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

Succulent ham carries a sweet-tangy brown sugar glaze that promises pure culinary delight.

Pineapple rings nestled around this centerpiece create a visual spectacle of flavor.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic combination with good reason.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of smoky meat and caramelized sweetness.

The glazing technique transforms an ordinary ham into something extraordinary.

Crisp edges and glistening surfaces hint at the deliciousness waiting on your plate.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Best Bits of Baked Ham with Pineapple Glaze

• Create a show-stopping main dish that instantly elevates any holiday or family gathering with minimal professional cooking skills.
• Easily convert a basic ham into a gourmet masterpiece using simple pantry ingredients and a deliciously sticky, caramelized glaze that adds incredible depth and sweetness.
• Follow straightforward step-by-step instructions that guarantee a perfectly glazed ham with beautiful presentation, ensuring success even for novice home cooks who want impressive results.
• Serve this ham at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion where you want to delight guests with a classic recipe that combines traditional flavors and stunning visual appeal.

Ingredients for Baked Ham Glaze Perfection

• Ham: Classic centerpiece meat with rich flavor, traditional holiday main dish. Bone-in ham recommended for deeper taste. City or country ham will work well.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Sweet base for caramelization and glossy coating. Helps create beautiful golden-brown exterior. Natural sweeteners enhance ham's flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy depth and balanced complexity to glaze. Adds subtle sharpness and warmth.
• Pineapple Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates bright, acidic balance to sweet ingredients. Helps tenderize meat and adds vibrant flavor.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements sweet glaze. Adds subtle aromatic depth.

• Pineapple Slices: Classic ham decoration with tropical sweetness. Fresh or canned pineapple acceptable.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red accent that adds visual appeal and sweet touch. Optional but traditional garnish.

• Whole Cloves: Optional aromatic spice for traditional ham preparation. Adds subtle fragrance between scored ham lines.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent excessive browning during initial baking phase.
• Toothpicks: Secures pineapple slices and cherries during baking.

How to Bake Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 325F (163C). Unwrap the ham completely and place it in a spacious roasting pan with the cut side facing down. Take a sharp knife and create elegant diamond patterns across the ham’s surface. For an extra touch of classic flavor, gently press whole cloves into the diamond intersections.

Step 2: Whip Up a Sensational Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Pineapple juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Cinnamon

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and the glaze transforms into a slightly thickened liquid (around 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Decorate with Tropical Flair

Artfully arrange pineapple slices across the ham’s surface. Secure each slice with a toothpick. Place a vibrant maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, using additional toothpicks if needed.

Step 4: First Baking Session

Generously brush half of the glaze over the ham. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours.

Step 5: Caramelize and Elevate

Remove the foil and begin the glazing magic. Brush more glaze over the ham every 15 minutes for the next 30-45 minutes. Watch as the glaze transforms into a beautiful caramelized coating. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140F (60C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve in Style

Carefully remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Transfer to a stunning serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for a final burst of flavor.

Helpful Notes for Juicy Holiday Ham

• Select the Perfect Ham: Choose a bone-in, fully cooked ham for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring juicy results every time.
• Score with Precision: Create diamond patterns carefully to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize evenly across the ham's surface.
• Manage Glaze Thickness: Cook the glaze slowly to achieve a perfect syrupy consistency that will beautifully coat and enhance the ham's flavor profile.
• Control Caramelization: Watch the ham closely during the final glazing stage to prevent burning while achieving a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
• Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust the brown sugar and honey quantities to suit personal taste preferences or dietary requirements.

Keeping Baked Ham Moist for Leftovers

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Slice ham into smaller portions to help cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the refrigerator. Properly stored ham stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Warm ham slices in the oven at 325F (163C) to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and heat until internal temperature reaches 140F (60C), which takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to keep the ham juicy and tender. Avoid microwaving large portions to prevent uneven heating.

Sides That Complement Pineapple Ham

• Opt for a slightly sweet Riesling with soft acidity that complements the ham's rich, caramelized glaze. German or Washington state Rieslings work perfectly, balancing the sweet pineapple and brown sugar notes.
• Create a colorful side of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Their caramelized edges and earthy flavors will contrast beautifully with the ham's sweet and tangy profile.
• Prepare a light quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. This protein-packed side adds texture and a fresh, green counterpoint to the rich, glazed ham.
• Toss together a zesty salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and a light citrus vinaigrette. The bright, acidic elements will cut through the ham's sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Glaze Variations for Baked Hams

• Honey-Free Ham: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet profile while maintaining similar consistency and flavor depth.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium ham and substitute apple cider vinegar with fresh orange juice to cut salt content without losing taste complexity.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that elevates the classic recipe's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free and verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort meets tropical delight in this classic Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze. Succulent ham slices caramelize under a golden, sticky glaze that balances smoky, tangy, and sugary notes for a memorable centerpiece you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
• 1 (20 ounces) can pineapple slices, drained
• ½ cup whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
• Maraschino cherries (optional)

Glaze Ingredients:

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

Spice Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the ham by unwrapping and positioning in a spacious roasting pan with the cut side facing downward. Create intricate diamond-shaped scoring across the surface using a sharp knife. Optionally, insert whole cloves at the diamond intersections for enhanced flavor complexity.
2. Craft the glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, continuously stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.
3. Decorate the ham’s surface with pineapple slices, carefully anchoring each slice with a toothpick. Place a vibrant maraschino cherry at the center of each pineapple ring, securing with additional toothpicks if needed.
4. Apply approximately half of the prepared glaze evenly across the ham’s surface. Shield the meat loosely with aluminum foil and transfer to a preheated oven set at 325F (163C).
5. After initial baking, remove the foil and generously recoat the ham with glaze every quarter-hour. Monitor the meat’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 140F (60C) while allowing the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich, glossy appearance.
6. Once completed, extract the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for fifteen minutes. This resting period helps redistribute the internal juices. Transfer to an elegant serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for additional flavor intensity.

Notes

• Select a bone-in ham for maximum flavor and moisture retention during baking.
• Choose high-quality honey and real pineapple juice to enhance the glaze’s depth and authenticity.
• Avoid overcooking by monitoring the ham’s internal temperature closely to prevent dryness.
• Consider using low-sodium ham for those watching salt intake, and substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative for diabetic-friendly options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 363
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg