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 Bakesizzling 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.

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🍍 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)

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Instructions

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Glaze the Ham

   • Brush the ham generously with the brown sugar mixture. Cover loosely with foil.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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🍯 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!

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💡 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.