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Honey-Glazed Christmas Ham with Cloves and Pineapple: The Ultimate Festive Showstopper


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
  • Yield: 10–12 servings 1x

Description

Honey-Glazed Christmas Ham with Cloves and Pineapple is a festive dish that combines the rich flavors of a well-cooked ham with a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and mustard. The ham is studded with whole cloves, which infuse it with a savory aroma, and pineapple slices are added to enhance the flavor with a touch of sweetness and tartness. The result is a dish that’s both flavorful and visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Ham

  • 1 (8–10 lb / 3.5–4.5 kg) fully cooked, bone-in ham

  • Whole cloves (about 2–3 tbsp, for studding)

  • 1 can (20 oz / 565 g) pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)

  • Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

  • Toothpicks

For the Honey Glaze

  • 1 cup honey

  • ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

  • ¼ cup Dijon or yellow mustard

  • ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the canned slices)

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice

  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)

  • Pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg


Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare the Ham:

    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

    • Line a roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup.

    • Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep.

    • Stud each intersection with a whole clove.

  • Make the Glaze:

    • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, pineapple juice, vinegar, and spices.

    • Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes).

    • Remove from heat and set aside.

  • Glaze and Bake:

    • Place the ham cut side down in the prepared pan.

    • Brush the entire surface generously with the glaze.

    • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting with glaze every 20 minutes.

  • Add Pineapple & Caramelize:

    • After the first hour, remove the foil.

    • Arrange pineapple slices over the ham and secure with toothpicks.

    • Place cherries in the centers if desired.

    • Brush with more glaze and return to the oven, uncovered, for 30–45 minutes, basting occasionally, until glossy and caramelized.

  • Rest & Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.

    • Spoon extra pan juices over slices when serving.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, baste the ham every 20 minutes while baking to deepen the glaze’s caramelization. You can also garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or maraschino cherries for a holiday-perfect presentation. Leftovers make delicious sandwiches or can be used in breakfast casseroles the next day!

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
  • Calories: 420

Keywords: Honey-Glazed Christmas Ham