This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake brings sweet and tangy flavors to a simple baked ham. It works well for holidays and family meals.
introduction
This recipe keeps the ham moist and adds a sticky, sweet glaze. If you like hearty meals, you might also enjoy a simple meat bake like Amish hamburger steak bake for another easy dinner idea.
why make this recipe
Make this bake because it is easy, crowd-pleasing, and uses a fully cooked ham so the work is mainly glazing and reheating. The pineapple and brown sugar give a warm sweet flavor that most people like. It fits well on a holiday table or a weekend family dinner, and it pairs well with many sides, even with dishes like baked BBQ baby back ribs if you want variety.
how to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Ingredients :
- 1 6–8 lb fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, juice reserved
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ham cut side down in a large roasting pan.
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about ¼ inch deep.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves until smooth.
- Brush & Bake: Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Add Pineapple: After 1 hour, arrange pineapple slices over the ham (secure with toothpicks if needed). Place cherries in the center of each slice if using.
- Glaze Again: Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and pineapple. Return to the oven uncovered.
- Finish Baking: Continue baking for 30 minutes, basting once more, until the ham is caramelized and heated through.
- Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra pan juices over slices when serving.
how to serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Slice the ham and spoon some pan juices over each plate. Serve with simple sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. For a lighter side that still feels special, try a fish or creamy seafood dish like baked cod in coconut lemon cream sauce on a different night.
how to store Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Slice the ham and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil until heated through, about 15–25 minutes for slices.
tips to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
- Use a fully cooked ham to save time.
- Score the ham so the glaze soaks in and caramelizes well.
- Reserve the pineapple juice from the can for more flavor in the glaze.
- Baste at least once more for a sticky, shiny finish.
- Cover loosely with foil for the first hour to keep the ham moist.
variation (if any)
- Spice it up: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the glaze.
- Maple glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Bourbon glaze: Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon to the glaze for a deeper flavor (cook a minute to burn off alcohol if you prefer).
FAQs
Q: Do I need to cook the ham from raw?
A: No. This recipe uses a fully cooked ham. You only need to reheat and glaze it.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Yes. Use thick slices of fresh pineapple and save a little juice or a splash of water to thin the glaze if needed.
Q: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
A: Cover the ham loosely with foil for most of the bake time, then uncover to caramelize at the end. Baste gently and watch the last 10 minutes.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead?
A: Yes. Store the glaze in the fridge for up to 2 days and bring to room temperature before using.
Q: Is boneless ham okay to use?
A: Yes. A boneless ham works fine but may bake faster. Reduce time and check internal temperature.
Conclusion
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake gives a sweet, glossy finish that most people like, and it is simple to make with a fully cooked ham. For more glaze ideas and similar recipes you can read a full version at Brown Sugar Baked Ham with Pineapple. If you want a different take on the pineapple-brown sugar glaze, see the step-by-step guide at Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze – Roti n Rice. For another easy baked ham recipe with clear instructions, try Brown Sugar Pineapple Baked Ham | 12 Tomatoes.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 6–8 lb fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, juice reserved
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about ¼ inch deep.
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves until smooth.
Baking
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, arrange pineapple slices over the ham (secure with toothpicks if needed). Place cherries in the center of each slice if using.
- Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and pineapple. Return to the oven uncovered.
- Continue baking for 30 minutes, basting once more, until the ham is caramelized and heated through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra pan juices over slices when serving.
