Hawaiian ham fills the kitchen with cozy, tropical comfort as a golden glaze caramelizes into sweet, tangy perfection. Brown sugar, pineapple juice, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves perfume the air while the roast turns glossy and irresistible. A simple mix of pineapple preserves, mustard, soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar creates that bright island style balance that soaks into every tender slice. Perfect for festive gatherings or relaxed family dinners, this sunny centerpiece always earns second helpings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Ham
- Sweet pineapple glaze adds a tropical twist.
- Perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
- Easy to prepare, making it a stress-free option.
- Delicious leftovers for sandwiches or salads.
Hawaiian Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. This ensures your ham cooks evenly and gets that lovely caramelized glaze.
- Step 2: Score the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze seep in and adds a beautiful presentation.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and ground cloves. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Step 4: Brush the delicious glaze generously over the scored ham. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor!
- Step 5: Arrange pineapple rings and cherries on top of the ham. Secure them with toothpicks for a festive look.
- Step 6: Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste with the glaze every 20 minutes for that perfect caramelization.
- Step 7: Once done, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Get ready to create the most delicious Hawaiian Ham with this delightful blend of flavors!
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham – 8–10 lbs
- 1 cup pineapple juice – for sweetness and flavor
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – to add rich sweetness
- 1/4 cup honey – natural sweetness
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – for a tangy kick
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – to enhance savory notes
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – aromatic spice
- Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries – for garnish
How to Make Hawaiian Ham
This delightful Hawaiian Ham recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Perfect for any gathering!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This ensures your ham cooks evenly and gets that lovely caramelized glaze.
Step 2: Score the Ham
Score the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze seep in and adds a beautiful presentation.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and ground cloves. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
Step 4: Brush the Glaze
Brush the delicious glaze generously over the scored ham. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor!
Step 5: Add Pineapple and Cherries
Arrange pineapple rings and cherries on top of the ham. Secure them with toothpicks for a festive look.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste with the glaze every 20 minutes for that perfect caramelization.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once done, let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Hawaiian |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 120 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 150 minutes |
| Dietary | None specified |
| Serves | 10 |
| Best Served | Warm with a sweet glaze! |
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Ham
- Choose a fully cooked ham for easy preparation.
- Let the ham rest before slicing for juicier pieces.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for a vibrant glaze.
- Brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of baking for a caramelized finish.
- Pair with coconut rice for a tropical twist.
How to Serve this Hawaiian Ham
- Serve with fluffy white rice for a tropical twist.
- Pair with a fresh green salad topped with mango slices.
- Offer sweet potato mash for a comforting side.
- Include grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Top with extra pineapple slices for added sweetness.
- Serve alongside Hawaiian rolls for easy sandwiches.
- Drizzle with extra glaze for a flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Hawaiian Ham leftovers is easy and convenient:
Storing Hawaiian Ham Leftovers
- Allow the ham to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container for extra protection.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Hawaiian Ham
- Slice the ham into portions for easier thawing.
- Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then in foil.
- Label with the date and type of dish.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Hawaiian Ham
- Thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cover with foil to retain moisture while reheating.
- Heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes per pound.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is Hawaiian pizza just ham and pineapple?
Hawaiian pizza typically features a combination of ham and pineapple, but it can also include other toppings like cheese and tomato sauce. The sweet and savory contrast of the ham and pineapple is what makes it so popular!
2. How do you make pineapple glaze ham?
To make a delicious pineapple glaze for your ham, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and a bit of mustard in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then brush it over the ham before baking. This will create a sweet, caramelized crust that enhances the flavor of the ham!
3. What is ham and pineapple called?
Ham and pineapple together are often referred to as Hawaiian ham or Hawaiian pizza when served on a pizza. This combination is beloved for its unique blend of flavors that brings a taste of the tropics to your table!
4. Does Hawaiian have ham?
Yes, Hawaiian cuisine often features ham, especially in dishes like Hawaiian pizza or glazed ham. The use of sweet ingredients like pineapple complements the savory flavor of the ham, making it a popular choice in many recipes!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table to enjoy this delightful Hawaiian Ham, let the sweet aroma of pineapple glaze transport you to sunny shores. This recipe is not just simple; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together. So, roll up your sleeves, have fun, and savor every bite—your taste buds will thank you!