Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar

Introduction

When it comes to Christmas feasting, few dishes shine as brightly as a beautifully glazed ham. Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is a timeless holiday favorite that balances savory and sweet in the most delicious way. The ham is slow-baked until juicy and tender, coated in a sticky golden glaze of honey, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, with caramelized pineapple rings that add both elegance and flavor.

This dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about tradition. The aroma of cloves, honey, and caramelizing sugar fills the house, instantly setting the mood for celebration. It’s a recipe that feels festive, nostalgic, and special, making it the perfect showstopper centerpiece for Christmas dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The salty, smoky ham paired with the sweet honey and caramelized pineapple is unbeatable.
• Visually Stunning: Pineapple rings and cherries (optional) give it that festive, picture-perfect look.
• Feeds a Crowd: It’s hearty, impressive, and ideal for big gatherings.
• Leftover Heaven: The leftovers are just as delicious—great for sandwiches, breakfast hash, or soups.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms a simple ham into a holiday masterpiece:

• The glaze caramelizes into a golden, sticky crust.
• It’s easy to prepare, yet looks like a gourmet dish.
• A traditional favorite that blends comfort with celebration.
• The sweet-and-savory flavors appeal to everyone at the table.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2–2.5 hours (for an 8–10 lb ham)
• Total Time: ~2.5–3 hours

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 12–14
• Calories per serving: ~450 kcal (with glaze & pineapple)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Western / Holiday Cuisine

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
• Whole cloves, for studding
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices (reserve juice for glaze)
• 1 jar maraschino cherries (optional, for decoration)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Score ham, stud with cloves.
2. Bake ham covered for initial cooking.
3. Make glaze with honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, and spices.
4. Brush glaze over ham, top with pineapple slices (and cherries).
5. Roast uncovered until caramelized and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern (½ inch deep).
4. Stud each diamond with a clove.

Step 2: Bake the Ham (First Stage)

1. Cover ham loosely with foil.
2. Bake for 1.5 hours (about 15 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with pan juices.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

1. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
2. Simmer for 5 minutes until thick and syrupy.

Step 4: Glaze & Decorate

1. Remove ham from oven, discard foil.
2. Brush generously with glaze.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over the ham, securing with toothpicks.
4. Place cherries in the center of each pineapple ring if desired.

Step 5: Final Bake

1. Return ham to oven, uncovered.
2. Bake for another 45–60 minutes, basting with glaze every 15 minutes, until caramelized.
3. Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Step 6: Rest & Serve

• Let ham rest 15 minutes before carving.

How to Serve

• Slice ham into thin slices and arrange on a festive platter.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or dinner rolls.
• Drizzle extra glaze over slices for added sweetness.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip scoring: It helps the glaze soak into the ham.
• Foil is key: Keeps ham moist during the first cooking stage.
• Baste frequently: The more you glaze, the more caramelized the crust becomes.
• Use toothpicks: To secure pineapple slices and cherries neatly.

Variations

1. Maple-Glazed Ham: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
3. Whiskey Glaze: Add 2–3 tablespoons of bourbon or whiskey for a smoky, boozy finish.
4. Orange Glaze: Swap pineapple juice with orange juice and zest for a citrusy twist.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Ham freezes well for 2–3 months. Slice before freezing for convenience.
• Reheating: Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil and a splash of broth or glaze to keep moist.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp carving knife
• Toothpicks (for pineapple/cherry decoration)

Conclusion

This Honey Glazed Christmas Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and festive charm. With its caramelized glaze, juicy slices, and classic pineapple garnish, it’s a dish that guarantees smiles and full plates at your holiday table. Easy to prepare yet show-stopping in appearance, it’s the kind of recipe that turns Christmas dinner into a celebration to remember.