When it comes to creating a showstopping main dish for your holiday table, few options are as visually striking and flavor-packed as a Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze. This classic recipe balances the savory richness of a bone-in ham with the bright sweetness of pineapple and a deeply caramelized brown sugar glaze. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, or a special Sunday gathering, this ham is a timeless centerpiece that always impresses.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this crowd-pleasing dish. From the ingredients and prep steps to expert tips, FAQs, and storage suggestions—we’ve got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ham Recipe
This recipe is ideal for cooks of all levels—from beginners seeking a stress-free holiday dish to experienced home chefs looking for a nostalgic, flavor-packed recipe with visual appeal. The ease of using a fully cooked bone-in ham means less stress in the kitchen, while the homemade glaze with pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard elevates the flavor to a gourmet level.
The clove-studded diamond scoring, golden pineapple rings, and bright red maraschino cherries make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) are incredibly versatile.
Ingredients
For the Ham
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
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1/2 cup whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
For the Glaze
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
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2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Garnish
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1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice for the glaze)
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Maraschino cherries (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large roasting pan
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Sharp knife
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Saucepan
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Basting brush
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Aluminum foil
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Toothpicks
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Meat thermometer
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Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove all packaging from the ham and place it cut side down in a large roasting pan.
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. If using whole cloves, insert one into the center of each diamond for a decorative and aromatic touch.
2. Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add Pineapple Garnish
Arrange pineapple slices evenly over the scored ham. Secure each slice with a toothpick. For extra flair, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and secure with another toothpick.
4. Bake the Ham
Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
5. Glaze and Finish
Remove the foil. Every 15 minutes for the next 30–45 minutes, baste the ham with the remaining glaze. The sugars will caramelize beautifully, forming a shiny, flavorful crust. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Transfer to a serving platter and spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the top before serving.
Tips for Success
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Score deeply enough to let the glaze seep into the ham, but not so deep that the slices fall apart.
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If you’re not using cloves, you can still get a beautifully caramelized finish with just the glaze and pineapple.
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Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The ham is already fully cooked, so your goal is to heat it through and develop a flavorful crust.
Recipe Variations
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Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or a few teaspoons of grated fresh ginger to the glaze for a sweet and spicy finish.
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Maple swap: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
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Fresh pineapple: If you prefer, use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned. Just make sure to juice some for the glaze or substitute with orange juice.
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No cherries? Simply leave them off for a more subtle presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This ham pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Green bean almondine
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Sweet potato casserole
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Buttery dinner rolls
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Sparkling apple cider or a lightly oaked Chardonnay
For brunch events, consider serving it with cheesy breakfast grits, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit salad.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover ham stores well and stays moist if wrapped tightly.
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (149°C), covered with foil, until warmed through.
Leftover Ham Ideas
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Dice and add to omelets or breakfast casseroles
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Stir into soups or stews
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Make ham sandwiches with spicy mustard and arugula
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Add to fried rice or pasta dishes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and glaze the ham a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. Reheat at 300°F covered with foil until warmed through.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard. Dijon adds a nice tangy balance, but the recipe is forgiving.
Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Absolutely! Just be extra gentle when scoring or garnishing. Spiral hams are slightly more delicate but work great with this recipe.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
Wrap slices in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven or gently warm them in a skillet with a splash of water or glaze to prevent drying out.
Do I have to use cloves?
Not at all. Cloves add a traditional aromatic touch, but you can skip them if preferred. The glaze and pineapple provide plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze is a beloved classic for a reason. It’s visually stunning, deeply flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday, Sunday dinner, or any special gathering, this ham is sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family—and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more high-end, approachable recipes that bring elegance to your table without stress. Happy cooking!