Best Easy Pineapple Ham Recipe

Pineapple ham studded with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries is a retro family holiday classic. Sweet and savory, this high protein centerpiece is festive, impressive, and crowd-pleasing.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 310 kcal
#retro holiday recipe #high protein #festive main dish #pineapple ham
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Bone-in smoked ham 5 lbs
  • Pineapple rings (canned, drained) 10 pieces
  • Maraschino cherries 20 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Brown sugar 0.5 cup
  • Dijon mustard 2 tbsp
  • Whole cloves 30 pieces
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 23%
Protein 26 g 34%
Fat 13 g 38%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 325°F. Place a rack on the lower third of your oven and line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.

  2. 2

    Set the ham on the rack, fat side up. Score the surface in a diamond pattern, then stud evenly with whole cloves for depth of flavor.

  3. 3

    Arrange pineapple rings over the ham and secure each with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring, securing with more toothpicks as needed.

  4. 4

    In a bowl, mix brown sugar and Dijon mustard into a thick paste. Brush generously over the ham and fruit to form a glaze, ensuring all exposed surfaces are coated.

  5. 5

    Loosely tent the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste with pan juices, and bake another 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes for glossy caramelization. Let rest 20 minutes before slicing and removing toothpicks.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Pineapple Ham Recipe?
The smoked ham is the central ingredient, providing savory depth and satisfying protein. Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, combined with brown sugar glaze, create the classic sweet and tangy flavor profile that defines the dish.
Q. How do I control the heat while baking pineapple ham?
Start baking at 325°F, tented with foil to prevent the glaze from burning. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue basting every 20 minutes to build flavor and ensure an evenly caramelized surface without overbrowning.
Q. How do I avoid dry ham and achieve the best texture?
Keep the ham tented with foil during the initial cooking to retain moisture. Basting with juices helps prevent drying. Allow the ham to rest at least 20 minutes after baking before slicing; this lets juices redistribute for tender, juicy pieces.
Q. How many calories and what are the macros per serving?
Each serving provides about 310 kcal, with approximately 26g protein (34%), 18g carbs (23%), and 13g fat (38%). This makes it a balanced, high-protein centerpiece suitable for special occasions.
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