Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake – A Sweet and Savory Holiday Classic
When it comes to holiday dinners or Sunday feasts, nothing beats the comforting aroma of a Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake sizzling in the oven. The glaze of caramelized brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and warm spices turns an ordinary ham into something spectacular — juicy, flavorful, and beautifully golden.
This timeless recipe delivers that perfect mix of sweet and savory that everyone loves, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece that looks (and tastes) like you spent hours in the kitchen.
🍍 Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake Recipe
Ingredients
1 fully cooked ham (about 6–8 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, juice reserved
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
½ tsp ground cloves (optional but traditional)
Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, flat side down, in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a crisscross pattern (about ½ inch deep).
Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), ¼ cup of the reserved pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth.
Arrange the Pineapple
Place pineapple slices over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Add a cherry in the center of each slice for a festive touch.
Glaze the Ham
Brush the ham generously with the brown sugar mixture. Cover loosely with foil.
Bake and Baste
Bake for about 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 20–30 minutes with the glaze and pan juices. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to let it caramelize and develop a golden crust.
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze over each serving for maximum flavor.
🍯 Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a classic holiday stuffing.
For a tropical twist, pair it with coconut rice or grilled pineapple.
Save leftovers for the ultimate ham sandwiches the next day — they’re even better!
💡 Tips for Success
Choose the right ham: Spiral-cut hams make serving easy, but whole hams stay juicier.
Don’t skip scoring: It helps the glaze soak deep into the meat.
For a deeper flavor: Add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze.
Thicken leftover glaze: Simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes to serve as a sweet sauce.