Holiday ham is the ultimate mix of sweet, savory, and downright delicious. Juicy ham gets a boost from tangy pineapple and rich brown sugar, creating a flavor combo that’s hard to resist. Just heat the oven, arrange the ham and pineapple, and let it bake until perfectly tender. With only three ingredients, it’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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.
Serve: Serve your holiday ham with mashed potatoes, carrot raisin salad, or roasted veggies. Add cornbread or a green salad.Store: Keep leftover holiday ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for a month. Follow package reheating instructions if available, or warm it in the oven at a moderate temperature until heated through.