Juicy Tropical Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Sweet aromas of caramelized brown sugar and tangy pineapple waft through the kitchen when baking a succulent ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze.

This classic centerpiece dish promises a delightful blend of flavors that dance on your palate.

Tender ham slices become irresistibly glossy when brushed with a golden, sticky glaze that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Each bite promises a burst of rich, honeyed complexity that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

The simple yet elegant combination of ingredients elevates this ham from mundane to extraordinary.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress with a show-stopping main course that celebrates classic comfort food.

Glaze Variations for Your Baked Ham Recipe

• Quick tips to elevate your ham game and make it unforgettable.
• Insert whole cloves sparingly to add depth without overwhelming the ham's natural flavor. Space them evenly for a beautiful, traditional presentation.
• Prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator. This saves time and allows flavors to develop more intensely.
• Use reduced-sodium ham and replace some brown sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to cut down on salt content without sacrificing taste.
• Shred remaining ham for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast frittatas. The pineapple glaze adds a delightful sweet-tangy twist to repurposed meat.
• Ensure all ingredients like mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free. Double-check packaged ham to confirm it meets dietary restrictions.

Ways to Serve Baked Ham With Sides and Sauces

• Festive Family Feast: Gather loved ones around this show-stopping centerpiece ham that'll have everyone talking.
• Elegant Holiday Presentation: Carefully arrange ham on a large wooden board with fresh rosemary sprigs, creating a stunning visual display that screams gourmet holiday meal.
• Sweet and Savory Side Pairings: Complement the ham's rich flavors with creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted green beans with almonds, and a crisp winter salad with cranberries and goat cheese.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Slice leftover ham and store in airtight containers for delicious sandwiches, breakfast frittatas, or hearty split pea soup the next day.

Store and Slice Baked Ham for Next-Day Meals

• Store leftover ham in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping slices neatly separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerated ham stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Wrap individual ham portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham maintains optimal quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Revive cold ham by placing slices in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover with foil and warm in a 325F oven for 10-15 minutes, ensuring moisture retention and preventing dryness.
• Repurpose remaining ham into delicious meals like breakfast omelets, hearty soups, salad toppers, or diced additions to mac and cheese. Chop ham into small, uniform pieces for easy integration into various recipes.

FAQs

• Why score the ham before baking?

Scoring allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior. The diamond pattern also helps the ham cook more evenly and absorb more flavor.

• Can I use a different type of mustard in the glaze?

Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick, but you can substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to the glaze.

• How do I know the ham is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140F (60C). This ensures the ham is heated through and safe to eat while maintaining its moisture and tenderness.

• Is it necessary to use whole cloves?

Cloves are optional but add a traditional, warm spice flavor to the ham. If you don’t enjoy cloves or don’t have them, you can skip this step without affecting the overall recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze Essentials

• Ham: Select a high-quality, pre-cooked ham with good marbling for rich flavor and tender texture.
• Cloves: Aromatic spice that adds warm, fragrant undertones and classic holiday essence to the ham.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and helps create gorgeous golden-brown caramelization.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind glaze ingredients with silky smoothness.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy complexity and depth to balance the sweetness.
• Pineapple Juice: Brings bright, tropical acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes subtle tartness and helps cut through rich ham flavors.
• Cinnamon: Offers warm, sweet-spicy undertone that complements the ham's richness.

• Pineapple Slices: Creates beautiful presentation and adds sweet-tart flavor contrast.
• Maraschino Cherries: Provides pop of vibrant color and nostalgic retro charm.
• Toothpicks: Essential for securing pineapple and cherry garnishes during baking process.

Tools for Preparing Baked Ham with Glaze

• Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan to hold and bake the ham.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for scoring the ham's surface in a diamond pattern.
• Medium Saucepan: Needed to prepare the delicious brown sugar glaze.
• Toothpicks: Perfect for securing pineapple slices and cherries to the ham.
• Pastry Brush: Ideal for evenly spreading the glaze over the ham.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the ham during initial baking.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure the ham reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Serving Platter: For presenting the beautifully glazed ham.

How to Cook Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F and grab your ham from the fridge. Pop it into a roasting pan with the cut side facing down. Take a sharp knife and create a beautiful diamond pattern across the surface, adding whole cloves if you’re feeling fancy.

• Whip Up the Sweet Sauce

In a saucepan, blend brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of cinnamon. Cook thisal mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar melts and the sauce starts to thicken like a dream.

• Dress Up the Ham

Artfully place pineapple slices across the ham’s surface, securing each slice with a toothpick. For an extra touch of charm, nestle a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

• Bake and Glaze

Generously brush half the glaze over the ham and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it bake for about 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

• Caramelize and Perfect

Remove the foil and start brushing on more glaze every 15 minutes. Watch as the ham transforms with a beautiful caramelized finish. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 140F.

• Rest and Serve

Pull the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Transfer to a stunning serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze on top for that final touch of deliciousness.

Succulent Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Succulent baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze brings classic Southern comfort to your holiday table. Juicy ham slices complement sweet-tangy pineapple, creating a memorable centerpiece for festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs / 3.6–4.5 kg)
• 20 oz / 567 g can pineapple slices, drained
• ½ cup whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
• Maraschino cherries (optional)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position ham in a roasting pan with the cut side down. Create diamond-shaped scoring across the surface and optionally insert whole cloves at intersection points for enhanced flavor complexity.
2. Glaze Creation: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Heat and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens into a glossy consistency.
3. Decorative Arrangement: Adorn ham with pineapple slices, securing each with a toothpick. Place a maraschino cherry at the center of each pineapple ring, fastening with additional toothpicks if necessary.
4. Initial Baking: Brush ham with half the prepared glaze. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and roast in a preheated oven at 325F (163C). Periodically baste with remaining glaze, ensuring an even caramelization and monitoring internal temperature.
5. Finishing Touch: Remove foil during final baking phase to allow glaze to develop a rich, golden-brown crust. Confirm internal temperature reaches 140F (60C) for optimal doneness.
6. Serving Presentation: Allow ham to rest for fifteen minutes after removing from oven. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzling any residual glaze over the surface to intensify flavor profile and create an appetizing appearance.

Notes

• Select Quality Ham: Choose a pre-cooked, bone-in ham for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring even cooking and juicier results.
• Master Scoring Technique: Cut diamond patterns carefully and shallowly to help glaze penetrate without drying out the meat, creating visual appeal and flavor channels.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Simmer glaze slowly to prevent burning, watching for a syrupy texture that coats the back of a spoon without becoming too thick or runny.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, checking internal temperature at multiple points to guarantee even heating and prevent dryness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg