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Honey Baked Ham Recipe with Pineapple Glaze the complete guide

Tender, juicy, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor, this Honey Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday or family gathering. A fully cooked boneless chicken ham is scored and basted with a tropical glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. Topped with classic pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, then roasted to golden perfection, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy leftovers that reheat like a dream.

Ingredients

Scale

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp ground cloves

For the chicken ham:

  • 1 fully cooked boneless chicken ham (about 34 lbs)
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
  • Pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional)
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Score the surface of the chicken ham in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife. Optional: insert whole cloves into the intersections of the cuts for extra flavor.
  • Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil or parchment paper. Arrange pineapple rings over the top and sides of the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Add cherries to the center of the pineapple rings if desired.
  • Brush the chicken ham generously with the glaze.
  • Bake uncovered for about 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 20–30 minutes with more glaze, until heated through and caramelized on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze on the side.

 

Notes

  • For best results, use a fully cooked boneless chicken ham or pork ham.

  • Use 100% pineapple juice—avoid sweetened or syrup-based juices for better control of sweetness.

  • Don’t skip the scoring—it allows the glaze to penetrate and the fat to render evenly.

  • Want a bolder flavor? Add a tablespoon of honey mustard or a splash of maple syrup to the glaze.

  • Be sure to baste regularly and monitor the oven to prevent over-browning.

  • Great for holidays, meal prep, or make-ahead entertaining.