Honey Glazed Ham Pineapple Salsa

This succulent honey glazed ham has been my family's go-to centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special Sunday dinners. The sweet, spiced glaze creates a gorgeous caramelized exterior while the bright pineapple salsa adds a perfect fresh contrast that elevates this classic dish to something truly memorable.

I first made this recipe when hosting my first Christmas dinner as a newlywed. Despite my cooking anxiety, this ham turned out so beautifully that it became our tradition, and now my children help prepare the pineapple salsa while I glaze the ham.

Ingredients

• Fully cooked bone in ham about 5.5 pounds: provides the perfect foundation and the bone adds tremendous flavor to the meat while cooking
• Honey: creates that signature glossy glaze and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory ham
• Brown sugar: deepens the caramelization and adds rich molasses notes
• Dijon mustard: balances the sweetness with a tangy depth that complements the pork perfectly
• Apple cider vinegar: adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat
• Ground cinnamon: warm spice note that enhances the holiday feeling of this dish
• Ground cloves: traditional ham pairing that provides aromatic depth
• Fresh pineapple: delivers juicy sweetness and acidity in the salsa look for one with a fragrant bottom and golden color
• Red bell pepper: adds color crunch and vitamin C to the salsa
• Red onion: provides sharp contrast to the sweet elements in the salsa
• Jalapeño: introduces a gentle heat that balances the sweet components
• Fresh cilantro: brightens the entire dish with herbaceous notes
• Lime juice: adds necessary acidity to make the salsa flavors pop

Instructions

Prepare the Ham:

Place your ham cut side down in a large roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the fat cap in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This creates more surface area for the glaze to penetrate and produces those beautiful caramelized edges everyone fights over.

Create the Glaze:

Combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and you have a smooth, fragrant mixture. The aroma will be intoxicating a perfect blend of sweet and spice.

Initial Glazing:

Brush half of your prepared glaze generously over the entire ham, ensuring you work it into all those diamond score marks. Take your time with this step as it ensures flavor penetrates beyond just the surface. The glaze should coat the ham evenly, creating a sticky base that will caramelize beautifully.

First Baking Phase:

Cover the ham loosely with foil this prevents the surface from drying out or burning while the interior warms through. Bake at 325°F for one hour. The foil creates a gentle steaming environment that helps keep the ham moist while it heats.

Complete the Glazing:

Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze all over the ham. This second application is crucial for developing that showstopping caramelized exterior. The initial layer will have partially set, and this fresh coat revitalizes the surface for the final cooking phase.

Final Baking:

Continue baking uncovered for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices. This repeated basting is the secret to achieving that glistening, lacquered finish. You will see the surface transform from shiny to deeply caramelized with edges that become tantalizingly crisp.

Prepare the Salsa:

While the ham finishes baking, combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving time. The flavors will meld together beautifully while the ham rests.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Slice along the natural muscle lines and serve with generous spoonfuls of the bright, tangy pineapple salsa alongside.

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The honey in this recipe holds a special place in my heart. I source it from a local beekeeper who has become a friend over the years. The first time I used his wildflower honey in this glaze, my father in law who rarely comments on food proclaimed it the best ham he had ever tasted. That moment cemented this recipe as our family tradition.

Make Ahead Options

This honey glazed ham is perfect for stress free entertaining because much of the work can be done ahead of time. The pineapple salsa actually improves when made 12 24 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply warm it gently before applying to the ham. The entire ham can even be baked a day ahead, sliced when cool, and gently reheated covered in a low oven with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Leftover Transformations

Leftover ham is arguably even more exciting than the main event. Store it properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Transform it into spectacular breakfast dishes like ham and cheese frittatas or ham and potato hash. For lunch, nothing beats a sandwich made with leftover ham, a smear of whole grain mustard, and a bit of the remaining pineapple salsa. Dinner possibilities include ham and bean soup, ham fried rice, or diced ham added to mac and cheese. The ham bone itself is liquid gold save it to make incredible stock for split pea soup.

Perfect Pairings

This honey glazed ham creates a beautiful centerpiece that deserves thoughtful accompaniments. For starches, consider scalloped potatoes, which provide creamy richness that contrasts with the sweet glazed ham. Sweet potato casserole with its complementary flavors works wonderfully, or try a wild rice pilaf for a nutty, earthy balance. For vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze offer pleasant bitterness that cuts through the ham's richness. Asparagus with lemon butter sauce provides fresh, spring like notes. For beverages, an off dry Riesling or a sparkling apple cider complements both the sweet glaze and the tangy salsa beautifully.

Seasonal Adaptations

Winter version Add cranberries to the salsa and incorporate orange zest into the glaze. Spring variation Include fresh mint in the salsa and add a touch of lavender to the glaze. Summer adaptation Grill the pineapple before dicing for the salsa for smoky depth.

Success Stories

I received an email from a reader named Melissa who was terrified of cooking for her in laws for the first time. She chose this recipe and reported back that her father in law actually took a photo of the ham to show his golf buddies. Another reader, James, adapted the recipe for his food truck, creating a honey glazed ham sandwich with pineapple salsa that became his bestselling item. Perhaps most touching was hearing from Sara, who made this for her grandmother with dementia, who had a moment of clarity and said it reminded her of the hams her own mother used to make.

Save

Every time I serve this honey glazed ham, I'm reminded that sometimes the most straightforward recipes become the most cherished traditions. The combination of sweet, sticky glaze and bright, fresh salsa creates a perfect harmony that has graced our family table for years. Whether for a holiday gathering or a special Sunday dinner, this ham brings people together in the best possible way around delicious food made with care.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I prevent the ham from drying out while baking?

Tent the ham loosely with foil during the initial bake and baste with glaze for moisture and flavor. Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.

→ Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the salsa a few hours in advance and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps it fresh for serving.

→ Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard in the glaze?

Yellow or whole grain mustard works as an alternative, but each brings a slightly different flavor to the glaze.

→ What side dishes pair well with this main?

Try it with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad. A glass of Riesling also complements the flavors nicely.

→ How can I adjust the spice level of the salsa?

Remove or add more jalapeño seeds, or include chili flakes, to customize the salsa’s heat to your preference.

→ Are leftovers good for sandwiches?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced ham pairs deliciously with breads, cheese, and extra salsa for easy next-day meals.