1-Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ham First, preheat the oven to 325°F and place the 8 to 10-pound bone-in ham cut side down in a baking or roasting pan. Score the top of the ham diagonally in a cross-hatch pattern, with lines about 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep this helps the glaze seep in for maximum flavor. For best results, scoring allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring a moist and tasty ham.

2-Step 2: Make the Glaze In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the 20-ounce can of pineapple tidbits with its juice, 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens into a sticky glaze. This step is key to achieving that sweet and tangy coating that defines the dish.

3-Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Bake Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts, and set aside about a quarter of the glaze for later. Bake the ham for approximately 90 minutes, brushing on more glaze every 30 minutes to build a caramelized layer. Regular glazing during baking creates a sticky, caramelized coating that adds a wonderful crunch and flavor it’s a simple technique that makes all the difference.
Once the ham is heated through and the glaze is nicely caramelized, remove it from the oven and brush on the remaining glaze before serving. This recipe works well with both regular bone-in and spiral cut hams, offering flexibility for your needs. If you’re looking for more ham ideas, check out our slow cooker French dip sandwich recipe for another easy favorite.