Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Baked sliced ham with pineapple glaze is a show-stopping dish that combines savory and sweet flavors in the most delicious way. The salty, tender ham is complemented by a tangy, sweet pineapple glaze that creates a rich, caramelized coating as it bakes. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect baked sliced ham with pineapple glaze, from selecting the right ham to the step-by-step baking process.

Why Choose Baked Sliced Ham?

Baked ham is a classic dish known for its tender texture and the deep, savory flavor that comes from slow-roasting. By glazing the ham with pineapple and a few key ingredients, you can enhance its natural taste and create a caramelized finish that’s full of flavor. The combination of sweet pineapple with ham’s saltiness is a timeless pairing that never fails to delight.

Nutritional Benefits of Ham

Ham is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. While it’s important to enjoy ham in moderation due to its sodium content, it can be part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables or fruit like pineapple.

Ingredients for Baked Sliced Ham with Pineapple Glaze

To prepare baked sliced ham with pineapple glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Ham:

1 bone-in or boneless ham (about 3-4 lbs), pre-sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for roasting)

For the Pineapple Glaze:

1 cup pineapple juice
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra spice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Sliced Ham with Pineapple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

If you’re using a pre-sliced ham, make sure each slice is about 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking. If you’re using a whole ham, simply slice it after baking or use a sharp knife to make deep cuts across the top to create a crisscross pattern, which allows the glaze to soak into the meat.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil or non-stick spray and place the ham slices in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, soy sauce, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
Once the mixture comes to a simmer, lower the heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then slowly whisk this into the simmering glaze. Stir continuously until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy.
Remove the glaze from heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Brush a generous amount of the pineapple glaze over the ham slices, making sure to coat each slice well. If using a whole ham, pour the glaze over the top and along the sides.
Reserve some glaze for basting during the baking process.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil and place the ham in the preheated oven.
Bake for about 1.5-2 hours (or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F or 60°C). Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes to ensure that it gets a nice caramelized coating.
After about 1.5 hours, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes to allow the glaze to set and become golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the ham moist and flavorful.

Serve the ham slices with the remaining pineapple glaze on the side, and garnish with fresh pineapple rings or sprigs of rosemary if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Baked sliced ham with pineapple glaze pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its sweet and savory flavor. Here are a few ideas:

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes make excellent sides for ham. Their earthy flavors balance the sweetness of the pineapple glaze.

2. Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the tender ham.

3. Green Beans Almondine

Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds offer a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the ham.

4. Rice Pilaf

A light, flavorful rice pilaf with herbs or a citrusy rice dish will complement the richness of the ham.

Tips for the Best Baked Sliced Ham

Choose the Right Ham

For the best results, choose a high-quality ham that is pre-sliced for easy preparation. You can opt for a bone-in ham for extra flavor or a boneless one for convenience.

Glaze Consistency

The pineapple glaze should be thick enough to coat the ham, but not too thick that it becomes difficult to spread. If it becomes too thick, simply add a little more pineapple juice or water to thin it out.

Add More Flavors

You can customize the glaze by adding flavors like ginger, cloves, or orange juice to enhance the complexity of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Ham

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration

Allow the ham to cool completely before storing.
Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice it into portions before freezing for easy reheating.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Baked sliced ham with pineapple glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The caramelized pineapple glaze adds a depth of flavor that enhances the natural taste of the ham, making it a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or any time you’re craving a delicious meal. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a show-stopping dish that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds.

Stay tuned for the next recipe in our series: Baked Turkey Meatballs with Marinara Sauce!