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Perfect Honey Glazed Ham Recipe with Pineapple and Cloves

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A straightforward and satisfying honey glazed ham recipe featuring pineapple and cloves for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and warm spice. Ideal for holidays and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6 to 8 pounds)
  • 1 cup honey (raw or organic preferred)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 can pineapple rings, drained
  • 2025 whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Score the ham’s surface with shallow diamond-shaped cuts all over the fat layer, being careful not to cut into the meat.
  3. Stud the ham by placing a whole clove in the center of each diamond.
  4. Arrange pineapple rings on top of the ham and secure with toothpicks if needed.
  5. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Stir gently until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
  6. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the entire ham, including the pineapple rings.
  7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep the ham moist during initial cooking.
  8. Bake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (15-18 minutes per pound) or until heated through, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes.
  9. During the last 20 minutes, remove the foil completely and increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to caramelize the glaze and create a golden crust.
  10. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Slice the ham into thin, even slices and serve with pineapple rings either on top or chopped as garnish.

Notes

Use a basting brush with soft bristles for even glaze application. Tent the ham with foil during most of the cooking to prevent burning. Remove foil in the last 20 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Let the ham rest before slicing for juicy, tender meat. For a slow cooker option, cook on low for 3-4 hours but glaze won’t caramelize as much. Maple syrup can substitute honey for a different flavor. Check mustard and vinegar labels for gluten-free compliance.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey glazed ham, pineapple ham, holiday ham, glazed ham recipe, cloves, easy ham recipe, baked ham, holiday dinner