When it comes to a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday or celebratory table, nothing compares to a beautifully glazed ham. This Pineapple-Glazed Ham combines tropical sweetness, warm spices, and a touch of tanginess to create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Plus, it’s tailored for AIP diets, using coconut nectar instead of honey and ensuring the ingredients are as gut-friendly as they are flavorful.

Why This Recipe Supports an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This Pineapple-Glazed Ham is carefully crafted with gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory ingredients that nourish the body and reduce inflammation:

1. Coconut Nectar: A Natural Sweetener

Unlike refined sugars, coconut nectar provides a low-glycemic sweetener rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants. It adds depth and caramelization while supporting stable blood sugar levels.

2. Pineapple Juice: A Source of Bromelain

Pineapple juice is rich in bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive-supporting properties. It also adds natural sweetness and vitamin C to the dish.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Spices

The warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, and cloves—not only enhance the flavor but also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. These spices are known to combat oxidative stress, improve circulation, and promote digestive health.

4. Gut-Friendly Ingredients

Apple cider vinegar supports healthy digestion and balances the glaze’s sweetness with a tangy undertone.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

1. AIP-Compliant Sweetness: By using coconut nectar instead of honey, this recipe ensures a rich, caramelized glaze that adheres to strict AIP guidelines.
2. Balanced Flavors: The combination of pineapple juice, warm spices, and a hint of apple cider vinegar creates a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors.
3. Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or a special dinner, this ham can be paired with an array of side dishes for a complete meal.

Key Ingredients and Their Anti-Inflammatory Role

1. Bone-In Ham
   • Provides high-quality protein and iron.
   • The bone adds flavor and nutrients to the dish during cooking.
2. Pineapple Juice
   • Rich in bromelain and vitamin C to support immunity and digestion.
3. Coconut Nectar
   • A gut-friendly alternative to refined sugar, rich in minerals and amino acids.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
   • Helps balance the body’s pH and supports gut health.
5. Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves
   • These spices are natural anti-inflammatory agents that enhance flavor and promote overall well-being.

Ham with Pineapple Glaze

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Calories 3204 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pre-cooked bone-in ham about 8-10 pounds
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup coconut nectar use as a honey substitute for strict AIP
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Fresh pineapple slices for garnish
• Optional: Maraschino cherries

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts. This allows the glaze to penetrate and caramelize better.
• Place the ham in a roasting pan, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, coconut nectar, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce the glaze mixture by simmering until it thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. The consistency should be syrupy but not overly thick.
• Remove the foil from the ham and brush the glaze generously over the surface, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
• Return the ham to the oven, uncovered. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until heated through, basting with additional glaze every 20 minutes. This will help to build up a caramelized layer.
• During the last 20 minutes of baking, if desired, place fresh pineapple slices on the ham and brush with a bit more glaze for added flavor and decoration.
• Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices.
• Serve with any remaining glaze from the pan drizzled over the top.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple-Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few AIP-friendly options to complete your meal:

• Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adds a crispy, caramelized vegetable to the table.
• Zucchini Noodles: A light and refreshing accompaniment to balance the richness of the ham.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Elegance: Despite its impressive presentation, this ham is surprisingly easy to make, with minimal hands-on time required.
2. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Bone-in ham provides essential nutrients like protein and iron, while the pineapple glaze adds vitamin C and antioxidants.
3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The balance of savory and sweet ensures that this dish will be a hit with guests of all ages.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a bone-in, pre-cooked ham labeled “unsweetened” to avoid added sugars or artificial ingredients.
2. Monitor the Glaze: Avoid over-reducing the glaze, as it can become too thick and difficult to spread.
3. Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the ham rest ensures juicier slices and a more flavorful presentation.

The Health Benefits of Pineapple-Glazed Ham

1. Rich in Protein: Ham is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
2. Packed with Antioxidants: The pineapple juice and spices provide antioxidants that combat inflammation and support immunity.
3. Gut-Friendly: Coconut nectar is a natural sweetener that’s easier on digestion compared to refined sugars.

Celebrate with Confidence

This Pineapple-Glazed Ham is more than just a dish—it’s a centerpiece that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or a special occasion, you can feel confident knowing it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.