Maple-Glazed Baked Ham with Pineapple and Clove Studs
A tender baked ham glazed with sweet maple syrup, studded with aromatic cloves and topped with caramelized pineapple slices for a classic Easter centerpiece. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 105 minutes combines pounds bone-in ham, maple syrup, whole cloves into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 10, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pounds bone-in ham
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 20 whole cloves
- 8 rings pineapple rings
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the surface of the 6-pound bone-in ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep, then stud 20 whole cloves into the intersections.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Step 3: Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the ham. Arrange 8 pineapple rings on top, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F and the glaze is caramelized.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Baked Ham with Pineapple and Clove Studs take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Baked Ham with Pineapple and Clove Studs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Baked Ham with Pineapple and Clove Studs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Baked Ham with Pineapple and Clove Studs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Baked Ham with Pineapple and Clove Studs?
American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
