Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe | Easy Dinner

Succulent, sweet, and beautifully caramelized, Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe is the ultimate centerpiece for any special occasion or holiday feast. This show-stopping dish features a tender, juicy ham glazed with a luscious blend of brown sugar, tangy pineapple juice, warm spices, and a hint of mustard, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of main course that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and draws everyone to the table with anticipation.

Each slice delivers a satisfying combination of flavors—sweet and savory, sticky and tender, with hints of tropical pineapple and caramelized sugar. Whether you’re preparing Easter dinner, hosting Thanksgiving, or celebrating Christmas, this Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe is as impressive to serve as it is easy to love. Garnish with pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, fresh herbs, or whole cloves for a colorful, festive presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe

• Holiday showstopper: This Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe is the perfect centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any celebration.
• Sweet and savory perfection: The brown sugar and pineapple glaze creates an irresistible caramelized crust that balances beautifully with the savory ham.
• Feeds a crowd: One ham can serve 10-15 people easily, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Simple preparation: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward with minimal hands-on time.
• Amazing leftovers: Leftover ham is incredibly versatile—use it in sandwiches, soups, omelets, and casseroles all week long.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Roasting Pan with Rack (at least 15 inches)
This is essential for the Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe. The rack elevates the ham, allowing heat to circulate evenly and preventing the bottom from getting soggy.

Basting Brush (silicone or natural bristle)
Perfect for applying the brown sugar and pineapple glaze evenly across the ham’s surface, creating that gorgeous glossy finish.

Sharp Carving Knife
Essential for scoring the ham in a diamond pattern and for slicing beautiful, even portions when serving.

Meat Thermometer
Accuracy is crucial—this ensures your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.

Aluminum Foil
Protects the ham from over-browning while allowing it to heat through completely.

Small Saucepan
For preparing the brown sugar and pineapple glaze and keeping it warm for multiple basting sessions.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and successful.

Preparation Tips

• Choose the right ham: Bone-in hams have more flavor, while boneless are easier to slice. Spiral-cut hams are convenient but can dry out faster.
• Bring ham to room temperature by letting it sit out for 30-60 minutes before baking—this ensures even cooking throughout.
• Score the ham in a diamond pattern before glazing to help the sauce penetrate and create an attractive presentation.
• Tent with foil for most of the cooking time, removing it only for the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
• Baste frequently with the brown sugar and pineapple glaze—every 20-30 minutes creates layers of flavor and shine.
• Let it rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, making slicing easier and keeping the meat moist.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving a beautiful, flavorful ham that’s the star of your meal.

Ingredients for This Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this spectacular, flavor-packed ham to life. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it both accessible and delicious.

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in or spiral-cut ham (8-10 lbs)
• ½ cup water or pineapple juice (for the roasting pan)
• Whole cloves for studding (optional, about 20-30 cloves)

For the Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze:

• 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• ¾ cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

• Pineapple rings (fresh or canned)
• Maraschino cherries
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
• Orange slices
• Candied pecans
• Fresh parsley

Everything in this list works together to create that perfect sweet-savory balance—the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while the pineapple adds bright, tropical notes. The garnishes are optional but make the presentation absolutely stunning.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If there’s a thick layer of fat, trim it down to about ¼ inch. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. If desired, stud the center of each diamond with a whole clove for classic presentation.

Place the ham cut-side down on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour ½ cup of water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the pan to prevent dripping and keep the ham moist.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, butter, cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping it warm.

Step 3: Initial Baking

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tented so it doesn’t touch the ham’s surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1.5 hours (about 15 minutes per pound for a pre-cooked ham). The foil prevents the ham from drying out while it heats through.

Step 4: Glaze and Caramelize

After the initial baking time, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the brown sugar and pineapple glaze, making sure to get it into all the scored lines. Return to the oven uncovered.

Continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15-20 minutes to build up layers of sweet, sticky coating. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is beautifully caramelized and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the ham from the oven and brush with one final coat of the remaining glaze. If using pineapple rings and cherries, arrange them on top of the ham and secure with toothpicks for a classic look. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm with any remaining glaze on the side.

