If you’re looking for a festive, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, this Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy ham infused with a beautiful diamond pattern of cloves, topped with caramelized brown sugar glaze, tangy pineapple rings, and vibrant maraschino cherries makes for a stunning presentation and unforgettable taste. This dish is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that feels both classic and a little special—ideal whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner.

A white plate holds several layers of sliced ham arranged in a fanned-out pattern, showing three different groups of evenly sliced pink ham with brown edges. On top and around the ham slices are bright yellow pineapple rings placed flat, with some rings stacked in pairs. Small, round, shiny red cherries are scattered across the ham and pineapples, adding a pop of color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

As simple as it sounds, each ingredient in this gem plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that turn an ordinary ham into a showstopper. From the spices that highlight the meat’s natural richness to the sweetness of the fruit and sugar, this list covers everything to ensure success.

Fully cooked bone-in ham (6 to 8 pounds): The foundation of this recipe, providing juicy, flavorful meat that’s easy to work with since it’s pre-cooked.
Whole cloves: They add a warm, aromatic spice and create beautiful diamond accents on the ham’s surface.
20 ounces sliced pineapple (canned): Brings a bright, tangy sweetness and lovely acidity that cuts through the richness.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Essential for that golden caramelized glaze that coats the ham with sticky, sweet goodness.
12 maraschino cherries: These pop with color and add just the right touch of sugary flavor, perfectly complementing the pineapple.

How to Make Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ham

Start by scoring the surface of your fully cooked ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife—just shallow cuts through the fat layer. This not only looks gorgeous but lets the glaze seep in. Press a whole clove into the center of each diamond to infuse a subtle spiced aroma and give the ham that classic festive look.

Step 2: Start Baking the Ham

Place the ham in a large roasting pan and cover it tightly with foil to lock in moisture. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow cooking keeps the ham tender and juicy, warming it through gently while preparing it for the delicious glaze to come.

Step 3: Add the Glaze and Fruit

Drain your sliced pineapple but reserve a quarter cup of the juice—that’s key for making the glaze. Mix the pineapple juice with brown sugar to form a rich, sticky topping. Pour this glaze over the warm ham, letting it trickle into those scored diamonds for maximum flavor. Then layer the pineapple slices on top, securing a maraschino cherry in the center of each. If your fruit doesn’t want to stay put, a few toothpicks do the trick, but remember to remove them before serving!

Step 4: Finish Baking the Ham

Return the ham to the oven uncovered, and bake for another 30 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature hits 140°F. For an even more luscious and caramelized finish, spoon some of the pan glaze over the ham a couple of times during this final baking stage. This step gives you that irresistible sticky sheen and deep flavors.

How to Serve Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Recipe

Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A few fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme add a lovely herbal note and a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the shiny glaze and fruit. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans around the platter for crunch and nutty warmth.

Side Dishes

This baked ham pairs wonderfully with classics like creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a vibrant green bean almondine. Sweet potato casserole also picks up the ham’s sweet accents, while a fresh garden salad balances the meal with crisp, refreshing bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching centerpiece, serve the ham on a large wooden carving board surrounded by pineapple wedges, cherries, and sliced oranges. You can even skewer pineapple and cherry bites on cocktail picks around the serving dish for guests to nibble. If you want to make it extra memorable, place the ham on a bed of mixed greens or edible flowers for a spring or summer gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will keep happily for 3 to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy those rich flavors the next day or reheat for quick meals.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, slice the leftover ham first, then freeze in portion-sized airtight containers or freezer bags. This way, you can thaw only what you need. Frozen ham retains good quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, cover slices loosely with foil and warm them gently in a 275°F oven until heated through. Adding a splash of pineapple juice or a bit of the reserved glaze helps keep the ham moist and flavorful during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! A spiral-cut ham works just as well and can even make serving easier. Just adjust baking time slightly since pre-sliced ham warms faster, and be gentle to avoid drying it out.

Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple adds a vibrant flavor, but keep in mind it might be less sweet and has more moisture. You may want to add a touch of extra brown sugar to the glaze to balance this out.

How do I know when the ham is fully heated?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F. This ensures the ham is warmed through but still juicy and tender.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the scoring, clove placement, and glaze mixture the day before, then cover and refrigerate the ham. When ready, bake as directed, adding the glaze and fruit in the final stages for best freshness.

What can I do with the leftover glaze?

Don’t let that glaze go to waste! It’s fantastic drizzled over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a sweet touch on breakfast pancakes or waffles.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to make this Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Recipe your next go-to for celebrations or cozy family dinners. It beautifully brings together simple ingredients with a dazzling presentation and memorable taste that always gets compliments. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!

Baked Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 33 reviews

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 20 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This classic baked ham recipe features a fully cooked bone-in ham glazed with a sweet pineapple and brown sugar mixture, enhanced with whole cloves and maraschino cherries for a festive presentation. Perfect for holiday gatherings or large family meals, this dish steals the show with its tender, juicy meat and caramelized fruit topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham and Seasoning

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6 to 8 pounds)
Whole cloves (enough to stud the ham’s surface)

Glaze and Topping

1 can (20 ounces) sliced pineapple
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
12 maraschino cherries

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Instructions

Prep the ham: Score the surface of the ham by making shallow, diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern through the fat layer only—avoid cutting into the meat to keep it juicy. Press a whole clove into the center of each diamond shape.
Preheat and bake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and place the ham in a large roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Prepare the glaze: Drain the canned pineapple slices, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the reserved pineapple juice to create the glaze.
Glaze and top the ham: Remove the ham from the oven and pour the glaze over it, allowing it to seep into the scored cuts. Arrange the pineapple slices over the ham and secure a maraschino cherry in the center of each slice. If needed, use toothpicks to hold the fruit in place, but remember to remove them before serving.
Finish baking: Return the ham to the oven uncovered and continue baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 140°F (60°C), about 30 to 45 minutes. Optionally, baste the ham with glaze from the pan once or twice during this final baking stage to enhance caramelization and flavor.

Notes

Score only through the fat layer to avoid drying out the meat.
Use toothpicks to secure fruit if it doesn’t stay in place, removing them before slicing.
Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check ham temperature.
Basting with glaze during the final bake adds extra flavor and helps caramelize the ham.
Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing to retain juices.