This ham with pineapple and cherries is a classic recipe with one secret ingredient that really takes it over the top. The ULTIMATE holiday ham!
Pineapple and ham are a classic flavor combination that never goes out of style. This is my favorite version with maraschino cherries and a delectable glaze.
So first of all, I just have to say it: this is the best ham I’ve ever had. Once you try this ham with pineapple and cherries recipe, you’ll NEVER go back to those little glaze packets. Best of all, this ham is super easy to make but looks really impressive! Ready to make some pineapple ham?
How do you make ham with pineapple and cherries?
The ingredient list for this ham is quite simple. You’ll need whole cloves, maraschino cherries and pineapple slices to decorate the top, and the glaze is made from brown sugar, the syrup from the can of pineappple and lemon lime soda. You’re probably a little skeptical of the soda, but it’s SO good, trust me on this one! You want to get your sliced pineapple packed in syrup, not juice. The pineapple syrup helps the glaze thicken as it bakes.
This ham with pineapple and cherries recipe works best if you use a smoked ham that has not been spiral cut. Spiral cut hams are convenient, but they tend to dry out more in the oven from being pre-sliced, and it’s not that easy to get the pineapples and cherries to adhere to a sliced ham.
You may be wondering how to get the pineapples and cherries to stick to the ham, and the answer is simple: toothpicks! I use the toothpicks with the rounded ends so that I can push them all the way in without hurting my fingers, it looks prettier if you don’t have toothpicks sticking out all over the place. Also, if you have any trouble pushing the cloves into the ham, you can use a toothpick to poke the holds and then insert the cloves from there.
This ham is baked covered, and then uncovered until browned and caramelized. You’ll want to watch carefully towards the end of the baking time to be sure your pineapples and cherries don’t burn, I put my oven rack on the lowest level so that the fruit topping wouldn’t get too close to the top heating element.
This pineapple ham is sure to be a huge hit with family and friends, perfect for Easter, Christmas or any other special occasion. If that’s not enough endorsement for you, when my 5 year old saw me writing this post she exclaimed “OH, there’s that ham that I love!!”.
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Side dishes to pair with your ham
- Cranberry Jello Salad
- Bacon Green Bean Bundles
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
Ham with Pineapple and Cherries Video
Ham with Pineapple and Cherries
Ingredients
- 1 10 lb bone in smoked ham
- 1 20 ounce can pineapple slices in syrup drain and reserve syrup
- 10 maraschino cherries
- 3 tablespoons whole cloves
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can lemon lime soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the ham in a large baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple syrup and lemon lime soda; set aside.
- Use a knife to score a diamond pattern in the top of the ham, cutting about 1/2 inch into the ham. Place a clove into each diamond.
- Pour the glaze over the ham.
- Arrange the pineapple slices on the exterior of the ham; secure the pineapple slices with toothpicks.
- Place one cherry into the center of each pineapple ring, secure the cherries with toothpicks.
- Cover with foil and bake for one hour. Uncover and bake for an additional 40 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze from the bottom of the pan. Watch closely to make sure the pineapple and cherries don't burn.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks and cloves before serving.
Does this work for a boneless ham?
Yes it may just take less time to cook!
I have cooked thanksgiving dinner for the last 38 yrs, however, we usually just had turkey. As the family has grown so much recently, I am now adding ham to my thanksgiving menu. I have never cooked a ham before. Will this recipe work with a pre-cooked bone in ham shank? It looks delicious.
yes it will work with that type of ham!
I’m just wondering what lemon lime soda everyone used 😅 this is my first time making this and I want it to be as good as everyone is saying ☺️
I recommend Sprite or 7 Up!
How about for 20Lbs ham do I double recipe? Or no need 2?
Yes I’d double it!
You need to bast the ham really
Can we let the ham marinate in the sauce/glaze overnight?
Yes that’s fine!
My family loves the ham gravy and the sweetness of it. However, I have a hard time to get it thick enough to be considered gravy. I have to add so much flour that it actually tastes like flour. It used to turn out really good. What am I doing wrong? HELP!
You can pour the pan juices in a pot and bring to a simmer on the stove. Add 2 tablespoons of corn starch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water. Boil for 1 minute and the sauce will be thickened!
Except for the lemon-line pop, this is exactly how my Mom and Grandma used to cook ham when I was a kid. I still love it this way. My husband is going to cook one tonight. He didn’t understand my instructions very well. I found this recipe that he can follow instead. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Could this ham be cooked in a crockpot?
Yes that would be fine, cook for 3-4 hours on low.
My girls loved the cherries and pineapple on this ham so I’ll be making it again this year.
I love seeing these updated vintage recipes! I can’t wait to try your glaze – those packets that come with hams are terrible!
What a gorgeous holiday recipe!
This is the absolute best ham recipe! I can’t wait to make it again this year for the holidays!
This looks so interesting! I don’t have a lot of ham but come Christmas I might need to switch it up now…
Such a wonderful addition to any holiday meal. I love the addition of cherries and pineapple.
Such a great classic meal! My family loved it for Sunday dinner.
Made this for dinner today with the family. Was so pretty and the taste was fantastic!
This is the most flavorful ham!! So delicious! Thanks for sharing!
The pineapples and cherries are such a fun and fancy touch!
My kids request ham all the time! This one is my favorite!
Every Easter I wonder what to do about the ham. The thing that’s great about this recipe is it wows all my friends with all the pineapple. It is a hit!
This looks like the perfect Easter dinner!