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Perfect Honey Dijon Glazed Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Crust

Honey Dijon Glazed Ham - featured image

A quick and easy glazed ham recipe featuring a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze with a caramelized pineapple brown sugar crust, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in fully cooked ham (6-8 pounds), pre-sliced if possible
  • 1/4 cup honey (preferably raw local honey)
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard (smooth, creamy brand like Grey Poupon)
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup canned pineapple rings, drained (reserve pineapple juice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • Black pepper to taste, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern about 1/2-inch deep using a sharp knife.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and cloves if using. Whisk until smooth. Stir in about 1/4 cup pineapple juice to thin the glaze slightly.
  4. Place the ham on a rack inside a roasting pan, fat side up. Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored lines.
  5. Arrange pineapple rings over the surface of the ham, tucking some brown sugar between slices for extra caramelization. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
  6. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until heated through and internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste with more glaze every 20-30 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the crust to caramelize and become sticky. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Carve and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

If glaze thickens too much while basting, warm it slightly to keep it spreadable. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest ham before slicing to keep it juicy. For variations, try adding cayenne for spice or substituting maple syrup for honey. Fresh pineapple can be caramelized before use. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham recipe, honey Dijon glaze, pineapple brown sugar crust, holiday ham, glazed ham, easy ham recipe, holiday main dish