Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze
Making a pineapple brown sugar glaze for ham is an easy way to add a delicious and flavorful twist to your holiday or special occasion meal using simple ingredients.
This glaze is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you're preparing a spiral cut ham, boneless ham, ham steaks, or pork chops, this glaze is sure to elevate your dish to the next level.
If you're looking for more ham recipes, here are a few of our reader's favorites: Ham and Cabbage, Ham Salad, and Ham Pot Pie.
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Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right ham and preparing it before
cooking are crucial steps to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dish. - Making a pineapple brown sugar glaze is an easy way to add a delicious twist to a classic holiday or special occasion meal.
- Baking the ham with the glaze and serving it with suggested sides is a great way to impress your guests and make your meal memorable.
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to making a delicious pineapple brown sugar glaze, choosing the right type of ham is crucial. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your ham:
Bone-In Ham or Boneless Ham
Bone-in hams are typically more flavorful and juicy than boneless hams. The bone helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and succulent ham. However, boneless hams are easier to carve and may be a better option if you're short on time.
Spiral Ham
Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, making them a convenient option for serving. However, they may dry out more easily than other types of ham, so be sure to keep an eye on your
Fresh or Pre-Cooked Ham
Fresh ham is not precooked and will require longer cooking times than pre-cooked ham. If you choose a fresh ham, be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 145°F.
Size of the Ham
When selecting a ham, consider the size of your gathering (how many people you are serving) and how much meat you will need. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about ½ pound of ham per person.
No matter which type of ham you choose, be sure to follow the
Preparation Before Cooking
Before you start preparing the pineapple brown sugar glaze for your ham, there are a few things you need to do to ensure the best results.
First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Remove the ham from its packaging and discard the glaze packet and plastic disk that covers the bone. Place ham in a roasting pan cut side down on a rack. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham with ½-inch-deep cuts in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze, when it's applied in a later step, to penetrate the ham and also make it look more appealing when it's served.
Note: I do not recommend a diamond pattern if you are marking a spiral cut ham.
Cover the ham with foil and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will allow the ham to cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Approximately 30 minutes before your ham is ready, you can start making the pineapple brown sugar glaze. *See recipe below.
Remember, the preparation before
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar
- Pineapple Juice
- Salted Butter
- Dijon Mustard
- Minced Garlic
- Ground Cloves
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Place the brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients on top.
Whisk until fully combined.
Use a basting brush to completely coat the ham when it’s about 15-30 minutes away from being done. Once basted, continue
Serve any excess glaze as a side for people to add more, or drizzle it over the ham as soon as it comes out of the oven, if desired.
Hint:
If you're using a spiral-cut ham, you can apply the glaze between the slices for maximum flavor.
Remember to keep an eye on your ham as it cooks to prevent it from drying out. Cover it with foil if necessary to keep it moist. And don't forget to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
With this delicious pineapple brown sugar glaze, your ham will be the star of the show at your next holiday meal.
Top tips
- It’s important that you do not use 100% pineapple juice or real pineapple juice straight from a fresh pineapple or it will ruin your ham. There’s an enzyme from the pineapple that will start to break down your ham, making it a weird texture. Pineapple juices that are mixed with other ingredients are the only options for this recipe.
- You can use the mustard you prefer, just don’t go for any unique flavor or it will shine through in your glaze. I have found Dijon to be the absolute best flavor for this glaze, but that’s my preference.
- You can either use a basting brush to baste the entire thing, or be willy nilly about it and just pour it over the top with a spoon or pourable container. I tend to spread the slices a bit and get it in every crook and cranny because I love the glaze and want it everywhere.
- The glaze will seem grainy, but that’s normal. The heat from the ham will do the rest of the work and it will no longer be grainy, but it will definitely be quite perfect.
- If you don’t have salted butter, unsalted is just fine. You might want to throw a pinch of salt in the glaze though, if you use unsalted, unless the ham itself has been salted.
- This can be used on any type of ham. Spiral, football, etc.
- Technically, you can store this glaze in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, in a sealed container, but I tend to use every bit of the glaze. Plus, it’s so quick and easy, there’s really no reason to make it in advance and store it. You’ll want to whisk it up a before before using it, if you decide to store it.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made your delicious pineapple brown sugar glaze for ham, it's time to think about how to serve it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Toothpicks: For a fun and easy appetizer, cut the glazed ham into bite-sized pieces and serve them on toothpicks topped with maraschino cherries. This is a great option for parties or gatherings.
- Pineapple Rings: Serve the ham with pineapple rings on the side for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the brown sugar glaze perfectly.
- Baked Potato: A classic side dish for ham is a baked potato. The starchy goodness of the potato will balance out the sweetness of the glaze.
- Au Gratin Potatoes: If you're looking for a more decadent side dish, consider serving the ham with au gratin potatoes. The creamy, cheesy goodness will be the perfect complement to the sweet glaze.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a simpler side dish, mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy texture will pair well with the glazed ham.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce: If you're looking for a tart and tangy contrast to the sweet glaze, consider serving cranberry sauce on the side. The combination of flavors will be sure to please.
No matter how you choose to serve your glazed ham, be sure to enjoy it with family and friends!
Equipment
Storing and Reheating
To store leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. When reheating, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When reheating your leftover ham, you can use a microwave or oven. To reheat in the microwave, place the ham on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice. To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 325°F, place the ham in a
Remember to always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham before eating to ensure that it has been reheated to a safe temperature. Enjoy your delicious pineapple brown sugar glazed ham leftovers without any worry!
Using Leftover Ham
Sandwiches
One of the easiest ways to use up leftover ham is by making sandwiches. You can use any type of bread you like and add your favorite toppings. Here are a few sandwich ideas to get you started:
- Classic ham and cheese sandwich: Layer sliced ham and cheese on bread and toast in a pan or in the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Ham and egg sandwich: Fry an egg and place it on top of a slice of ham and cheese on bread.
- Ham Salad Sandwich
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that is typically made with chicken, ham, and cheese. If you have leftover ham, you can easily make this dish by stuffing chicken breasts with ham and cheese and
Ham and Bean Soup
Whip up this hearty ham and bean soup, perfect for those cozy nights. It's like a warm hug in a bowl, without the awkward squeezing. Dive into a blend of savory ham chunks and tender beans, simmered to perfection.
Overall, there are many ways to use up leftover ham in other dishes. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favorite way to use up your leftovers.
When it comes to serving your ham, be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. And don't forget the leftovers! Ham makes a great addition to sandwiches, omelets, and salads.
Overall, ham is a classic and delicious choice for your holiday meal. With a little preparation and some tasty glaze, you can impress your guests and enjoy a stress-free holiday meal.
FAQ
How can I thicken my pineapple brown sugar glaze?
To thicken your pineapple brown sugar glaze, you can let it simmer on the stove for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to the glaze, which is a mixture of cornstarch and water, to thicken it up.
What is the recipe for Betty Crocker's pineapple ham glaze?
Betty Crocker's pineapple ham glaze recipe includes pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves.
How do I make a sweet pineapple glaze sauce?
To make a pineapple glaze sauce, you can mix together pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and other desired seasonings in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens.
What is the recipe for an easy pineapple glaze for ham?
An easy recipe for pineapple glaze for ham includes pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves. You can also add other seasonings like cinnamon or ginger to give it more flavor.
How do I get my ham glaze to stick to the meat?
To get your ham glaze to stick to the meat, you can score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife before applying the glaze. This will create pockets for the glaze to seep into and adhere to the meat. You can also baste the ham with the glaze every 15-20 minutes while it's cooking to help it stick.
Related
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Pairing
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Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave
cooking food unattended
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
📖 Recipe
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Place the brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl.1 cup brown sugar
- Add the remaining ingredients on top and whisk until fully combined.½ cup pineapple juice, ½ cup salted butter, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic, ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- Use a basting brush to completely coat the ham when it’s about 15-30 minutes away from being done.
- Once basted, continue cooking the ham for however long it has left.
- Serve any excess glaze as a side for people to add more, or drizzle it over the ham as soon as it comes out of the oven, if desired.
Notes
- It’s important that you do not use 100% pineapple juice or real pineapple juice straight from a pineapple or it will ruin your ham. There’s an enzyme from the pineapple that will start to break down your ham, making it a weird texture. Pineapple juices that are mixed with other ingredients are the only options for this recipe.
- You can use the mustard you prefer, just don’t go for a weird flavor or it will shine through in your glaze. I have found dijon to be the absolute best flavor for this glaze, but that’s my preference.
As with any of my recipes, calorie counts and nutritional information varies greatly depending on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish.
Nutrition
