I’m so excited to share this ham with pineapple and cherries recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick and easy meal for the family, this recipe is sure to please. I remember the first time I made it, I was amazed at how simple it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out.
My kids loved it, my husband loved it, and I loved how easy it was to make. The combination of the salty ham, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the tartness of the cherries is absolute perfection.
And let’s not forget the health benefits – this recipe is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for a healthy lifestyle. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients and add your own twist to make it even more special.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep – just cook the ham on Sunday night and use it throughout the week in salads, wraps, or as a topping for rice bowls.
Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
4.6 from 1545 votes
A classic glazed ham with sweet pineapple rings and bright maraschino cherries. This dish is perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, offering a balance of savory and sweet flavors.
1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, drained with juice reserved
1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained with juice reserved
Whole cloves (optional)
For the Glaze
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from can)
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (reserved from jar)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
👨🍳Directions
1Preheat oven to 325°F.
2Place the ham cut side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
3Score the surface 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 saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, reserved cherry juice, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
5Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
6Remove from heat.
7Brush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure to coat all surfaces.
8If using whole cloves, press one into each diamond intersection for decoration.
9Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
10Bake the ham for 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20-30 minutes.
11The ham is ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching bone) registers 140°F, indicating it is fully heated through.
12Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking.
13Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on the ham surface, securing each ring with a toothpick through a cherry in the center.
14Continue baking until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, about 30 more minutes.
15Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
16Remove toothpicks and serve the ham with the pineapple and cherry garnishes alongside.
For best results, use a spiral-cut ham to make serving easier. You can substitute fresh pineapple slices if desired, but adjust the glaze liquid accordingly. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Watch Video Of How Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Works
This ham with pineapple and cherries recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick and easy meal for yourself.
The combination of flavors is absolutely delightful, and it’s so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or toppings.
One thing I love about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – just pop it back in the oven until warmed through – making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
Q: What type of ham should I use for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a boneless ham steak or a spiral-cut ham. You can also use a glazed ham if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile. Just be sure to remove any excess fat or skin before cooking.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: While fresh pineapple is delicious, canned pineapple is actually preferred in this recipe because of its unique texture and sweetness level. If you do choose to use fresh pineapple, be sure to chop it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly with the other ingredients.
Q: How do I prevent the cherries from getting too soggy in the sauce?
A: To prevent the cherries from getting too soggy, simply rinse them under cold water before adding them to the saucepan with the other ingredients. You can also pat them dry with paper towels if you’re worried about excess moisture affecting the dish’s texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by preparing all of the ingredients ahead of time and storing them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and cook. Just be sure to reheat any leftovers thoroughly before serving.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
A: Some popular side dishes that pair well with this recipe include roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli or green beans, or even a simple salad with mixed greens and your favorite toppings.
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