, place slices in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of water, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through (about 10 minutes).
Conclusion for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
This Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze represents the perfect blend of tradition and flavor that makes holiday meals so special. The sweet-tangy glaze creates an irresistible caramelized exterior while the spiral-cut ham stays incredibly juicy inside. What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its ability to feed a crowd with minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Whether you’re serving this as the centerpiece of an elaborate Easter feast or enjoying it for weeknight leftovers, this classic ham delivers both comfort and elegance. We’d love to see your holiday ham creations! Share your photos and let us know how your family enjoyed this Easter classic in the comments below.
FAQs for Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Can I use a non-spiral cut ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! A regular bone-in ham works well too. You’ll want to score the exterior in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate. Cooking time may increase slightly for a non-spiral ham.
How do I know when my ham is done?
Since hams are pre-cooked, you’re really just heating it through. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching bone).
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using to restore its consistency.
What’s the best way to slice a spiral ham?
The beauty of spiral hams is that they’re pre-sliced! Simply cut horizontally along the bone to release the pre-cut slices.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
While fresh pineapple tastes amazing, it contains enzymes that can break down proteins in the meat. For this recipe, canned pineapple works best as these enzymes are deactivated during the canning process.
My ham is smaller/larger than 8-10 pounds. How should I adjust cooking time?
Allow approximately 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, aiming for 140°F internal temperature.
Easter Ham with Pineapple Glaze
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum Foil
- Meat Thermometer
- Saucepan
- Pastry Brush
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 spiral-cut ham, fully cooked 8-10 pounds
- 1 can pineapple slices in juice 20 oz, reserve juice
- 1/2 cup whole cloves optional, for decoration
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries optional, for decoration
For the Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar packed (light or dark)
- 3/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from packaging and rinse briefly under cool water. Pat dry with paper towels. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.
- Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. If using cloves, press one into each intersection of the diamond pattern.
- Secure pineapple slices onto the ham using toothpicks. Place cherries in the center of each pineapple ring for presentation.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue simmering for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent premature browning. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes (for an 8-10 pound ham).
- Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 375°F. Carefully remove the foil and brush one-third of the glaze all over the ham, getting into all the scored crevices. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the ham again and apply another third of the glaze. Return to the oven for 20 more minutes. Then repeat one final time with the remaining glaze, baking for a final 20 minutes until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F and the exterior is beautifully caramelized.
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness. Drizzle any pan drippings over the sliced ham before serving.
Notes
- Bringing your ham to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking results in more even cooking.
- For extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Save the ham bone for flavoring soups or beans later.
- For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze.