Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Pineapple brown sugar glazed ham is a classic dish, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even a satisfying Sunday dinner. The combination of sweet pineapple and rich brown sugar creates a beautiful glaze that complements the savory ham, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing centerpiece for your table. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a show-stopping glazed ham that will impress your family and friends.

Why This Recipe Works

This pineapple brown sugar glazed ham recipe stands out because it balances the sweetness and savory elements perfectly. The acidity of the pineapple juice tenderizes the ham while the brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a stunning glaze. The addition of Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth that cuts through the richness, preventing the dish from becoming overly sweet. Using a spiral-cut ham makes the glazing process incredibly efficient, ensuring every slice is coated in the delicious sauce. The gradual baking process ensures the ham stays moist and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Spiral-Cut Ham:** 8-10 pound pre-cooked spiral-cut ham is recommended. A spiral-cut ham ensures maximum surface area for the glaze to adhere to.
* **Pineapple Juice:** 1 cup. Fresh or canned pineapple juice works well. Freshly squeezed offers the most vibrant flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1 cup, packed. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown sugar will give a richer molasses flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons. Honey contributes to the glaze’s shine and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
* **Pineapple Slices:** 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained. Canned pineapple slices are convenient and readily available. Reserve the juice from the can if you need additional liquid for the pan.
* **Maraschino Cherries:** Optional, for garnish. Adds a festive touch to the presentation.
* **Whole Cloves:** Optional, for studding the ham. Adds a subtle warmth and aroma.

Equipment Needed

* **Roasting Pan:** A large roasting pan with a rack is essential for baking the ham.
* **Aluminum Foil:** For tenting the ham during baking.
* **Small Saucepan:** For making the glaze.
* **Basting Brush:** For applying the glaze evenly.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the ham reaches the proper internal temperature.
* **Sharp Knife:** For scoring the ham, if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect pineapple brown sugar glazed ham:

**1. Prepare the Ham:**

* Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better.
* If desired, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This creates more surface area for the glaze to penetrate. Use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep.
* Optionally, stud the ham with whole cloves. Insert the cloves into the diamond-shaped intersections of the scored pattern or simply insert them randomly across the ham’s surface. This adds a subtle spice and aroma. Avoid using too many cloves as they can be overpowering.

**2. Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze:**

* In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
* Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Bring the glaze to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to burn the glaze; stir frequently.
* Remove the glaze from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

**3. Assemble the Ham in the Roasting Pan:**

* Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to elevate the ham slightly.
* Pour about 1/2 cup of water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the ham moist during baking and prevent the glaze from burning.

**4. Apply the First Layer of Glaze:**

* Using a basting brush, generously brush the ham with about half of the prepared pineapple brown sugar glaze. Make sure to get the glaze into all the crevices of the spiral cuts.

**5. Cover and Bake:**

* Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from drying out during the initial baking period.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For an 8-pound ham, this will be approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.

**6. Baste and Add Pineapple Slices:**

* Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil.
* Brush the ham with another layer of the pineapple brown sugar glaze. Make sure to recoat all the surfaces.
* Arrange the pineapple slices around the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice for a festive look.

**7. Bake Uncovered:**

* Return the ham to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is nicely browned. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.

**8. Final Basting and Resting:**

* Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the remaining glaze one last time. This will give it a beautiful, glossy finish.
* Let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

**9. Carve and Serve:**

* Carve the ham following the spiral cuts. Use a sharp knife to separate the slices from the bone.
* Serve the pineapple brown sugar glazed ham warm with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Perfect Glazed Ham

* **Choose the Right Ham:** A spiral-cut, bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe. The spiral cuts allow the glaze to penetrate the meat, and the bone adds flavor.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the ham will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
* **Basting is Key:** Basting the ham regularly with the glaze is essential for creating a flavorful and beautiful crust.
* **Resting is Important:** Allowing the ham to rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
* **Customize the Glaze:** Feel free to customize the glaze to your liking. Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon for warmth, or a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.
* **Use a Roasting Rack:** A roasting rack allows air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking and preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
* **Save the Ham Bone:** Don’t throw away the ham bone! Use it to make a delicious soup or stock.
* **Prevent Burning:** Keep a close eye on the ham during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to get too dark, cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
* **Use Fresh Pineapple:** While canned pineapple works well, fresh pineapple will give the glaze an even brighter and more vibrant flavor. If using fresh pineapple, be sure to core it properly before slicing.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle kick.

Variations and Additions

* **Maple Glaze:** Substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Spicy Glaze:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Cherry Glaze:** Replace some of the pineapple juice with cherry juice for a fruity twist.
* **Bourbon Glaze:** Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the glaze for a warm, boozy flavor.
* **Brown Sugar Alternatives:** Try using coconut sugar or muscovado sugar for a different flavor profile.
* **Fruit Additions:** Add other fruits like orange slices or cranberries to the roasting pan for extra flavor and visual appeal.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the roasting pan to infuse the ham with herbaceous notes.

Serving Suggestions

Pineapple brown sugar glazed ham is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato casserole
* **Vegetables:** Green beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or corn on the cob
* **Salads:** Fruit salad, coleslaw, or a green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
* **Bread:** Dinner rolls, cornbread, or biscuits
* **Other Sides:** Mac and cheese, stuffing, or cranberry sauce
* **Desserts:** Pineapple upside-down cake, pecan pie, or apple crisp

Make-Ahead Tips

* **Glaze:** The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before using.
* **Ham Preparation:** You can score the ham and stud it with cloves up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
* **Partial Baking:** The ham can be partially baked (covered with foil) up to 1 day in advance. Remove it from the oven about 30 minutes before it would be fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bring it back to room temperature for about an hour, then continue baking with the glaze and pineapple slices as directed.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the ham in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave or on the stovetop.
* **Freezing:** Leftover ham can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

This recipe creates a truly memorable and delicious ham that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors!

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (8-10 pound) pre-cooked spiral-cut ham
* 1 cup pineapple juice
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained
* Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
* Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Remove ham from packaging and pat dry. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves, if desired.
3. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the pan.
5. Brush ham with half of the glaze. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from oven, remove foil, and brush with remaining glaze. Arrange pineapple slices around the ham, securing with toothpicks if needed. Add maraschino cherries to the center of the pineapple slices.
8. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until glaze is caramelized.
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
10. Carve and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham!