Perfect Pineapple Baked Ham Recipe with Clove Glaze for Easy Festive Feasts

It was one of those chaotic holiday mornings where the kitchen felt more like a battlefield than a place of joy. I was juggling last-minute errands and a mountain of side dishes when I realized—somehow, the main event was missing. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d have time to make anything special. Then, out of sheer desperation, I grabbed a ham from the fridge that had been sitting there since last week’s grocery run. I figured, “Well, let’s just make it simple this year.”

That’s when the idea of the perfect pineapple baked ham with clove glaze came to life. I wasn’t expecting much—just a quick glaze to add some festive flair. But as that sweet, spicy aroma filled the kitchen, something shifted. The glaze caramelized beautifully, and the pineapple slices added a juicy brightness that cut through the smoky richness of the ham. It turned out to be the exact kind of comforting dish that felt like a warm hug after a hectic start.

Since then, this recipe has quietly become my go-to for any festive feast. It’s straightforward, doesn’t need fancy ingredients, and somehow manages to steal the show every time. What’s funny is how a recipe born out of chaos became the centerpiece of celebrations. There’s a subtle sweetness in the clove glaze that lingers, making you want to savor every bite without rushing. That’s why I keep coming back to this pineapple baked ham—it’s like a little reminder that even the busiest days can end on a delicious note.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Having tested this perfect pineapple baked ham recipe through countless holiday dinners and casual gatherings, I can confidently say it’s one of the easiest ways to impress without the stress. Here’s what keeps me and many others coming back:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 2 hours, this recipe fits perfectly into busy festive schedules or last-minute meal plans.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find during the holidays.
• Perfect for Festive Feasts: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a special family brunch, this ham adds a warm, celebratory touch.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike love the balance of sweet pineapple and the gentle spice of clove—always asking for seconds.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The caramelized glaze creates a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the ham juicy and tender inside.

What makes this pineapple baked ham with clove glaze stand apart is the way the glaze is crafted—not too sweet, not too spicy, but perfectly balanced to enhance the ham’s natural flavor. I’ve experimented with different glazes before, but this one nails that signature holiday taste that feels both classic and fresh. Plus, it’s forgiving if you want to prep ahead or tweak the sweetness to your liking.

Honestly, this recipe isn’t just about feeding a crowd. It’s about those quiet moments when you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal that feels thoughtfully made—even if it started as a bit of a kitchen scramble.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This perfect pineapple baked ham recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and that irresistible clove glaze without any fuss. Most are pantry staples, and you can find the fresh items easily at any grocery store during the festive season.

• Bone-in fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds) – I prefer a spiral-cut ham for easy slicing and even glaze coverage.
• Pineapple rings (canned or fresh) – fresh pineapple adds a brighter flavor, but canned works just fine and is super convenient.
• Whole cloves – these add a warm, aromatic spice that balances the sweetness perfectly. Use about 20-25 cloves for studding the ham.
• Brown sugar (light or dark) – the key sweetener that caramelizes beautifully.
• Honey – adds natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture to the glaze.
• Dijon mustard – gives a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.
• Ground cinnamon – a pinch for warmth and complexity.
• Ground nutmeg – optional, but adds a cozy holiday touch.
• Orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) – brightens the glaze and balances richness.
• Butter (unsalted, softened) – helps create a glossy, smooth glaze.

Ingredient Tips: For the best results, choose a ham with a good fat layer—it helps keep the meat moist during baking. I like to use Smithfield spiral-cut hams, which offer consistent flavor and texture. If you’re after a gluten-free option, double-check your mustard and other condiments for hidden gluten.

Seasonal swap: In summer, fresh pineapple rings bring an extra juicy brightness, but in winter, canned pineapple with its syrup works perfectly and keeps prep easy. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar by a few tablespoons or swap honey for maple syrup for a different flavor twist.

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan: A large, sturdy pan with a rack to allow even heat circulation around the ham.
• Sharp carving knife: Essential for slicing the ham smoothly. I use a serrated-edge knife for better control on spiral cuts.
• Basting brush: To apply the glaze evenly over the ham.
• Meat thermometer: To check the internal temperature, ensuring the ham is heated through but not overcooked.
• Aluminum foil: For tenting the ham during resting to keep it moist.

