If you’re looking for a centerpiece dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, this Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the answer. Juicy, tender ham is brushed with a sweet, sticky glaze made from pineapple, honey, mustard, and brown sugar. The result? A mouthwatering balance of savory and sweet that will impress at Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special dinner gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless), about 8–10 pounds
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup fresh pineapple chunks, drained
- Optional garnish: maraschino cherries and extra pineapple rings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, score shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern on the surface of the ham. This helps the glaze soak in and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
- Baste the ham: Brush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure to cover all sides.
- Bake: Place ham in the oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes per pound, basting with glaze every 20–30 minutes.
- Final caramelization: During the last 10 minutes, brush on any remaining glaze and turn the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a golden, sticky finish.
- Garnish & serve: Remove from oven, rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with pineapple chunks or rings (and cherries if desired). Slice and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Bone-in vs. boneless: Bone-in ham is juicier and more flavorful, but boneless is easier to slice. Both work with this recipe.
- Don’t skip the scoring: This step helps the glaze penetrate deeper and creates that classic holiday ham look.
- Thicker glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer it longer until reduced before brushing on the ham.
- Extra pineapple flavor: Place pineapple rings directly on the ham with toothpicks before baking for a retro presentation.
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
- Maple twist: Swap honey for maple syrup to give the glaze a richer depth of flavor.
- Ginger glaze: Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger for a tropical zing.
- Orange-pineapple: Replace half the pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrusy blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese.
- Serve with roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- Make sandwiches the next day using leftover ham, a slice of cheese, and fresh rolls.
- Use extra pineapple glaze as a drizzle over rice or baked sweet potatoes.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep them moist.