Pineapple Brown Sugar Baked Ham

Pineapple Brown Sugar Baked Ham brings classic holiday comfort together with bright tropical sweetness, making it a stunning centerpiece for any celebration. The rich flavors of slow-baked ham pair beautifully with a warm pineapple glaze that’s thick, glossy, and irresistibly caramelized. Because the recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients, it feels approachable, yet the final result tastes elegant enough for special gatherings. Moreover, the preparation is simple and reliable, giving you a foolproof main dish that always earns compliments.

Although baked ham has long been a tradition in many cultures, the combination of pineapple and brown sugar became especially popular in mid-century American cooking, when home cooks discovered that fruit acids tenderize the meat while adding natural sweetness. Today, the pairing remains timeless because it delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and lightly spiced flavors.

As the ham bakes, the glaze turns glossy and rich, coating every slice with a sweet-savory shine. Serve it for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want an impressive meal with very little effort.

Recipe Yield: 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 lb)
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp salt

Optional: ½–1 cup pineapple chunks (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Set the ham cut-side down in a heavy white roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.

2. Score and warm:
Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour to gently warm it through.

3. Make the pineapple glaze:
In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, butter, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Bring to a simmer. Separately whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the pot. Cook 2–3 minutes until glossy and thickened.

4. Glaze and bake:
Brush the ham generously with the warm glaze. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Brush again halfway through to build a sticky, caramelized finish.

5. Final caramelization:
Increase oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Bake 10–15 minutes, brushing with more glaze until the top is deeply golden.

6. Rest and serve:
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes. Spoon extra glaze over the slices. If desired, scatter pineapple chunks around the platter for a bright, juicy finish.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use a bone-in ham for richer flavor:
  Bone-in hams stay incredibly juicy, and as the ham warms, the bone naturally distributes heat more evenly. This creates tender slices and ensures the pineapple glaze caramelizes beautifully.
• Score the ham for deeper caramelization:
  Although it seems optional, scoring dramatically improves flavor absorption. Additionally, the glaze settles into the cuts, allowing each slice to carry more sweetness, spice, and shine.
• Glaze in layers for maximum shine:
  Applying the glaze multiple times helps it thicken and cling. As it cooks, each layer reduces slightly, giving you that perfect sticky, glossy coating people love in holiday ham recipes.