Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze – A Sweet, Savory Holiday Classic

Byarlo Jack

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze is a timeless centerpiece that brings warmth, nostalgia, and irresistible aroma to any table. Tender, beautifully caramelized, and bursting with sweet–savory flavor, this ham is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any special meal when you want something impressive yet effortless. The sticky brown sugar–pineapple glaze creates a glossy finish and deep flavor that makes every slice unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal prep. The ham stays incredibly juicy while the glaze adds a beautiful balance of sweet pineapple, rich brown sugar, and warm spices. It’s easy to prepare, fragrant as it bakes, and looks stunning when served. The leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches, soups, breakfast scrambles, and more.

Nutritional Info

  • High in protein
  • Contains natural sugars from pineapple and brown sugar
  • Sodium varies depending on the ham variety
  • Best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal with veggies or salad

Time Taken

Total time: 1.5–2 hours

  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Bake: 1.5–2 hours depending on ham size

Ingredients

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham (6–8 lbs)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: pinch of cloves or cinnamon for warmth
  • Optional garnish: pineapple rings and maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham cut side down in a large roasting pan and score the top in a diamond pattern.
  2. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, crushed pineapple, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, and spices. Bring to a simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Brush the ham generously with the glaze and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Bake for 1.5–2 hours, basting with glaze every 20–30 minutes.
  5. Remove foil for the last 20 minutes to let the glaze caramelize fully.
  6. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze spooned over the top.

You Must Know

Fully cooked hams only need reheating, not cooking, so avoid overbaking to keep them juicy. Scoring the ham helps the glaze seep deeper inside. Basting frequently builds layers of flavor and gives the ham its classic glossy finish.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
  • Refrigerate glaze separately and warm before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
  • Use cranberry juice instead of pineapple juice for a holiday twist.
  • Swap Dijon mustard for whole grain or yellow mustard depending on preference.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or mac and cheese.
  • Add pineapple rings and cherries for a retro-style presentation.
  • Pair with a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

Seasonal Adaptations

  • Winter: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for extra warmth.
  • Spring: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the glaze.
  • Summer: Grill pineapple slices for a smoky-sweet side dish.

Success Stories

Home cooks love how simple yet impressive this ham is. Many praise the glaze as perfectly balanced and the ham as tender and flavorful. It has become a holiday must-have for countless families, often requested year after year.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t skip scoring the ham—it allows the glaze to penetrate.
  • Use a roasting rack if you want a crispier outer layer.
  • Let the ham rest before carving to retain moisture.

Chef’s Special Tips

  • Add a splash of bourbon or orange juice to the glaze for deeper complexity.
  • Broil the ham for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra caramelization, watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  • Use the pan drippings to make a quick sweet-savory sauce.

Conclusion

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze is a show-stopping dish that blends nostalgic flavors with simple preparation. Whether for a holiday feast or a special gathering, this ham delivers tenderness, sweetness, and comfort in every bite. Try it for your next celebration and watch it become a new family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cook a fully cooked ham?
No—fully cooked hams only need reheating. Baking warms the ham through and caramelizes the glaze.

Should I cover the ham while baking?
Yes, cover it loosely for most of the cook time to prevent drying. Uncover near the end for a caramelized finish.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but canned crushed pineapple with juice provides the best texture and sweetness for the glaze.

How do I keep the ham juicy?
Bake at a low temperature and baste frequently. Keep it covered most of the time and avoid overbaking.

Can I make the glaze ahead?
Absolutely—the glaze can be made 2–3 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.

What ham works best—bone-in or boneless?
Bone-in offers more flavor and moisture, while boneless is easier to slice. Both work well.

Can I use this glaze on spiral-cut ham?
Yes! Just be gentle when basting and reduce baking time slightly since spiral-cut hams heat faster.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Add a splash of water or pineapple juice, cover, and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.