Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze
This classic baked ham features a sweet and tangy pineapple and brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, this recipe delivers a tender, juicy ham with a deliciously sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the smoky meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Garnish
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice for the glaze)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove any packaging from the ham and place it in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the diamonds.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Add Pineapple Garnish: Arrange pineapple slices on the surface of the ham, securing each with a toothpick. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
- Bake the Ham: Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Glaze and Finish: Remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze every 15 minutes for the next 30–45 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Transfer to a serving platter, spooning any remaining glaze over the top.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked ham and add a splash of bourbon to the glaze.
- If the glaze starts to burn, tent the ham with foil and reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.