Irresistible Pineapple Pizza Spiral Ham Recipe for Holidays

Imagine this: the savory goodness of spiral ham paired with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and a touch of pizza-inspired flair. Sounds intriguing, right? This recipe combines the best of both worlds—classic holiday ham and the flavor-packed punch of pineapple pizza. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone stop mid-bite and say, “Wow!” If you’ve ever been torn between traditional holiday flavors and bold, unique ideas, this is your answer. Trust me, it’s a showstopper.

My first attempt at this recipe was born from a mix of curiosity and a love for sweet-savory combos. I wanted to put a fun, unexpected twist on our holiday table. The result? A spiral ham so delicious it became an instant family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy holiday dinner or looking to impress the in-laws, this pineapple-pizza inspired ham will steal the spotlight—and maybe even convert some pineapple-on-pizza skeptics!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Holidays: This dish screams festive vibes and will shine as the centerpiece of your table.
• Easy to Make: Minimal prep, yet it looks fancy enough to impress your guests.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: The tangy pineapple glaze complements the smoky ham beautifully.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the pizza-inspired twist!
• Customizable: You can tweak the toppings to suit your family’s taste buds.

What sets this recipe apart is the unexpected addition of pizza-inspired flavors—think a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and a dash of marinara sauce to tie it all together. It’s a bold move, but trust me, the flavors just work. Plus, it’s a conversation starter. You’ll love watching your guests’ faces light up with surprise and delight when they taste it!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This pineapple-pizza spiral ham recipe is all about combining simple, accessible ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Spiral ham: A fully cooked spiral-cut ham (around 8-10 pounds works beautifully).
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks (I prefer fresh for the vibrant flavor).
• Marinara sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness to the glaze.
• Honey: For an extra layer of natural sweetness.
• Butter: Unsalted, melted butter to enrich the glaze.
• Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for that pizza vibe.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and savory balance.
• Mozzarella cheese: Optional, but a sprinkle on top gives a fun pizza touch.

If you want to try a healthier twist, you can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar or skip the cheese altogether. Feel free to substitute canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available—it still works like a charm!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Roasting pan: A sturdy pan big enough to hold the ham.
• Small saucepan: For preparing the glaze.
• Basting brush: To evenly coat the ham with the pineapple glaze.
• Aluminum foil: Essential for covering the ham while it bakes.

If you don’t have a roasting pan, a large baking dish will work just fine. And if you’re without a basting brush, a spoon or ladle can do the trick in a pinch!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 325°F (160°C) and position the rack in the center.
2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup marinara sauce, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Prep the ham: Place the spiral ham in your roasting pan, cut side down. Carefully pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices.
4. Add the pineapple: Scatter pineapple chunks evenly around and on top of the ham.
5. Bake the ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Optional cheese topping: During the last 10 minutes, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and bake uncovered until bubbly.
7. Let it rest: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices!

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the ham will look like a masterpiece with its caramelized glaze and golden pineapple topping!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip the basting: Regular basting keeps the ham moist and flavorful.
• Use a meat thermometer: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Go for fresh pineapple: It adds a brighter flavor compared to canned.
• Prevent burning: Cover the ham with foil during most of the bake time to avoid over-browning.
• Customize the glaze: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of soy sauce for a savory depth.

Remember, ham slices can dry quickly if overcooked, so keep an eye on it during the last 30 minutes!

Variations & Adaptations

• Low-sugar option: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Hawaiian twist: Add diced bell peppers alongside the pineapple to amp up the tropical vibes.
• Vegetarian version: Swap the ham for a hearty roasted cauliflower and use the same glaze for a unique plant-based main dish.
• Spicy kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper in the glaze.

I once tried adding smoked paprika to the glaze and it gave the ham an irresistible smoky depth—highly recommend if you love bold flavors!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your pineapple-pizza inspired spiral ham warm, sliced into generous portions. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced holiday feast. A glass of sparkling cider or light red wine complements the sweet-savory flavors beautifully.

To store leftovers, wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven or microwave individual portions for convenience.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe offers a delightful balance between indulgence and nutrition:

• Protein-packed: Spiral ham is a great source of protein, making it a satisfying main dish.
• Rich in vitamins: Pineapple provides vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting your holiday meal with natural sweetness.
• Low-carb friendly: Skip the cheese and this dish becomes a keto-friendly option.

Be mindful of sodium content if you’re watching your salt intake, and check for allergens like dairy in the optional cheese topping.

Conclusion

This pineapple-pizza inspired spiral ham recipe is a must-try for your next holiday feast. It’s bold, unique, and bursting with flavor—sure to earn you compliments all around the table. Whether you’re experimenting with new traditions or sticking to timeless classics, this ham strikes the perfect balance.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your variations or holiday experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to bookmark this recipe or share it with friends—it’s too good not to spread the joy!

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple works just as well, though fresh gives a brighter flavor.

Do I need to glaze the ham multiple times?

Yes, basting ensures the ham stays moist and absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can bake the ham and refrigerate it overnight. Reheat it with foil in a 300°F oven before serving.

What sides pair well with this ham?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and a green salad are all fantastic options!

Can I skip the mozzarella topping?

Of course! The ham is flavorful enough without the cheese, but it does add a fun pizza touch.

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