pineapple ham glaze recipe
The Best pineapple ham glaze recipe
What I love most about this glaze is how versatile it is. Sure, it’s perfect for holidays, but it’s also great for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little more interesting than plain ham. The pineapple adds natural sweetness without being overpowering, and the hint of mustard and brown sugar gives it that classic ham flavor we all love. Plus, it’s a nice balance of protein and fruit, so it feels a little lighter than some other glazed ham recipes. I always make extra because it reheats well, and my husband will eat it cold straight from the fridge the next day. If you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that still feels like a treat, this is the one.
Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Ham Glaze
A delicious glaze combining the sweetness of pineapple with the savory depth of ham. Perfect for holiday dinners or a special weekend roast, this glaze caramelizes beautifully for a glossy, flavorful finish.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 (5-7 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1/2 cup pineapple rings (optional, for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. -
2
In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk together over medium heat. -
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce, simmering for an additional 2 minutes. -
4
Remove the glaze from heat and let it cool slightly. Reserve about 1/3 of the glaze for serving. -
5
Brush the ham generously with the glaze, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. -
6
Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound (or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F). During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with additional glaze every 10 minutes. -
7
If using pineapple rings and cherries for garnish, arrange them on top of the ham during the last 20 minutes of baking, securing with toothpicks if needed. -
8
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with the reserved glaze before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Roasting pan with rack
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups and spoons
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Ham Glaze Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet & Tangy Pineapple Ham Glaze
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple juice for the glaze?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple! Blend fresh pineapple and strain the juice to replace canned pineapple juice in the recipe. However, fresh pineapple may have a slightly different sweetness and acidity, so you might need to adjust the sugar or vinegar to balance the flavors.
2. How long should I bake the ham with the pineapple glaze?
For a fully cooked ham, bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 10–12 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 20–30 minutes. If using an uncooked ham, follow the package instructions for cooking time, usually 15–20 minutes per pound, and add the glaze during the last 30–45 minutes to prevent burning.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made 2–3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before brushing it onto the ham to ensure it spreads easily.
4. What can I do if my glaze is too thin or too thick?
If the glaze is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken it. If it’s too thick, whisk in a small amount of pineapple juice or water to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
5. Can I use this glaze on other meats besides ham?
Yes! This sweet and tangy pineapple glaze works well on pork tenderloin, chicken, or even salmon. Adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the meat you’re using, and apply the glaze during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.