Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Easy with Caramelized Pineapple Rings

Let’s just start here: the scent of sweet honey, warm spices, and juicy pineapple rings bubbling over a golden, tender ham just might be my favorite “welcome home” aroma. You know that feeling—when you walk in from the chilly outdoors, and the kitchen air is thick with the promise of a feast? The first time I made this honey glazed ham with caramelized pineapple rings, my kitchen turned into a cozy holiday haven. There was a hush after I pulled it out of the oven—everyone just stared, like we’d all hit the jackpot. I took a breath, sliced in, and realized this was the kind of recipe you hold onto for life.

Growing up, ham was a “special occasion only” dish, reserved for Easter, Christmas, or, you know, any Sunday when the family felt fancy. My grandma used to layer pineapple slices on her ham, pin them with maraschino cherries, and, honestly, I thought it was pure magic. I stumbled onto my own twist on a rainy spring weekend, determined to crack the code for a ham that’s both foolproof and out-of-this-world moist. I wish I’d known years ago just how simple and impressive this honey glazed ham recipe really is. No dry, bland bites here—just pure, nostalgic comfort and a sticky, golden glaze that makes your fork do a happy dance.

And the reactions? Let’s face it—my family couldn’t keep their hands off the caramelized pineapple rings, snagging them straight from the pan (and I can’t even blame them). Neighbors have asked for the recipe, it’s become my go-to for family potlucks, and it even brightened up our last Friendsgiving. Whether you’re looking for a holiday centerpiece, a crowd-pleaser for Sunday supper, or a way to jazz up your Pinterest board, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested this ham more times than I’ll admit (in the name of research, of course), made notes, tweaked the glaze, and now? It’s the staple ham recipe I’ll pass down to my own kids. It feels like a warm hug, every single time. You’re about to discover your new favorite—bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

After years of trial and error (and a few kitchen disasters), I can promise this honey glazed ham recipe with caramelized pineapple rings stands out from the rest. It’s not just a ham—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’re going to love making (and eating) it:

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes of prep, letting the oven do most of the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or holiday mornings when you want to keep things stress-free.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a wild goose chase through specialty stores. Everything is easy to find—most of it’s probably in your pantry right now.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Easter brunch, Christmas dinner, or a cozy Sunday supper, this ham fits right in. It’s a showstopper for gatherings but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
• Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never had leftovers (unless I hide them for sandwiches). Kids, grandparents, picky eaters—everyone comes back for seconds.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The honey glaze melds with smoky ham, while caramelized pineapple adds a tangy-sweet pop. Each bite is juicy, sticky, and packed with flavor.

What sets this honey glazed ham apart? For starters, I blend the honey with brown sugar and Dijon, creating a glaze that’s glossy, thick, and bakes into a perfect sticky crust. Roasting with pineapple rings right on top lets the juices seep into the ham, giving you that magical sweet-and-savory thing. And if you’ve ever had a ham that’s dry or tough (I’ve been there), this method guarantees moist, tender slices every time.

This isn’t just “another ham recipe.” It’s a labor of love—developed over years, tested with family, and tweaked for flavor and ease. The texture is silky, the glaze is finger-licking good, and that pineapple? It’s the secret weapon. You’ll find yourself closing your eyes after the first bite—honestly, it’s comfort food at its best. There’s nothing fussy or intimidating here, just a straightforward path to happiness on a plate. Whether you’re impressing friends or just craving a taste of home, this honey glazed ham recipe delivers every single time.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This honey glazed ham recipe easy with caramelized pineapple rings uses classic ingredients that bring maximum flavor with minimum fuss. You probably have most of these on hand, making it a perfect “pantry-friendly” main dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Ham:
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham, 8–10 lbs (3.5–4.5 kg) (I like Smithfield or Boar’s Head—reliable flavor and great texture)
• For the Honey Glaze:
  • 1 cup (340 g) honey (use raw or clover honey for deeper flavor)
  • ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed (adds caramel notes)
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) Dijon mustard (Maille brand is my go-to)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar (brightens and balances the sweetness)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves (optional, but adds warmth)
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional—zippy background flavor)
• For the Caramelized Pineapple Rings:
  • 1 can (20 oz/565 g) pineapple rings, drained (reserve juice for the glaze or basting; use fresh pineapple if in season for the ultimate treat!)
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar
  • Maraschino cherries (optional, for that retro look)
• Garnishes (Optional):
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra pineapple juice for basting or serving

Ingredient notes and swaps:

• Ham: Use boneless if you prefer, but bone-in delivers the juiciest results. If you can only find spiral-cut, decrease baking time a touch and keep an eye out for drying.
• Honey: Maple syrup works in a pinch, but honey gives the glaze its signature cling and shine.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple rings caramelize beautifully, but canned is super convenient. Use what you have.
• Brown Sugar: You can sub coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile (and lower glycemic index).
• Mustard: Yellow mustard is fine if you’re out of Dijon—just a touch sharper.

Trust me, don’t skip the pineapple. It’s the secret to that sticky, glistening crust and adds a sunny, tangy bite to every forkful. You’ll see—this ingredient list works together like a dream team for the best honey glazed ham you’ve ever made.

Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack: Essential for even heating. If you don’t have a rack, crumple foil into a ring to prop up your ham (yes, I’ve done this in a pinch!).
• Small saucepan: For simmering the honey glaze. Even a basic nonstick pot works.
• Basting brush or spoon: For slathering the ham with glaze (a spoon works fine if you’re brush-less).
• Sharp carving knife: A good knife makes slicing easy. I’ve used everything from my grandmother’s old chef’s knife to a budget-friendly Victorinox—both do the job with a little sharpening.
• Aluminum foil: To tent the ham and keep it juicy during the initial bake.
• Meat thermometer: Optional, but great for peace of mind—aim for 140°F (60°C) for reheated cooked ham.

Honestly, I’ve made this recipe with just the basics—no fancy gadgets needed. Clean your roasting rack well after (sticky glaze can linger). If you’re using a disposable foil pan, double up for sturdiness. And if you’re low on tools, improvise—this ham is forgiving and doesn’t demand perfection from your kitchen setup.

Preparation Method

1. Prep the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from packaging, discarding any plastic disk on the bone (don’t laugh—I’ve forgotten before!). Pat the ham dry with paper towels, then place it cut-side down on a rack in your roasting pan.
2. Score the Ham: With a sharp knife, gently score the surface in a diagonal crisscross pattern (about ½-inch deep). This helps the glaze soak in and gives you that classic “diamond” look.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat. Set aside ¼ cup for serving, if you like extra sauciness.
4. Glaze and Bake: Brush about half the honey glaze over the scored ham, letting it seep into the cuts. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 1½ hours (for an 8–10 lb ham), basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. If your ham is smaller, check after 1 hour. If it’s larger, add 10–15 minutes per pound.
5. Caramelize the Pineapple: While the ham bakes, toss pineapple rings with melted butter and brown sugar. About 45 minutes before the ham is done, arrange the pineapple rings over and around the ham, pressing gently so they stick. (Secure with toothpicks if they slip.) Place a maraschino cherry in each ring if you like retro flair.
6. Glaze Again and Finish: Brush the ham and pineapple rings generously with remaining glaze. Increase oven temp to 400°F (205°C) for the last 20–25 minutes, uncover, and bake until the ham is glossy, pineapple is caramelized, and glaze is bubbling. Watch closely—glaze can burn if unattended!
7. Rest and Serve: Remove ham from oven. Let it rest, tented with foil, for 15–20 minutes so juices redistribute. Transfer pineapple rings to a platter or arrange on top for presentation. Slice the ham across the grain and serve with extra glaze and pineapple rings.

Troubleshooting Tips: If your glaze starts to darken too quickly, tent with foil again. For extra-sticky pineapple, spoon a little pan juice over the rings before serving. If your ham seems dry, you probably baked it a bit too long—keep a close eye and use a thermometer for best results. And always rest before slicing—trust me, it makes a difference!

Efficiency Tip: Prep the glaze and pineapple while the oven heats. Clean as you go so you’re not stuck with a mountain of sticky dishes later.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this honey glazed ham recipe easy and bulletproof. These are the little things that take your ham from “good” to “wow.”

• Don’t skip scoring the ham. Those little cuts help the glaze soak in and give you more caramelized bits (my favorite part!).
• Bastingli> is your friend. Every 30 minutes, give your ham a quick brush with pan juices or reserved glaze. It builds layers of flavor and keeps the meat moist.
• Watch your oven temp. If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil. If it’s not caramelizing, crank the heat during the last 20 minutes—but stay close by!
• Use pineapple juice in the glaze or for basting. It adds extra tang and helps marry the sweet and savory flavors. I pour any reserved juice into the roasting pan for steam and aroma.
• Let the ham rest after baking. This step is huge. Resting means juicier slices and less mess when carving.
• Carve against the grain. Slicing perpendicular to the muscle fibers makes each bite tender and prevents chewiness.

Honestly, I’ve burned a few glazes by multitasking (learned the hard way: never leave the kitchen with sugar bubbling in the oven). If you’re short on time, you can prep the glaze and pineapple rings the night before—just keep them separate and assemble right before baking. And here’s a chef trick: a little sprinkle of flaky salt just before serving really brings out the sweet notes. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the glaze—if you like it tangier, add a splash more vinegar; for extra sweetness, a spoonful more honey does the trick.

Variations & Adaptations

One thing I love about this honey glazed ham recipe easy with caramelized pineapple rings is how flexible it is. Here are some of my favorite twists for every taste and occasion:

• Low-Sugar Version: Swap brown sugar for a brown sugar substitute like Swerve, and use a sugar-free honey alternative. The glaze still caramelizes beautifully but with fewer carbs.
• Spicy-Sweet Ham: Add 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha or chipotle hot sauce to the glaze. The smoky heat is surprisingly good against the honey and pineapple—this one’s a hit at game day parties.
• Herby Holiday Ham: Mix 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic, earthy note. I’ve done this for Easter brunch and it adds a lovely spring vibe.
• Fresh Pineapple Upgrade: Use fresh pineapple rings instead of canned. Brush with extra honey before roasting for a tropical twist.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter in the pineapple topping for coconut oil or plant-based butter—works just as well and keeps things allergy-friendly.
• Different Cooking Methods: Try the slow cooker—place ham and glaze in the crock, top with pineapple, and cook on low for 4–5 hours. The result is extra moist, though you may want to broil the pineapple separately for caramelization.

My personal favorite? The spicy-sweet version with chipotle in the glaze—a little zing wakes up the classic flavors and gets rave reviews from my chili-loving family. Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe is super forgiving, so make it yours!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this honey glazed ham warm, with the caramelized pineapple rings arranged on top or around the platter for a showstopping presentation. I like to sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of color (and, let’s be honest, to make it extra Pinterest-worthy!).

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a fresh spinach salad. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or a fruity mocktail plays well with the sweet-and-savory notes. For brunch, tuck slices of ham into warm rolls with a dab of Dijon for the best leftovers ever.

To store, let the ham cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in portions—wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat slices in the microwave with a splash of pineapple juice (keeps things juicy), or in a covered baking dish at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. The glaze gets even stickier after a day or two, so leftovers are never a bad thing!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s the scoop on this honey glazed ham recipe easy with caramelized pineapple rings (per serving, about 6 oz/170 g):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 1100mg

Ham is a great source of protein and B vitamins. Pineapple brings vitamin C and manganese, while the honey offers natural sweetness (and a little energy boost!). This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free diets (just check your mustard and vinegar labels), and swapping coconut sugar or using less honey can lower the glycemic load. Be aware: ham is higher in sodium and not suitable for those with pork allergies. Personally, I love that a small serving satisfies without feeling heavy—perfect for a balanced holiday plate!

Conclusion

This honey glazed ham recipe easy with caramelized pineapple rings is the sort of dish that makes you the kitchen hero—without a ton of effort or stress. It’s juicy, sticky, and bright with pineapple flavor, bringing back all the happy, nostalgic memories of family gatherings (with a modern twist!). You can customize it a hundred ways and still get rave reviews every single time.

I love this ham not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s fuss-free and always brings people together. Try it out, make it your own, and don’t be shy—share your tweaks in the comments or tag me if you post it on Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Now go ahead—gather your crew, slice up that ham, and let the sweet aroma fill your home. You’ve got a new classic on your hands!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my honey glazed ham from drying out?

Baste your ham every 30 minutes with the pan juices or extra glaze, and always tent with foil until the last 20–30 minutes. Letting it rest after baking helps lock in the moisture, too.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for the rings?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple rings caramelize beautifully—just slice them the same thickness as canned, and brush with a little honey before roasting.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham without drying it out?

Reheat slices in a covered dish with a splash of pineapple juice or water at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through. The microwave works, too, if you cover and heat in short bursts.

Can I make this honey glazed ham recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place the ham and glaze in your slow cooker, top with pineapple rings, and cook on low for 4–5 hours. For caramelized pineapple, broil or pan-sear the rings before serving.

What can I serve with honey glazed ham and caramelized pineapple rings?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad pair perfectly. For brunch, try buttery rolls or cheesy grits on the side. Enjoy!

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