There’s something magical about the combination of brown sugar, pineapple, and juicy ham. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and savory that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with pure comfort.
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is everything a family dinner or holiday feast should be — easy, elegant, and so good that everyone will be asking for seconds.
It’s a dish that looks straight out of a cookbook, yet it’s simple enough for anyone to make. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday meal, this glazed ham will steal the show every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍍 Sweet and savory perfection: Caramelized brown sugar glaze meets tangy pineapple juice.
- 🥩 Juicy and tender: The ham stays moist with every bite.
- 🍯 Beautifully glazed: That shiny golden crust is pure flavor magic.
- 🕒 Minimal prep: Just mix, pour, bake, and enjoy.
- 🎉 Perfect for holidays: A crowd-pleaser for gatherings big or small.
Ingredients
For the Ham Bake
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8–10 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, with juice
- ¼ cup honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for warm spice flavor)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks (for securing pineapple slices)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place your ham in a large roasting pan or baking dish, flat side down.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice (from the can), honey, mustard, and cloves.
Stir until smooth — this will become your glossy, caramelized glaze.
Step 3: Arrange the Pineapple and Cherries
Place pineapple rings all over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed.
Add maraschino cherries in the center of each ring for that classic vintage look (optional but gorgeous!).
Step 4: Pour the Glaze
Pour your prepared brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham, letting it coat every side.
Spoon a little of the glaze inside the pineapple rings for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze from the pan.
Remove the foil for the last 20–30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and get that perfect sticky golden finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Drizzle with the remaining glaze from the pan and serve warm with pineapple slices and cherries on top.
The flavor is out of this world — sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Every bite melts in your mouth!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the basting: It keeps the ham moist and flavorful.
- Add a little orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
- Spiral-cut ham works great — it absorbs more of that brown sugar glaze.
- Use foil wisely: Cover early to prevent burning, uncover late for that golden finish.
- For extra shine: Brush on a bit of glaze right before serving.
Variations & Add-Ons
🍊 Citrus Glaze: Add orange zest and juice for a zippy flavor boost.
🌶️ Spicy-Sweet: Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
🍯 Maple Version: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
🍋 Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut and lime zest before serving.
🥃 Bourbon Ham: Stir a tablespoon of bourbon into the glaze for a rich, smoky touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes 🥔
- Roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or buttery corn 🥕
- Soft dinner rolls to soak up all that sweet glaze 🍞
- And of course, a light pineapple salad or coleslaw for contrast 🍍
Perfect for festive dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep — the leftovers taste just as good the next day!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for quick servings.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is the perfect balance of classic and modern comfort — a timeless dish that never goes out of style.
The natural saltiness of the ham meets the sweet caramel notes of brown sugar and the tropical tang of pineapple, creating a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist.
It’s rich, aromatic, and truly festive — but also simple enough for any home cook to make beautifully.
Whether you serve it on holidays or just because, it’s a show-stopping main dish that everyone will remember. 🍍🥓✨
