Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate centerpiece to wow your family and friends, this Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a sweet and savory showstopper. With juicy baked ham, a sticky-sweet pineapple brown sugar glaze, and that unbeatable caramelized finish, it's always a hit—perfect for holidays, Sunday feasts, or any time you want to treat your loved ones. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Deliciously balanced sweet and savory flavors with every bite.
- Simple preparation with easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying tempting leftovers.
- Beautiful presentation with caramelized pineapple rings.
- Ready in just under two hours with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) pre-cooked smoked ham, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned rings)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings, juice reserved
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
1. Prep the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove all packaging from the ham and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersections of the diamonds.
2. Arrange Pineapple and Cherries
- Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Securing with toothpicks, arrange the pineapple rings over the surface of the ham. Add a maraschino cherry to the center of each ring, if using.
3. Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves until smooth.
4. Glaze & Bake
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham and pineapple.
- Cover the roasting pan loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, baste with more glaze, and bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is beautifully caramelized and heated through (internal temp 140°F/60°C).
5. Rest & Serve
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks and transfer pineapple rings and cherries to a serving platter.
Notes
- For the best glaze, use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor.
- If your ham is larger or smaller, adjust baking time by about 10-15 minutes per additional or fewer pounds.
- Keep an eye on the glaze during the last 30 minutes to avoid burning.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze for some heat.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup and reduce brown sugar slightly.
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut alongside pineapple for extra texture.
Required Equipment
- Large roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp carving knife
- Basting brush
- Toothpicks
Storage Instructions
- Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, slice and freeze ham for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of reserved glaze or pineapple juice.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls.
- The sweet and savory flavor pairs well with tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad.
- Great for brunch with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Pro Tips
- Let the ham rest before slicing to keep juices in the meat.
- Baste frequently for a glossy, lacquered finish.
- Use the pan drippings to spoon over the sliced ham for extra moistness.
FAQ
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless ham works beautifully—just adjust the baking time as it may cook slightly faster.
What if I don't have pineapple rings?
You can use pineapple chunks or skip the fruit garnish entirely. The glaze itself will still give amazing flavor.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked hams.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) pre-cooked smoked ham, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned rings)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings, juice reserved
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove all packaging from the ham and pat it dry with paper towels.
-
2Score the fat in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersections of the diamonds.
-
3Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.
-
4Securing with toothpicks, arrange the pineapple rings over the surface of the ham. Add a maraschino cherry to the center of each ring, if using.
-
5In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves until smooth.
-
6Brush half of the glaze over the ham and pineapple.
-
7Cover the roasting pan loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
-
8Remove the foil, baste with more glaze, and bake uncovered for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is beautifully caramelized and heated through (internal temp 140°F/60°C).
-
9Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks and transfer pineapple rings and cherries to a serving platter.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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