Breakfast

Oven-Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Name: Oven-Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1 can pineapple slices; Maraschino cherries; Whole cloves; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

August 29, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Oven-Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a holiday centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The salty, savory ham is coated in a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze enhanced with tangy pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. Once baked, the ham develops a caramelized crust that pairs perfectly with the juicy fruitiness of pineapple rings and cherries, making it both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

This recipe has been a classic at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas tables for generations, and it continues to impress guests every time it’s served. It’s hearty, festive, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like pure comfort and celebration.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The glaze caramelizes beautifully while the pineapple adds freshness and tanginess that cut through the richness of the ham. Another reason it’s a favorite is how effortless yet impressive it is—you let the oven do most of the work, and the final presentation looks restaurant-quality. Plus, the leftovers are incredible for sandwiches, soups, and breakfast hash!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Perfect for Holidays: A true showstopper for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
Flavorful Balance: Salty ham, sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and a hint of spice.
Feeds a Crowd: Great for family gatherings or parties.
Versatile Leftovers: Ideal for sandwiches, casseroles, or omelets.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 – 2.5 hours (depending on ham size)
Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12–14 servings
Calories per serving: ~380 kcal (varies with glaze and portion size)
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course, Holiday Entrée

Ingredients

For the Ham:

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
1 cup pineapple juice
1 can pineapple slices (rings), drained
Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves (or 6–8 whole cloves for studding ham)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)

Simple Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Score ham and stud with cloves if desired.
Place ham in roasting pan, pour pineapple juice around it.
Brush ham with glaze.
Bake, basting with glaze every 20 minutes, until heated through and caramelized.
Garnish with pineapple slices and cherries before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place ham on a large cutting board.
Score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife (about 1/4 inch deep).
If using whole cloves, insert them into the intersections of the scored cuts.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, ground cloves, and apple cider vinegar.
Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

Place ham in a roasting pan and pour pineapple juice around the base.
Brush ham generously with glaze.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5–2 hours, basting every 20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pineapple & Finish

During the last 30 minutes of baking, arrange pineapple rings on the ham (securing with toothpicks if needed).
Place cherries in the centers of the rings for a festive look.
Brush with more glaze and bake uncovered until golden and caramelized.

Step 5: Serve

Let ham rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
Slice and serve with roasted pineapple slices.

How to Serve

Arrange slices on a platter with glazed pineapple rings on the side.
Serve with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls.
Leftovers make excellent sandwiches, omelets, or ham and cheese casseroles.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
Don’t skip the scoring—it allows the glaze to seep deeper into the ham.
If ham is too sweet for your taste, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire to balance flavors.
Always let the ham rest before slicing to retain juiciness.

Variations

Maple Glaze Ham: Replace honey with maple syrup.
Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze.
Orange-Glazed Ham: Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice.
Herb Glaze: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a savory note.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover ham slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap sliced ham in foil and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil, or gently in a skillet.

Special Equipment Needed

Large roasting pan with rack
Aluminum foil
Basting brush
Sharp carving knife

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a timeless holiday centerpiece that never fails to impress. With its glossy, caramelized glaze and fruity pineapple garnish, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The sweet, tangy, and savory combination makes this dish unforgettable, while its versatility ensures you’ll enjoy it in many meals to come. Perfect for festive gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bring back year after year.

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