Rating: 3.84
(24)

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe – Easy Holiday Dinner Idea

January 28, 2025

This Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dinner table. With a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, it’s a festive main course that’s easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham

Can I make this ham recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham and glaze it the night before. Store it covered in the fridge and bake before serving for best results.

Do I need to use a bone-in ham, or can I use boneless?

Bone-in ham provides better flavor and moisture, but boneless works too—just reduce the cook time accordingly.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Use fresh pineapple rings and add extra pineapple juice or water to replace the liquid from the can.

How to glaze a ham with pineapple and brown sugar?

Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and pineapple juice. Score the ham, spread the glaze over it, and top with pineapple slices. Bake while basting with pan juices for a glossy, flavorful finish.

What does pineapple do to ham?

Pineapple adds a sweet, tangy flavor and its natural enzymes help tenderize the ham, enhancing texture and taste.

When to put brown sugar on ham?

Apply brown sugar glaze before baking and again midway through cooking. For a caramelized finish, baste the ham with glaze and uncover it for the final 30 minutes.

Do you put glaze on ham before or after cooking?

You glaze it before cooking and optionally reapply during baking. For extra shine and depth, add a final glaze layer 10–15 minutes before removing from the oven.

Pineapple Glazed Ham
Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham
3.84 from 24 votes
A delicious Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe perfect for holiday gatherings with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Servings 8 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole bone-in ham about 8-10 pounds
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 can pineapple slices in juice, 20 oz
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup mustard yellow
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice reserved from can

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients.
    Ingredients for brown sugar and pineapple glazed ham, including smoked pork shoulder, whole pineapple, pineapple juice, and brown sugar, arranged on a table.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
    Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham, cut-side down, into a roasting pan.
  • Trim the pineapple by cutting off the skin and removing any remaining brown eyes. Slice it into 1/2-inch rings, core each ring, and prepare them for pinning onto the ham with toothpicks
    Trim the pineapple by cutting off the skin and removing any remaining brown eyes. Slice it into 1/2-inch rings, core each ring, and prepare them for pinning onto the ham with toothpicks
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, ground cloves, and reserved pineapple juice.
    In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, mustard, ground cloves, and reserved pineapple juice until smooth and well combined.
  • Spread the glaze over the ham, pressing the mixture into the cuts.
    Spread the brown sugar and pineapple glaze over the scored ham, pressing the mixture into the cuts for maximum flavor.
  • Arrange pineapple slices on top, securing with toothpicks.
    Arrange pineapple rings on top of the glazed ham and secure each slice with a toothpick to hold in place during baking.
  • Cover with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
  • Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until nicely glazed.
    Brown sugar and pineapple glazed ham sliced and served in a white dish, garnished with caramelized pineapple rings and fresh herbs on a dark wooden table.

Notes

For best results, use a fully cooked bone-in ham between 6 to 8 pounds. Fresh pineapple adds a natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat, making each bite juicy and flavorful. If you’re short on time, canned pineapple rings work just as well—just be sure to drain the liquid. To achieve that beautiful caramelized glaze, brush the ham with the brown sugar and pineapple mixture during the last 30 minutes of baking. This Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham is the perfect centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or any festive holiday dinner. Serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete holiday meal your guests will love.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.05gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 181mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 55gVitamin A: 47IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg
Calories: 225kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ham, holiday cooking, recipe
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar wellRespected says:

    5 stars
    This ham recipe is amazing! The glaze was perfect and everyone loved it at Thanksgiving. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar jeannetta.lynch says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear it turned out great! I made it last year too and everyone loved it. Definitely a keeper recipe!

  2. 3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it turned out too sweet for my taste. Maybe try using less brown sugar next time.

  3. User avatar noe.jacobs60 says:

    3 stars
    Ham is too dry. You gotta keep an eye on it! Not following the times like the recipe says.

    1. 5 stars
      I agree! The timing is super important. I’ve made ham before and if you leave it too long, it dries out fast. Gotta watch that!

  4. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I love pineapple on ham. Adding it to my holiday feast!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! Pineapple on ham is a classic combo. Can’t wait to try this recipe! 🎉

  5. User avatar Frost Troll says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why everyone loves this. I found it too sweet for my taste. Plus, the mustard and pineapple combo is just weird.

  6. User avatar lee.mcglynn46 says:

    5 stars
    Ham? Pineapple? This is some tropical vibes right here! Love it!

  7. User avatar tianna.mitchell93 says:

    1 star
    Is 325°F really enough to cook a big ham? I feel like I’d burn it. Just seems off.

  8. 4 stars
    Glaze was great! I added some extra spices, tho. Try it with cumin!

  9. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The brown sugar and pineapple combo is out of this world!

  10. User avatar Emily Saunders says:

    5 stars
    Yasss! This ham is fire! I could eat the glaze with a spoon!

  11. User avatar keven.schuppe63 says:

    2 stars
    Wait, you put mustard on ham? That doesn’t sound right. I’m skeptical.

    1. User avatar maryam.watsica47 says:

      5 stars
      Mustard adds a tangy flavor that goes well with the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple! You should give it a try before knocking it!

  12. User avatar geoWizard says:

    5 stars
    This is the best ham recipe I’ve tried! The glaze was so sweet and delicious. My family loved it!

  13. User avatar merrill.steuber57 says:

    3 stars
    This recipe was okay, but the glaze was too sweet for my taste. I prefer less sugar.

  14. User avatar reyes.bruen50 says:

    4 stars
    Real easy to make. Omitted the cloves since I hate them, but still turned out yum!

  15. User avatar Eddie Heller says:

    1 star
    I dunno, I thought ham was supposed to be savory, not sweet?? Just not for me.

  16. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    4 stars
    Super easy! I didn’t have pineapple slices, so I used fresh pineapple instead. Came out awesome!

  17. 2 stars
    My ham turned out really dry. I think I overcooked it. Might’ve messed up something in the steps.

  18. User avatar Deku Royalty says:

    5 stars
    I tried this for Christmas dinner and everyone raved about it! Will make again for sure.

    1. User avatar clark.brown1994 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds delicious! I will definitely try this for my family gatherings. Thanks for sharing!

    2. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      3 stars
      Really? Everyone liked it? I found it a bit too sweet. Maybe I did somethin’ wrong.

3.84 from 24 votes
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