Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Introduction
Sweet, savory, juicy, and beautifully caramelized, this Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a classic centerpiece for holidays, family dinners, and special gatherings. A tender ham is coated with a buttery brown sugar and pineapple glaze that caramelizes in the oven, creating a delicious combination of sweet pineapple flavor and savory ham.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavor
Juicy, tender ham
Delicious pineapple glaze
Beautiful caramelized finish
Easy to prepare
Perfect for holidays and family gatherings
Ingredients
1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham, about 8–10 pounds
1 can pineapple rings, 20 ounces, with juice reserved
1 cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Maraschino cherries, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.
3. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Bake according to the package directions, generally about 10–15 minutes per pound, until heated through.
5. While the ham warms, prepare the glaze. Combine the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Remove the foil from the ham and carefully separate the slices slightly.
8. Brush the ham generously with the pineapple brown sugar glaze, allowing it to drip between the slices.
9. Arrange the pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Add maraschino cherries to the centers if desired.
10. Return the ham to the oven uncovered.
11. Brush with additional glaze every 15–20 minutes.
12. Bake until the ham is hot and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
13. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a deeper golden finish, watching carefully so the sugar doesn’t burn.
14. Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Tips
Keep the ham covered during most of the initial heating to help prevent it from drying out.
Reserve some glaze for brushing during the final stage of baking.
Watch closely when broiling because the brown sugar glaze can burn quickly.
Use a meat thermometer and follow the heating instructions for your specific ham.
Letting the ham rest before serving helps retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pineapple glazed ham with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, macaroni and cheese, dinner rolls, or a fresh salad. The sweet pineapple glaze also pairs beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham combines tender savory ham with a rich caramelized glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and warm spices. It’s an impressive yet easy centerpiece that’s perfect for holidays and memorable family dinners.