Sweet & Savory Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

A mouthwatering baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze promises to be the star of any gathering.

Sweet and savory notes dance across your plate in this classic comfort dish.

Tender meat gets caramelized with a sticky-sweet coating that transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Cutting through juicy layers of perfectly glazed protein that hint at tropical brightness.

The combination of smoky ham, tangy pineapple, and rich brown sugar creates a symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful recipe, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Grab your apron and let this irresistible meal inspire your next memorable feast.

Why Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Shines At Dinner

• Savor Irresistible Sweet-Savory Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and pineapple creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes, transforming an ordinary ham into a spectacular centerpiece.
• Master Easy Gourmet Technique: This recipe looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, with simple steps like scoring the ham and brushing on glaze, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs.
• Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Classic: Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or special occasions, this ham brings nostalgic flavors that everyone from kids to grandparents will love, creating memorable dining experiences.
• Elevate with Stunning Presentation: Decorated with beautiful pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, the ham becomes a stunning visual centerpiece that looks like it came straight from a gourmet magazine, impressing guests effortlessly.

Tasty Pairings For Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Craft Sweet and Tangy Wine Companions: Pair this succulent ham with a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the brown sugar and pineapple glaze. The wine's fruity notes will dance beautifully with the ham's caramelized flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Design Zesty Side Dish Matches: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or a crisp apple slaw to balance the ham's richness. These sides will provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the sweetness and adds textural contrast to the meal.
• Create Refreshing Beverage Pairings: Offer sparkling apple cider or a light craft beer with citrus undertones to enhance the ham's flavor profile. These drinks will cleanse the palate and highlight the dish's sweet and savory elements, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Prepare Complementary Bread Options: Serve with buttery brioche rolls or cornbread to soak up the delicious glaze. These bread choices will add a warm, comforting element that perfectly rounds out the entire dining experience.

New Ways To Serve Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Citrus Zest Elevation: Swap pineapple juice with fresh orange or lemon juice, adding citrus zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy flavor profile that cuts through the ham's richness.
• Spicy Smoky Spin: Mix in chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the glaze, creating a deeper, more complex heat that complements the sweet brown sugar and caramelized exterior.
• Herb-Infused Transformation: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze, allowing the aromatic herbs to infuse a subtle, earthy undertone that enhances the ham's natural flavors.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace honey with soy sauce and add ginger and five-spice powder, transforming the traditional glaze into a savory-sweet Asian-inspired coating that adds depth and complexity.

FAQ On Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Why should I score the ham before baking?

Scoring helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat and creates those beautiful diamond-shaped patterns that make the ham look more appetizing. It also allows the fat to render more evenly during cooking.

• Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just gently reheat it before brushing on the ham.

• What type of ham works best for this recipe?

A fully cooked, bone-in ham is ideal. It provides more flavor and tends to be juicier. Look for a ham that’s around 8-10 pounds for the best results.

• Is it necessary to use maraschino cherries?

Not at all! The cherries are purely decorative. If you don’t like them or don’t have them, you can skip them without affecting the taste of the ham.

What You’ll Need For Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Ham: Classic centerpiece meat with rich flavor, best when bone-in and precooked or fully cooked.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Sweet components creating caramelized coating with deep, rich flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and helps bind glaze ingredients together.
• Pineapple Juice: Provides fruity sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness with subtle acidic brightness.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances overall glaze complexity.

• Pineapple Slices: Fresh tropical fruit that adds visual appeal and complementary sweetness.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red garnish offering decorative touch and sweet accent.
• Whole Cloves (Optional): Traditional ham seasoning with warm, aromatic flavor.
• Toothpicks: Practical tool for securing pineapple and cherry garnishes.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent excessive browning and maintains moisture during baking.
• Roasting Pan: Large baking vessel for even heat distribution and easy ham preparation.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for scoring ham surface in decorative diamond pattern.

Easy Cooking Steps For Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325F (163C). Unwrap the ham and nestle it into a large roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Using a sharp knife, create a beautiful diamond pattern across the ham’s surface. For an extra touch of flavor, gently press whole cloves into the diamond intersections.

Step 2: Create a Mouthwatering Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Pineapple juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground cinnamon

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and the glaze transforms into a slightly thickened, glossy goodness. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Dress Up the Ham

Artfully arrange pineapple slices across the ham’s surface, securing each slice with a toothpick. Add a festive touch by placing a bright maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring. Secure with additional toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: Begin the Baking Magic

Generously brush half of the prepared glaze over the ham. Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for a solid 1.5 hours.

Step 5: Glaze to Perfection

Remove the foil and start the glazing dance. Brush the ham with more of the delicious glaze every 15 minutes for the next 30-45 minutes. Watch as the glaze caramelizes into a beautiful, sticky coating. The ham is ready when its internal temperature reaches 140F (60C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve in Style

Carefully remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Transfer to a stunning serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Get ready for a feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips To Get Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Right

• Glaze like a Pro: Stir the glaze constantly while cooking to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even consistency that coats the ham beautifully.
• Clove Placement Trick: Strategically insert whole cloves at diamond intersections for an extra layer of aromatic flavor and a traditional holiday presentation.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the ham with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to let the glaze caramelize and create a stunning golden crust.
• Precise Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring the ham reaches exactly 140F for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and makes slicing easier, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

How To Store And Reheat Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Refrigerate: Wrap sliced ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Package leftover ham in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 325F, place ham in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, checking to prevent drying out.

Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze delivers classic Southern comfort straight to dinner tables. Caramelized pineapple and sweet brown sugar create a memorable centerpiece that will make guests request seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds or 3.6–4.5 kilograms)
• 1 (20 ounces or 567 grams) can pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice for the glaze)

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ cup whole cloves (optional)
• Maraschino cherries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 325F (163C). Unwrap the ham and position it cut-side down in a spacious roasting pan. Create a decorative crosshatch pattern by slicing shallow diamonds across the ham’s exterior surface. Optionally, nestle whole cloves into the diamond intersections for enhanced aromatic complexity.
2. Craft the caramelizing glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and ground cinnamon in a simmering saucepan. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and let the glaze rest momentarily.
3. Artfully drape pineapple rings across the ham’s surface, anchoring each slice with a strategic toothpick. Position a vibrant maraschino cherry at the center of each pineapple ring, securing with additional toothpicks if needed.
4. Generously coat the entire ham with approximately half of the prepared glaze, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Tent the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil to preserve moisture during initial cooking.
5. Roast the ham for roughly 1.5 hours, then unveil the foil. Repeatedly brush the remaining glaze over the ham every 15-20 minutes, allowing each application to caramelize and intensify the flavor profile. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 140F (60C) as the target doneness.
6. Once cooked, extract the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute. Transfer to an elegant serving platter, drizzling any residual glaze over the top for a final flourish of flavor.

Notes

• Choose a fully cooked, bone-in ham for maximum flavor and tender meat that stays moist during baking.
• Score the ham’s surface in diamond patterns to help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant taste and texture if available.
• Customize the glaze by adjusting sweetness levels – add more honey for extra richness or reduce brown sugar for a less sweet profile.
• Ensure even glazing by basting frequently, which creates a gorgeous golden-brown crust and prevents the ham from drying out.
• Consider using low-sodium ham for those watching salt intake, and opt for honey alternatives like maple syrup for different flavor dimensions.
• For gluten-free requirements, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially mustard and vinegar brands.
• Leftover ham can be transformed into sandwiches, salads, or diced for breakfast frittatas, maximizing your meal potential.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg