Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
A spiral-cut ham coated in a sticky, sweet brown sugar and pineapple glaze. It's an impressive centerpiece that takes almost no effort to prepare. Serve with extra glaze on the side and leftovers make amazing breakfast hash.
About This Ham Recipe
About This Recipe
Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is a timeless favorite that blends comfort, flavor, and kitchen confidence in every bite. While versions of this dish vary by region and family tradition, the heart of it remains the same: simple ingredients, careful technique, and a result that feels both satisfying and memorable. A spiral-cut ham coated in a sticky, sweet brown sugar and pineapple glaze. It's an impressive centerpiece that takes almost no effort to prepare. Serve with extra glaze on the side and leftovers make amazing breakfast hash. The appeal of this recipe is how approachable it is for weeknights, while still feeling special enough for guests.
For the best result, focus on layering flavor in stages—build a solid base, control heat as you cook, and taste as you go. Small details matter: preheating properly, avoiding overcrowding, and finishing with fresh herbs or a bright acidic touch can dramatically improve the final plate. If you prep ingredients before starting, the workflow stays smooth and consistent.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance: rich but not heavy, familiar but still elevated. Serve it hot, garnish with intention, and pair it with a complementary side to round out the meal. Whether you are making it for family dinner or a special occasion, Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is the kind of dish that rewards care and always feels worth repeating.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral half ham (about 7-8 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
- 1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan cut-side down. This position helps the heat penetrate evenly and keeps the meat juicy.
- 2
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, and ground cloves. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
- 3
Pour about 1/3 of the glaze over the ham, getting it into the slices. Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap moisture.
- 4
Bake for 1 hour, uncovering every 20 minutes to baste with more glaze. Basting builds up layers of flavor and a sticky coating.
- 5
Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking to caramelize the edges. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Chef's Tips
- Bloom aromatics for 30–60 seconds before adding liquids to unlock deeper flavor in Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham.
- Cook the main protein or core ingredient in batches if needed—overcrowding lowers pan heat and prevents proper browning.
- Reserve a small amount of cooking liquid to adjust texture at the end and keep the final result glossy, not dry.
- Finish with contrast: add a fresh element (herbs/citrus/crunch) right before serving to sharpen the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
320
Calories
22g
Protein
14g
Fat
24g
Carbs
Serving Suggestions
Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham with a crisp seasonal salad or roasted vegetables for contrast and balance. Pair with sparkling water with citrus, a dry white wine, or light iced tea depending on the meal style. For presentation, plate in warm shallow bowls, add a neat finishing garnish, and leave visible texture on top for a premium restaurant-style look.
Recipe card
Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
A spiral-cut ham coated in a sticky, sweet brown sugar and pineapple glaze. It's an impressive centerpiece that takes almost no effort to prepare. Serve with extra glaze on the side and leftovers make amazing breakfast hash.
Prep
15 min
Cook
90 min
Total
105 min
Servings
10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked spiral half ham (about 7-8 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan cut-side down. This position helps the heat penetrate evenly and keeps the meat juicy.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, and ground cloves. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Pour about 1/3 of the glaze over the ham, getting it into the slices. Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap moisture.
- Bake for 1 hour, uncovering every 20 minutes to baste with more glaze. Basting builds up layers of flavor and a sticky coating.
- Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking to caramelize the edges. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
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