Sweet Island Glazed Ham: Pineapple & Brown Sugar Recipe

A perfectly glazed baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze brings a burst of sweetness to any dinner table.

Succulent ham meets the tropical tang of pineapple in this classic comfort dish.

The rich, caramelized brown sugar creates a stunning golden coating that seals in moisture and flavor.

Each slice promises a delectable blend of smoky meat and sweet, sticky glaze that melts in your mouth.

Festive and easy to prepare, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a celebration.

The combination of juicy ham, zesty pineapple, and rich brown sugar will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes In Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Ham: Select a pre-cooked, bone-in ham for maximum flavor and tenderness, ensuring even cooking and juicy results.

• Brown Sugar: Provides rich caramelization and deep sweetness that creates a gorgeous glaze.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky coating on the ham.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a tangy, sharp undertone that balances the sweet elements.
• Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the glaze and complements the ham's richness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic brightness to cut through the sweetness.

• Pineapple Slices: Creates a classic tropical presentation with sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with ham.
• Maraschino Cherries: Adds vibrant color and nostalgic retro charm to the dish.
• Whole Cloves: Optional aromatic spice that infuses traditional flavor into the ham's surface.

Tools For Baking Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze

• Large roasting pan: Sturdy dish for baking the ham evenly.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for scoring ham's surface and creating diamond pattern.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for preparing the delicious glaze.
• Toothpicks: Helpful for securing pineapple slices and cherries.
• Pastry brush: Great for applying glaze smoothly over the ham.
• Aluminum foil: Prevents ham from burning during initial baking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures ham reaches safe internal temperature.
• Serving platter: Elegant way to present your beautifully glazed ham.

How To Glaze Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy 325F. Find a spacious roasting pan that will cradle your ham perfectly. Gently place the ham in the pan, positioning it with the cut side facing down.

• Surface Design

Using a sharp knife, create a beautiful diamond pattern across the ham’s surface. Optional: Tuck whole cloves into the diamond intersections for an extra burst of flavor.

• Sweet and Tangy Glaze

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and a whisper of cinnamon. Let these ingredients dance together over medium heat until they transform into a glossy, slightly thickened glaze.

• Pineapple Decorations

Dress up the ham with golden pineapple slices, securing each one with a playful toothpick. Add a pop of color by nestling a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.

• Baking Magic

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

• Caramelization Finale

Remove the foil and continue brushing the ham with remaining glaze every 15 minutes. Watch as the surface transforms into a glistening, caramelized masterpiece. The ham is ready when its internal temperature reaches 140F.

• Serving Celebration

Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes, letting the juices settle. Transfer to a stunning serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze on top for an irresistible finish.

Ways To Adjust Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Flavors

• Glazing Genius: Use a silicone basting brush for even glaze distribution without mess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
• Ham Hacks for Different Diets: For low-sodium needs, choose a lower-sodium ham variety and reduce added salt in the glaze. Gluten-free eaters can confirm mustard and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Flavor Fusion Alternatives: Swap pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrusy twist. Replace maraschino cherries with fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a tart burst of color.
• Temperature Precision: Use a digital meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking, ensuring the ham remains juicy and tender throughout.

Plating Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze For Guests

• Festive Centerpiece Delight: Create a stunning holiday table display by placing the glazed ham on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs, kumquats, and whole cranberries for a vibrant, festive presentation.
• Flavor-Packed Side Companions: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted honey-glazed carrots, and a crisp green bean almondine to complement the sweet and tangy ham flavors.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Slice leftover ham and store in airtight containers for quick sandwiches, breakfast frittatas, or diced additions to hearty soups and salads throughout the week, maximizing your delicious ham's potential.
• Brunch Transformation Trick: Chop remaining ham and fold into a cheesy quiche or use as a topping for eggs benedict, turning your elegant dinner centerpiece into a next-day brunch star.

Storing Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Safely

• Fridge Storage Solutions: Keep leftover ham tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or sealed plastic wrap. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal freshness. Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Quick Slice Strategy: Cut only the amount of ham you plan to eat immediately. Leaving the remaining ham whole helps retain moisture and prevents rapid drying, ensuring each slice remains juicy and delectable.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Slice or chunk ham before freezing for easier portioning. Place in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen ham maintains quality for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated ham gently to prevent toughening. Cover with foil and heat in a 325F oven until internal temperature reaches 140F. Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can dry out the meat and compromise texture.

Sweet Baked Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Classic baked ham with pineapple and brown sugar glaze delights holiday tables with its sweet and savory profile. Succulent ham slices glazed in caramelized pineapple sauce promise a delectable centerpiece you’ll savor until the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack in the lower third at 325F (163C). Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan, creating a delicate crosshatch pattern by slicing shallow diamonds across the surface. Optionally embed whole cloves at diamond intersections for aromatic depth.
2. Glaze Creation: Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture develops a glossy, slightly thickened texture. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Decorative Arrangement: Arrange pineapple rings across the ham’s surface, securing each with toothpicks. Nestle maraschino cherries at the center of each pineapple ring, adding additional toothpicks if necessary.
4. Initial Glazing and Roasting: Generously coat the ham with half the prepared glaze, ensuring complete coverage. Loosely tent the roasting pan with aluminum foil and roast for approximately 1.5 hours.
5. Final Baking and Caramelization: Remove foil and continue baking, brushing remaining glaze over the ham every 15-20 minutes. Allow each glaze application to caramelize and intensify flavors. Target an internal temperature of 140F (60C).
6. Serving: Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15 minutes to redistribute juices. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze for a final flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Precise Ham Cutting: Create shallow diamond patterns for even glaze absorption and attractive presentation without cutting too deeply into the meat.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure 140F internal temperature, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and juicy texture.
• Glaze Application Strategy: Apply glaze in multiple layers during final roasting stages to build complex caramelized flavors and achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Dietary Adaptation Tip: For low-sugar diets, substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content while maintaining glaze consistency using sugar-free alternatives.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg