If you’re looking for a show stopping dish this Thanksgiving, my Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham is the perfect centerpiece. It combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with the sweet and tangy goodness of pineapple, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors. This ham recipe is slow-smoked to perfection, ensuring it stays tender and juicy, while the homemade pineapple glaze adds a caramelized, sticky finish that everyone will love.
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What is Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham?
Smoked Pineapple Ham Glaze is a delicious, sweet-and-savory dish featuring a bone-in smoked ham that’s slow-cooked with a rich, caramelized pineapple glaze. The glaze is made from a mixture of pineapple juice, cherry juice, and honey, which gives the ham a glossy, flavorful coating. As the ham smokes, the pineapple glaze infuses it with a balanced blend of sweet and smoky flavors. It’s not just a holiday centerpiece—it’s a party on a plate! Perfect for impressing your guests and creating unforgettable memories around the table.
What makes Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham so great?
01. Smoky and Sweet Flavor:
The balance between the smoky ham and the sweet pineapple glaze is a flavor match made in heaven.
02. Easy to Prepare:
While the ham requires some time to smoke, the recipe itself is simple, with minimal hands-on effort.
03. Perfect Holiday Centerpiece:
This ham is both visually stunning and delicious, making it a great main dish for your Thanksgiving feast.
Everything you need to make Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham:
- Ham: Use a bone-in ham for the best flavor.
- Pineapple Glaze/Brown Sugar Glaze: Made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, and honey, this sweet glaze will caramelize beautifully as the ham smokes.
- Pineapple slices
- Maraschino Cherries
- Cloves: 8-10 to enhance the ham’s flavor.
- Jar of cherries in syrup
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Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Score the surface of the ham to create a diamond pattern (spiral cut ham). This helps the glaze seep in and adds a beautiful presentation. Insert cloves into the ham, placing one in the center of each pineapple slice. Pour the syrup mixture around the ham. The total prep time would be about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey and cherry juice. Simmer until thickened.
Step 3: Smoke the Ham
Place the ham in the smoker and cook for about 1-2 hours (cook time), basting it with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 4: Final Glaze and Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, give it one final glaze, let it rest for 10 minutes, then serve.
Recipe Tips
Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a bone-in, smoked ham for the best flavor and tenderness.
Baste Frequently: Brush the ham with glaze every 30 minutes for a rich, caramelized crust.
Monitor the Temperature: Smoke the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for perfect juiciness.
Let it Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for even more tenderness!
FAQ’s & Serving Suggestions
Can I use canned pineapple for the glaze?
- Yes! Canned pineapple juice works perfectly for making the glaze.
Can I make this without a smoker?
- Absolutely! You can bake the ham in the oven at 325°F and still apply the glaze for delicious results.
Can I glaze the ham ahead of time?
- It’s best to apply the glaze during smoking to prevent it from burning.
How do I store leftovers?
- Wrap the leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
Can I use store-bought salsa verde?
- Yes! While homemade salsa verde has a fresher taste, store-bought salsa is a great time-saver and still tastes delicious.
How do I reheat leftovers?
- Cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals.
How do I reheat leftovers?
- Yes, ham freezes well. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham
Traditional Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, pepper spaghetti , tamales, and classic stuffing for a full holiday meal.
Tropical Flair: Serve with grilled pineapple rings or a fresh citrus salad for a sweet and refreshing contrast.
As you prepare this Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham, you’re sure to create a festive and delicious centerpiece for your Thanksgiving celebration. The perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Whether it’s the star of the meal or served alongside traditional favorites, this ham is bound to impress. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe adds extra warmth and joy to your holiday table. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving/Christmas!
More Healthy Recipes:
Smoked Pineapple Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 1 Ham, Bone-in
- Pineapple Glaze (pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey)
- Pineapple slices
- Maraschino Cherries
- 8-10 Cloves
Instructions
Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Score the surface of the ham to create a diamond pattern (spiral cut ham). This helps the glaze seep in and adds a beautiful presentation. Insert cloves into the ham, placing one in the center of each pineapple slice. Pour the syrup mixture around the ham.
Create the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey and cherry juice. Simmer until thickened.
Smoke the Ham
- Place the ham in the smoker and cook for about 1-2 hours, basting it with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Final Glaze and Serve
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, give it one final glaze, let it rest for 10 minutes, then serve.
Your wonderful recipe gave me a good excuse to make a ham. I usually reserve it for Easter!! It was so yummy, and the fruit garnish made it company-worthy!!
This is so good! I love the sweet, smoky flavor, and it was much easier to make than I thought it would be.
Tried this smoked pineapple glazed ham, and it’s a hit! The sweet and smoky combo is just perfect.
The pineapple glaze sealed the deal for me. Best Ham ever.
Smoked pineapple glazed ham is delicious, I tried it on a test run. I will try it again for the holidays.
I love the simplicity of this recipe. My family used to make one like this growing up in South America. Brought up great memoties. I’m going to try it for an upcoming large gathering that we are hosting.