Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Ham Recipe
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Holiday ham is a perfect mix of juicy meat, sweet pineapple, and caramelized brown sugar. With just three ingredients, it’s easy to make yet looks impressive on any table. Whether for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this baked ham is always a hit. The sweet glaze and pineapple rings create a beautiful finish that’s perfect for special occasions.
I love adding this to my dinner rotation, alongside my other sweet and savory favorites like apricot chicken and honey garlic pork chops. But when I’m hosting a crowd, this holiday ham is my go-to. It’s simple, delicious, and always feels special. Leftovers, if you have any, are just as tasty the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Feeds the whole table: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday party, or big gathering, this hearty ham is made for sharing.
- Big on flavor: Tender, juicy ham meets sweet pineapple and a rich brown sugar glaze for a mouthwatering dish.
- Easy prep: Spend just 5 minutes prepping, then let your oven do the hard work while you relax.
- Leftovers you’ll love: Slice it up for sandwiches, toss it in fried rice, or add it to your morning scramble for an easy next-day meal.
- Holiday ready: This impressive-looking ham is surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions.
How to Make Holiday Ham
With just a few minutes of prep, this holiday ham makes a surprisingly easy centerpiece for your parties and gatherings. Brown sugar and juicy pineapple rings add layers of flavor as it slowly bakes in the oven, turning simple ingredients into an impressive dish. Just arrange the pineapple, pour the juice, coat the ham with brown sugar, and let the oven handle the rest.
You’ll find the printable recipe card with detailed ingredients, measurements, and instructions at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients You Need
- Ham: I like using a pre-cooked spiral-cut ham with the bone still in. The bone keeps the meat extra juicy, plus you can use it later for a tasty homemade soup.
- Pineapple slices: Canned pineapple rings (with juice included) are super convenient, but fresh pineapple works great too. If you’re hosting guests, pick up extra pineapple for quick appetizers like bacon-wrapped pineapple bites or a pineapple cheese ball.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the salty ham and pineapple. It also creates a delicious crust, so feel free to tweak the amount based on how sweet you want it.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Creating this holiday ham is simpler than you might think. With just three easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful, tender ham that’s perfect for any occasion.
As the ham bakes, the rich scent of caramelized brown sugar and pineapple will fill your kitchen. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a juicy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Get the ham ready
Preheat your oven to 350 F and grab an oven-safe baking dish large enough to fit your ham. Place the ham inside, making sure there’s space for the juices to gather. Gently pull apart the slices and tuck pineapple rings between them.
Pour the pineapple juice over the ham, letting it seep into the folds to keep it moist. Sprinkle brown sugar over the entire surface, coating the ham and pineapple for a rich, caramelized finish. Since the ham is already cooked, your focus is to warm it through while blending the sweet and savory flavors.
Step 2: Bake
Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for around 1.5 hours, adjusting the time based on your ham’s size. This allows the flavors to combine while keeping the meat tender.
Check on the ham every so often, spooning the juices from the pan over the top to keep it moist. If your ham includes a glaze packet, mix it with a bit of pineapple juice and brush it on during the final stretch of baking for added sweetness.
Step 3: Serve
Once the ham is warmed through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it up, arrange the pineapple rings, and serve.
Substitutions
You won’t believe how easy this recipe is! With just three simple ingredients, you’re all set. Missing something? There are plenty of ways to mix things up with what you’ve got at home. Here are some ideas to try:
- Ham: Whole ham is traditional, but ham steaks are a great choice for smaller portions and cook quickly without losing flavor.
- Pineapple slices: If you’re out of pineapple rings, pineapple chunks or tidbits make an easy swap. For a fun twist, canned peaches, mango slices, or apricot halves add a nice fruity flavor.
- Brown sugar: No brown sugar? Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar will still give your ham that sweet, caramelized glaze.
Expert Tips
- Boost the glaze: Mixing a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard into the glaze adds a hint of sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- Enhance the flavor: Gently slice a crisscross pattern on the surface of the ham before adding the pineapple and brown sugar. This allows the glaze to soak in deeper for extra flavor.
- Add a festive touch: For a pop of color and a classic look, press maraschino cherries into the centers of the pineapple rings. Scatter extra cherries around the ham for even more color.
- Keep pineapple in place: If pineapple slices won’t stay put, secure them with toothpicks to hold everything in place while baking. Don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- Keep it juicy: After baking, give your ham at least 10 minutes to rest before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and tender.
How to Store This Recipe
Store leftover ham in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to a month. If your ham came with reheating instructions, be sure to follow those for best results. If not, simply warm the ham in the oven at a moderate temperature until heated through.
What to Serve with Holiday Ham
Holiday ham pairs with mashed potatoes, carrot raisin salad, or roasted vegetables. Cornbread makes a perfect addition for a touch of sweetness, while a fresh green salad adds some brightness. For something more filling, serve it with broccoli rice casserole, which always hits the spot.
More Main Dishes To Try
Perfectly Glazed Pineapple Holiday Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham pre-cooked
- 1 can pineapple slices with juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F and grab an oven-safe baking dish large enough to fit your ham. Place the ham inside, making sure there’s space for the juices to gather. Gently pull apart the slices and tuck pineapple rings between them.
- Pour the pineapple juice over the ham, letting it seep into the folds to keep it moist. Sprinkle brown sugar over the entire surface, coating the ham and pineapple for a rich, caramelized finish. Since the ham is already cooked, your focus is to warm it through while blending the sweet and savory flavors.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for around 1.5 hours, adjusting the time based on your ham’s size. This allows the flavors to combine while keeping the meat tender.
- Check on the ham every so often, spooning the juices from the pan over the top to keep it moist. If your ham includes a glaze packet, mix it with a bit of pineapple juice and brush it on during the final stretch of baking for added sweetness.
- Once the ham is warmed through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it up, arrange the pineapple rings, and serve.
Notes
- Mixing a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard into the glaze adds a hint of sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- Gently slice a crisscross pattern on the surface of the ham before adding the pineapple and brown sugar. This allows the glaze to soak in deeper for extra flavor.
- For a pop of color and a classic look, press maraschino cherries into the centers of the pineapple rings. Scatter extra cherries around the ham for even more color.
- If pineapple slices won’t stay put, secure them with toothpicks to hold everything in place while baking. Don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- After baking, give your ham at least 10 minutes to rest before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and tender.
