Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Pineapple brown sugar glazed ham is my favorite showstopper for holidays or any time a big family table calls for a centerpiece with both sweet and savory flavors. It relies on simple ingredients to elevate a store-bought ham into something truly special and is a low-stress crowd pleaser that always brings memories of Sunday dinners at home.

This was the very first ham I hosted for Easter after moving into my own place. I can still remember how the kitchen smelled as the glaze bubbled away in the oven. Today anytime I make this, my family hovers around the kitchen waiting for the first slices.

Ingredients

• Pre-cooked ham (around eight to ten pounds): This makes things simple and keeps cooking time reasonable. Look for a ham that’s not too salty and with some marbling for extra juiciness.
• Pineapple juice: Adds tangy sweetness. Look for 100 percent juice not from concentrate if you can.
• Brown sugar: Brings rich molasses flavor. Choose soft moist brown sugar so it melts smoothly.
• Soy sauce: Adds depth and a gentle umami to balance sweetness. Use a naturally brewed sauce for best flavor.
• Honey: Provides floral notes and deep sweetness. Go for pure honey for the brightest flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Lends a gentle bite and complexity. Check the label for real mustard seeds for extra zing.
• Fresh pineapple chunks: For topping and texture. Choose golden ripe fruit and drain well to avoid sogginess.

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat the oven to three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit which is about one hundred sixty five degrees Celsius. This gives the ham time to reheat evenly without drying out.

Score the Ham:

Place your ham on a big cutting board and with a sharp knife cut shallow crosshatch lines into the surface about one half inch deep. This helps the glaze soak in and creates beautiful caramelized edges.

Make the Glaze:

In a small saucepan pour in the pineapple juice and add the brown sugar soy sauce honey and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together. Place the pan on medium heat and let it come to a gentle boil then lower the heat and simmer for five minutes to blend the flavors and thicken it slightly.

Glaze the Ham:

Transfer the ham to a large roasting pan. Pour the warm glaze all over the scored ham letting it seep into the cuts. Spoon some over the top and save a little for basting later.

Bake the Ham:

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for twenty to thirty minutes. This is really just about warming through and letting the glaze get sticky. Every ten minutes open the oven and spoon more glaze over the ham for more shine and flavor.

Serve:

Transfer the ham to a serving platter. Scatter the fresh pineapple chunks across the top. Warm the extra glaze on the stovetop if it has thickened and offer it on the side for drizzling.

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I always look forward to the moment when I spoon the first bit of glaze over the warm ham. The aroma from the pineapple brown sugar mix is my all-time favorite scent in the kitchen and the taste always brings out happy comments from my family. Each year someone asks if I will make extra glaze for their potatoes too.

Storage Tips

Store leftover ham tightly wrapped or in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage slice the ham and freeze in bags with extra glaze. It will stay juicy and flavorful and is so easy to reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap honey for maple syrup if you are out or try spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon if you like a little extra kick. If you do not have pineapple juice orange juice works in a pinch though it will taste a bit different.

Serving Suggestions

I love this ham with roasted potatoes or classic mac and cheese. Add a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or oven-roasted asparagus for balance. Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches tossed with some extra glaze or even chopped and stirred into scrambled eggs.

Cultural and Historical Context

Hams glazed with pineapple and brown sugar became especially popular in the US in the twentieth century as affordable canned pineapple inspired home cooks to get creative. Glazed hams now feature at countless holiday tables for Christmas Easter and beyond. Bringing sweet and savory together feels like a celebration and each generation adds its own twist.

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Nothing beats bringing a glistening glazed ham to the table and seeing everyone’s face light up. Whether it is a holiday or just a weekend feast this is one recipe that turns simple ingredients into lifelong memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of ham works best?

Both bone-in and boneless pre-cooked hams work well, offering juicy texture and easy carving.

→ How can I keep the ham moist during baking?

Basting the ham with glaze and covering loosely with foil helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?

Yes, blend fresh pineapple to extract juice or add diced pineapple for added texture and flavor depth.

→ What should I serve alongside this ham?

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate sliced ham in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.