Notes

Ham Selection: Pre-cooked hams are easiest—look for “fully cooked” on the label. Uncooked hams require longer cooking times and different temperatures.

Glaze Variations: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or apple cider to the glaze for extra depth. Orange juice can substitute for pineapple juice for a different citrus note.

Make-Ahead Option: The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not scoring the ham deeply enough: Shallow cuts won’t allow the glaze to penetrate properly. Score at least ¼ inch deep for best results.
• Skipping the meat thermometer: Overcooking dries out the ham. Always check internal temperature to ensure it reaches exactly 140°F.
• Adding glaze too early: Glazing from the start causes burning. Wait until the last 30-45 minutes to apply for perfect caramelization.
• Forgetting to tent with foil: Without foil protection during initial baking, the ham’s surface can dry out before the center heats through.
• Not basting frequently enough: Each layer of glaze builds flavor and shine. Baste every 15-20 minutes during the glazing phase.
• Using a pan that’s too small: Ham drippings need space to collect without overflowing. Use a pan at least 2 inches larger than the ham.
• Carving immediately after baking: Cutting too soon releases all the juices. Always let it rest 15-20 minutes for optimal moisture retention.
• Burning the glaze: If the glaze starts getting too dark, tent loosely with foil while continuing to bake until the proper temperature is reached.

What to Serve With Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe?

This impressive ham is a feast centerpiece, but pairing it with the right sides transforms it into a complete holiday spread. Whether you prefer classic or creative accompaniments, there’s something for every celebration.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked until golden—the perfect rich and comforting side.

Green Bean Casserole
A classic holiday favorite with tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onion topping.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet, fluffy sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows provide a delightful sweet contrast to the savory ham.

Honey Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots cooked in butter and honey complement the ham’s sweetness while adding bright color.

Cornbread Dressing (or Stuffing)
Savory, herb-packed dressing with a slightly sweet cornbread base pairs beautifully with the glazed ham.

Cranberry Sauce
Tart, sweet cranberry sauce cuts through the richness and adds festive color to the plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon bits add savory depth and texture.

Dinner Rolls or Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for making ham sandwiches with leftovers or soaking up the delicious glaze.

These pairings help round out the meal and create a memorable holiday feast that everyone will love.

Storage Instructions

Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe provides excellent leftovers—and it stores beautifully for multiple meals.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Allow the ham to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or transfer sliced portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ham (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Store leftover glaze separately in a small container.

Reheating:

Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Place ham slices in a baking dish with a little pineapple juice or water, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Add a spoonful of leftover glaze to keep it moist.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	385
Protein	34g
Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugar	24g
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	5g
Unsaturated Fat	8g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	1,450mg

This dish delivers a protein-rich centerpiece with sweet, indulgent flavors—perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the ham fully up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate it, and serve it cold or reheat slices. The glaze can also be made 3 days in advance.

2. Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless hams work perfectly with this recipe. They may cook slightly faster, so check the internal temperature at around 1 hour.

3. Is this recipe very sweet?
The glaze has a balanced sweet-savory profile. You can reduce the brown sugar slightly or add more mustard for a tangier flavor if preferred.

4. Can I make it with a smaller ham?
Definitely. Adjust the cooking time to about 15 minutes per pound. A 5-pound ham would need approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes total.

5. What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
No problem. Orange juice, apple juice, or even ginger ale make excellent substitutes with slightly different but equally delicious flavors.

6. Can I double the glaze recipe?
Yes! If you love lots of glaze, double the recipe and serve extra on the side as a sauce for drizzling.

7. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
Certainly. Blend fresh pineapple chunks and strain to get the juice, or use both chunks and juice for extra tropical flavor.

8. How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Watch closely during the final glazing phase. If it starts to darken too much, tent loosely with foil and reduce oven temperature to 300°F.

Conclusion

Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe is the ultimate holiday centerpiece that combines classic flavors with stunning presentation—all baked to sweet, caramelized perfection. With its tender, juicy meat and gorgeous glossy glaze, it’s everything you want in a celebration main course.

Perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special gathering, this Baked Ham With Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with amazing leftovers and endless serving options, it keeps giving long after the party ends. So grab your roasting pan and make your next celebration truly unforgettable.