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
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.