If you don’t have a rack, you can place the ham on a bed of sliced onions or vegetables to keep it off the pan bottom. For budget-friendly roasting pans, I recommend checking out nonstick versions—they make cleanup much easier. Also, keeping your carving knife sharp with a honing steel before serving makes slicing safer and neater.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to heat evenly without drying out. Prep time: 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and gives a beautiful finish. Use a sharp knife and take care not to cut too deep.
3. Stud the ham: Insert whole cloves into the center of each diamond. This might take a few minutes but adds that signature aroma and flavor. Space the cloves evenly for the best look and taste.
4. Arrange pineapple rings: Place pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. The pineapple will infuse the ham with juicy sweetness as it bakes.
5. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (120ml) honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons softened butter for richness.
6. Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan. Brush a generous amount of glaze all over the ham and pineapple. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
7. Roast the ham: Bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with glaze every 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check; the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham.
8. Rest before serving: Remove the ham from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
9. Carve and enjoy: Slice the ham against the grain and serve with the caramelized pineapple and any pan juices.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the glaze during roasting. If it starts to darken too quickly, loosely cover the ham with foil to prevent burning but continue basting. The smell of cloves and caramelizing sugar is a fantastic indicator that you’re on the right track.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting the perfect pineapple baked ham with clove glaze is all about balance and timing. Here are some tips from my experience:

• Don’t skip scoring: It might seem like extra effort, but scoring the ham helps the glaze soak in and crisps up the sugar on the surface.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is a game-changer. You want the ham heated through without drying it out. 140°F (60°C) is ideal for fully cooked hams.
• Glaze generously but carefully: Too much glaze early on can cause burning. Baste several times during cooking for layered flavor and glossy finish.
• Choose your cloves wisely: Whole cloves can be potent, so spacing them evenly avoids overpowering the dish.
• Timing matters: If your ham is larger or smaller, adjust cooking time by about 12-15 minutes per pound. Always rely on temperature, not just time.

One time, I let the glaze caramelize too long, and it got bitter—lesson learned! Now, I keep a close eye and cover the ham if needed. Also, multitasking helps: prep your sides while the ham roasts, so everything comes together perfectly without stress.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs:

• Dietary swap: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan-friendly glaze.
• Spice variations: Add a dash of ground ginger or allspice to the glaze for a slightly different holiday vibe.
• Cooking method: Try smoking the ham before glazing for a smoky depth, or use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach (just add pineapple and glaze, cook on low 4-5 hours).
• Fruit twist: Swap pineapple for peach or apricot slices for a unique fruity glaze.
• Personal variation: I once added a splash of dark rum to the glaze for an adult-only Christmas dinner—it brought a subtle warmth and complexity that everyone loved.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this pineapple baked ham warm or at room temperature to showcase the glaze’s sticky sweetness and juicy pineapple. Pair it with classic sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the ham tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container to preserve moisture. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat.

When reheating, cover loosely with foil and warm at 275°F (135°C) until heated through to avoid drying out. Flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so sometimes leftovers taste even better!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This pineapple baked ham offers a satisfying balance of protein and natural sugars, making it a festive yet mindful choice. A typical serving (about 4 oz or 113g) provides roughly 250-300 calories, with around 20-25 grams of protein.

Key benefits come from the ham’s high-quality protein supporting muscle health, while pineapple adds digestive enzymes like bromelain and vitamin C for immune support. The cloves bring antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making this glaze more than just tasty.

This recipe can be gluten-free when using gluten-free mustard and checking labels, and it’s relatively low in carbs compared to other holiday mains. Just watch the glaze portions if you’re managing sugar intake.

Conclusion

There’s something quietly special about the perfect pineapple baked ham with clove glaze. It’s the kind of dish that feels both festive and homey, without a lot of fuss or fancy ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a big holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, it hits that sweet spot of rich, juicy, and warmly spiced.

Feel free to adjust the glaze sweetness or spices to your liking—this recipe welcomes your personal touch. For me, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best dishes come together from simple moments and little kitchen improvisations. I hope it brings that same easy joy to your table.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you make it your own or any tweaks you discover. Sharing those stories is part of what makes cooking such a rewarding experience. Here’s to many delicious feasts ahead!

FAQs

Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is designed for fully cooked hams. The baking process heats the ham through and caramelizes the glaze without additional cooking of raw meat.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Baste the ham several times during cooking instead of all at once, and cover loosely with foil if the glaze darkens too quickly.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Warm it gently before brushing on the ham.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple adds brighter flavor and less sweetness, but canned pineapple works well and is more convenient, especially in winter.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked hams to be properly heated through.

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