ham with pineapple recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ham with pineapple recipe

I am absolutely thrilled to share with you my favorite ham with pineapple recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. I remember trying this recipe for the first time at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite.

Since then, it’s been a regular at our table, whether we’re hosting a big family dinner or just need a quick and delicious meal for the weeknights. The origin of this recipe is unclear, but I’m sure it has its roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham, creating a flavor combination that’s both familiar and exciting. One of the key techniques to making this dish is to ensure that the pineapple is caramelized to perfection.

This adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods. In terms of home cooking technique, I find that this recipe requires minimal effort but maximum reward. Simply slice the ham into thick pieces, layer them on a baking sheet with sliced pineapple and any other desired toppings, and bake until golden brown. It’s as simple as that!

The result is a dish that’s both elegant enough for special occasions and comforting enough for everyday meals. I’ve tried various versions of this recipe over the years, but this one remains my favorite. The secret lies in the combination of flavors and textures – the sweetness of the pineapple, the smokiness of the ham, and the crunch of any added toppings. It’s a true showstopper at any gathering.

My kids adore helping me prepare this dish, especially when it comes to selecting the perfect pineapple slices. They love watching them turn from green to golden brown as they cook in the oven. And let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like biting into that first slice after hours spent in anticipation.

Baked Ham with Pineapple

Baked Ham with Pineapple

4.5 from 515 votes

A classic sweet and savory dish featuring a juicy ham glazed with pineapple and brown sugar. The pineapple rings caramelize in the oven, creating a beautiful and delicious topping.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ham

1 (3-4 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham half
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple rings in juice, drained, juice reserved
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Maraschino cherries (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2Place the ham cut side down on a rack in a large roasting pan.
3Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep, being careful not to cut into the meat too deeply.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice until smooth.
5Brush this glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, working it into the scored cuts.
6Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the ham, securing each ring with a toothpick.
7If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
8Pour 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning.
9Bake the ham uncovered for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
10Baste the ham with the pan juices every 15 minutes to keep it moist and build a glossy, caramelized crust.
11Once the ham is fully heated and the glaze is bubbly and golden brown, remove it from the oven.
12Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes loosely tented with foil before slicing.
13This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender result.

🔧Equipment

Large roasting pan with rack
Small bowl
Basting brush
Toothpicks
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 1520mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 42g

📝Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ham overnight in the refrigerator with the glaze. You can also add whole cloves to the scored diamond pattern before glazing for a more traditional presentation.

Watch Video Of How Baked Ham with Pineapple Works

This ham with pineapple recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick meal for weeknights.

It stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen for later use.

When reheating, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through – adding some extra pineapple slices never hurts either!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ham with Pineapple

What type of ham is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a bone-in ham or a thick-cut boneless ham. The key is to have enough meat on each slice so that they’re substantial but not too thick.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can use fresh pineapple if you prefer, but keep in mind that it will add more liquid to your dish than canned pineapple will.

How long does it take to cook this dish?

Cooking time will depend on how large your slices are and how many you’re making. Generally speaking, you’ll want to cook them for about 20-30 minutes per pound.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare this dish ahead by slicing your ingredients and assembling them on a baking sheet before baking.

What are some good topping ideas?

Feel free to get creative with toppings! Some ideas include sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, or crumbled bacon.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Unfortunately not – this recipe features ham as its main ingredient.

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