Baked Ham with Pineapple

Old-fashioned holiday vibes are back, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a classic pineapple-and-cherry-studded baked ham? With glossy pineapple rings, bright red cherries and a caramelized brown-sugar glaze, this retro showstopper delivers loads of festive charm perfect for Christmas dinner.

Baked ham is one of the easiest holiday centerpieces to prepare, since the oven does most of the work. The ham is already fully cooked, so all you have to do is score it, attach the fruit, glaze it and bake it until it’s perfectly golden and heated through. This easy pineapple ham recipe will fill your kitchen with an irresistible holiday aroma, and because it’s so simple to prepare, you’ll have plenty of time to focus on the rest of your holiday feast.

Ingredients for Baked Ham with Pineapple

• Ham: A bone-in ham delivers the juiciest texture and richest flavor, but you can try this glaze on a boneless ham if desired. Look for a 6- to 8-pound ham that’s labeled as fully cooked. Choose one with a good layer of fat, which keeps the meat tender.
• Whole cloves: Cloves infuse the ham with warm, festive spice as it bakes. You don’t need many; just one pressed into the center of each scored section makes for a classic presentation.
• Canned pineapple: Sweet-tart pineapple balances the saltiness of the ham, and the rings caramelize beautifully as they bake. Using canned slices gives you both the fruit and the juice needed for the glaze—no peeling or cutting required.
• Brown sugar: The glaze gets its sweetness and deep caramel-like flavor from brown sugar. The only difference between light and dark brown sugar is the amount of molasses they contain, so use whichever you have on hand.
• Maraschino cherries: Give your ham a festive pop of color, extra sweetness and vintage vibes by nestling a bright red cherry into the center of each pineapple ring.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the ham

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place your ham in a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife, making shallow, diagonal cuts to create a diamond pattern.

Press a whole clove into the center of each diamond.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t cut too deeply—just score through the fat layer, not into the meat—to keep the ham juicy and tender.

Step 2: Start baking the ham

Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil and bake the ham for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Step 3: Add the glaze and fruit

Drain the canned pineapple slices, reserving 1/4 cup of juice. Combine the brown sugar and reserved pineapple juice in a small bowl to make the glaze.

Pour the glaze over the warm ham, letting it run into the scored cuts.

Arrange the pineapple slices over the ham and secure a cherry in the center of each slice.

Editor’s Tip: If the pineapple and cherries won’t stay in place, use toothpicks to secure them. Just remember to remove them before slicing and serving.

Step 4: Finish baking the ham

Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake it until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 140°, about 30 to 45 minutes longer.

Editor’s Tip: For extra flavor and caramelization, spoon the glaze from the bottom of the pan over the ham once or twice during the final bake.

Pineapple Ham Variations

• Make a sweet-and-savory glaze: Stir in a tablespoon of ground or prepared mustard into the brown-sugar mixture for extra zing. Use honey mustard or Dijon for a subtle kick, or go with spicy brown mustard for a bolder, sharper flavor. For a different twist, swap the pineapple juice for a brown sguar and bourbon glaze.
• Use crushed pineapple: Instead of pineapple rings and cherries, spread a can of crushed pineapple over the glazed ham for a saucier topping that spreads easily.
• Add warming spices: Stir a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger into the glaze for a cozy twist—perfect for winter and holidays.
• Slow-cook the ham: Place the scored ham in a slow cooker and cook on low for four to five hours. Add the glaze and fruit, then cook on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.

How to Store Baked Ham with Pineapple

Slice any remaining ham off the bone, then tuck the slices, along with any pineapple rings and cherries, into an airtight container. You could alternatively wrap them tightly in foil. Refrigerate the ham and fruit for up to four days, and either enjoy the leftovers as they are or repurpose them into leftover ham dishes.

Don’t forget to save the ham bone, too! Store it separately in foil or a resealable bag and refrigerate or freeze it. Then use it to add rich, smoky flavor to soups, beans or homemade broth.

Can you freeze baked ham with pineapple?

Yes, you can freeze baked ham for up to two months. Before freezing the ham, slice it off the bone, dice it if you’d like, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers along with some of the pineapple and a little glaze. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it or adding it to soups, casseroles or breakfast bakes.

Can you make baked ham with pineapple ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake this pineapple ham up to one day in advance. Let it cool, then slice the meat off the bone and store it, along with the pineapple and glaze, in an airtight container. Reheat the sliced ham in a covered baking dish in the oven with a splash of reserved juices or broth to keep it moist.

Baked Ham with Pineapple Tips

How do you score a ham?

To score the ham, use a small, sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts across the exterior. Make diagonal cuts in one direction, then cross them with diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to form a diamond pattern. Scoring lets the glaze seep deeper into the ham for maximum flavor. Be careful to cut only through the fat cap, not into the meat; that way the ham will stay juicy as it bakes. Take your time to create an even pattern that looks beautiful.

Should ham be covered while baking?

Yes, you should keep the ham covered while it bakes. The foil traps steam, heating the ham evenly and keeping it juicy. When making glazed ham recipes, it’s best to uncover the ham during the final 30 to 45 minutes so the glaze can caramelize and give the surface a beautiful golden finish.

How do you cut a bone-in ham?

To cut a bone-in ham, you’ll need a large cutting board, a carving fork, and a knife with a long, thin blade. Place the ham cut side down on your cutting board, and cut downward along the bone to release large sections of meat. Slice those sections into your desired thickness. If you need step-by-step instructions with photos, check out our ham carving guide.

What can you serve with baked ham with pineapple?

Baked ham with pineapple pairs perfectly with classic holiday sides such as scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese or green bean casserole. Sweet sides, such as glazed carrots, sweet potato casserole or corn pudding, also pair well with the sweet, tangy glazed ham.

Watch How to Make Baked Ham with Pineapple

ⓘ

back to content