Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Baked Ham

The First Bite That Hooked Me

The smell of caramelized pineapple and brown sugar filled my aunt’s kitchen. I was ten, sneaking a bite of ham before dinner. The sweet glaze, the juicy fruit—it tasted like sunshine on a plate. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple ham into something unforgettable? That moment made me crave this dish every holiday. Now, I make it for my own family, and the magic never fades.

My First Ham Disaster (And What It Taught Me)

My first try at this recipe ended with a smoky kitchen. I forgot to baste the ham, and the glaze burned. But the inside was still tender, and my friends laughed it off. Cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about sharing love, even with mistakes. That’s why home cooking matters. It connects us, flaws and all. Have you ever had a kitchen fail that turned into a happy memory?

Why This Ham Tastes So Good

– The brown sugar and pineapple juice create a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes. – The cloves add a warm, spicy hint without overpowering the dish. Which flavor combo surprises you most—the maple syrup or the Dijon mustard? Try it and tell me what you think. The balance of sweet and savory is what makes this ham stand out.

A Slice of History

This dish has roots in Southern U.S. cooking, where glazed ham is a holiday staple. Pineapple became popular in the 1900s as a symbol of hospitality. *Did you know canned pineapple rings were a mid-century dinner party trend?* Today, this recipe blends tradition with easy, modern prep. What’s your favorite old-school dish with a twist?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Note
Boneless ham	8-9 pound
Pineapple juice	3/4 cup	reserved from the rings
Light brown sugar	3/4 cup	more for a thicker glaze
Maple syrup	1/4 cup
Smooth Dijon mustard	2 teaspoons
Whole cloves	20
Pineapple rings	20 ounce can (10-12 rings)	reserve juice
Maraschino cherries	10-12

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Baked Ham

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the ham in a big roasting pan. Make sure it fits snugly. Keep the pan sides high to catch drips.
Step 2 Whisk pineapple juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, and mustard. Set this sweet glaze aside. It’ll thicken as it sits. Stir it once before using.
Step 3 Poke cloves into the ham evenly. They add warm flavor. Don’t skip them—they’re the secret. (Hard-learned tip: Remove cloves before eating!)
Step 4 Arrange pineapple rings on the ham. Secure each with a cherry and toothpick. It’s pretty and tasty. Bake uncovered for 2.5 hours.
Step 5 Baste every 20 minutes. Keep the ham juicy. Check the temp—it should hit 145°F. Let it rest before slicing. What’s your go-to holiday ham glaze? Share below! Cook Time: 3 hours Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes Yield: 12 servings Category: Dinner, Holiday

3 Fun Twists on Pineapple Glazed Ham

Spicy Kick Add 1 tsp cayenne to the glaze. It balances the sweetness. Perfect for heat lovers.
Bourbon Glaze Swap maple syrup for bourbon. Boil it first to cook off the alcohol. Rich and smoky.
Orange-Ginger Use orange juice instead of pineapple. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger. Bright and zesty. Which twist would you try? Vote in the comments!

Serving Ideas for Your Glazed Ham

Pair with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans. Add a crisp salad for freshness. Serve warm rolls on the side. Drink ideas: Try chilled riesling or sparkling cider. Both cut through the richness. *Fun fact: Ham loves bubbles!* Which would you choose tonight?

Storing and Reheating Your Ham

Keep leftover ham in the fridge for up to 4 days. Wrap it tight or use airtight containers. Freeze slices for 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating. Warm slices in the oven at 325°F with a splash of water to keep them juicy. *Fun fact: My grandkids love this ham cold in sandwiches!* Batch-cook tip: Double the glaze and freeze half for future meals. Why this matters: Proper storage keeps flavors fresh and saves time later. Ever tried freezing ham with the glaze? Share your tricks below!

Fix Common Ham Hiccups

Glaze too thin? Simmer it on the stove for 5 minutes to thicken. Ham drying out? Cover loosely with foil during the last hour of baking. Pineapple slices sliding off? Use extra toothpicks or skip them—just baste more often. Why this matters: Small tweaks save your dish from stress. Last Easter, my neighbor forgot the cloves but loved the ham anyway. Which fix would help you most? Vote: 1) Thicker glaze, 2) Foil trick, 3) Skip fruit.

Your Ham Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free mustard and check syrup labels.
Q: Can I prep the ham ahead?
A: Mix the glaze 2 days early. Store it in the fridge.
Q: What swaps work for pineapple juice?
A: Orange juice or apple cider add sweet tang.
Q: How do I halve the recipe?
A: Use a 4-pound ham and bake 2 hours.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple?
A: Yes, but canned holds its shape better when baked.

Let’s See Your Masterpiece!

I hope this ham becomes your new holiday star. Share your photos or tag
@SpoonSway on Pinterest. Your twists inspire me—last year, a reader added cinnamon to the glaze! Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.