Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Name: Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 20
Ingredients: 1 (6 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham; 1 fresh pineapple; 2 (6 ounce) cans pineapple juice; 1 cup brown sugar

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Sweeten your holiday with this delicious brown sugar and pineapple glazed ham recipe. Here's a simple guide to creating a mouthwatering dish for your next special occasion.

Ingredients

1 (6-pound) fully cooked, bone-in ham
1 fresh pineapple
2 (6-ounce) cans pineapple juice
1 cup brown sugar

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325F (165C). Place the ham, cut-side down, in a roasting pan.

Step 2: Prepare the pineapple. Using a sharp knife, remove the skin and any brown spots. Slice the pineapple into 1/2-inch thick rings. Use a round cutter to remove the cores from each ring.

Step 3: Attach the pineapple rings to the ham with toothpicks, ensuring they are securely in place.

Step 4: Place the ham in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the pineapple juice and brown sugar. Microwave on medium power until the glaze begins to boil and thickens slightly. Be cautious, as the glaze will be very hot and sticky.

Step 6: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, pour half of the glaze evenly over the ham and pineapple rings. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: After 30 minutes, pour the remaining glaze over the ham. Continue to bake for an additional 30 to 60 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham reads 140F (60C).

Step 8: Once fully cooked, remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What to Serve With Pineapple-Glazed Ham

If you're looking for delicious side dishes to accompany your pineapple-glazed ham, consider these options:

What to Do With Leftover Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Don't let the leftovers go to waste! Try these tasty ideas for using up leftover ham:

Nutrition Facts

Each serving of this delicious dish provides:

Calories: 239
Total Fat: 7g (9% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (6% of daily value)
Cholesterol: 87mg (29% of daily value)
Sodium: 1333mg (58% of daily value)
Total Carbohydrate: 14g (5% of daily value)
Protein: 30g (61% of daily value)
Vitamin C: 13mg (14% of daily value)
Calcium: 17mg (1% of daily value)
Iron: 1mg (7% of daily value)
Potassium: 517mg (11% of daily value)

Note: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Author: Lex

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Yield: 20 servings

History and Origins

The combination of ham and pineapple dates back centuries, although it became popular in Western cooking in the 20th century. The sweet and savory pairing likely arose from the desire to balance the rich, salty flavor of cured meats with the bright, tropical sweetness of pineapple. While the precise origins are hard to pinpoint, the idea of glazing meats with fruits like pineapple and brown sugar has been embraced by many cultures. The dish, especially the brown sugar glaze, is often associated with American holiday feasts like Christmas and Easter, where it serves as a centerpiece to impress guests with both flavor and presentation.

Regional Variations

In the United States, this dish is a favorite during major holidays, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern regions. Each family may have its own twist on the recipe, such as adding bourbon or other spices. In the South, it's not uncommon to see a glaze made with cola or mustard in addition to the pineapple and brown sugar. On the West Coast, variations might include using fresh pineapple instead of canned, bringing a fresher, more vibrant taste to the ham.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

This Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham stands out from other glazed hams because of the intense, syrupy sweetness provided by the combination of brown sugar and pineapple juice. Unlike traditional savory hams that use spices like cloves or mustard in the glaze, this dish focuses on the natural sweetness and acidity of pineapple. Additionally, the method of baking the ham with the pineapple rings creates a visually stunning presentation, which makes it a favorite for holiday meals. It contrasts with the more common spiral-cut hams, which often feature sweeter or spicier glazes, or those served with a fruit chutney rather than a glaze.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is most often served during festive occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving in the United States. Its a popular choice for family gatherings, church potlucks, and holiday feasts where a delicious, visually impressive main course is required. The sweet and savory profile of the ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from mashed potatoes and green beans to cornbread and roasted vegetables. It's also a perfect centerpiece for a buffet-style meal, ensuring that every guest enjoys a satisfying portion.

Fun Facts

Despite the popularity of this dish, many people still debate whether the inclusion of pineapple on ham is a "traditional" choice. Some believe it originated as a marketing gimmick in the 1950s when the canned pineapple industry promoted it as a perfect pairing for ham.
In some parts of the world, the combination of pineapple and ham is used in savory dishes like pizza. The famous "Hawaiian pizza" was actually created in Canada by a Greek immigrant in 1962, making the ham-pineapple connection truly international!
The brown sugar glaze used in this recipe caramelizes as the ham cooks, giving it a beautiful golden-brown exterior and adding a layer of richness and depth to the already flavorful meat.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham is more than just a dish; its a festive tradition that has become a beloved favorite in many households. Whether you're cooking for a holiday or a special family gathering, this recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

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FAQ about Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze the ham for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the glaze.

Yes, you can use any type of fully-cooked ham, such as boneless or bone-in, smoked or unsmoked. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of ham you use.

If fresh pineapple is unavailable, you can use canned pineapple in its own juice or syrup. Ensure to drain the pineapple well before using it in the recipe.

Yes, you can make the glaze on the stovetop. Combine the pineapple juice and brown sugar in a saucepan and heat over low to medium heat until it thickens slightly. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.

If your glaze is too runny, you can thicken it by adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Heat the mixture until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Yes, you can cook the ham on a grill. Use indirect heat and cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out. Make sure to monitor the temperature to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check the ham by cutting into the thickest part to ensure it's hot and steaming throughout. The meat should be moist and tender when done.

Yes, you can customize the glaze by adding ingredients like ground cloves, cinnamon, or a splash of bourbon for extra depth of flavor. Just be mindful of how much you add so it doesn't overpower the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.

To reheat leftover glazed ham, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals to prevent it from drying out.

Yes, you can prepare the ham up to the point of glazing it. After assembling the ham with the pineapple rings, cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bring it to room temperature before baking and proceed with glazing and baking as usual.

Comments

erikagee

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This is how I usually make a ham and everyone loves it. My boyfriend will ask for me to make my ham and pineapples atleast once a month. I usually use a boneless ham as I get grossed out by bones in any kind of meat. I also will use canned pineapple in pineapple juice if we don't have fresh pineapple. The only other thing I do differently is I put the brown sugar on the ham first then cook it then make more glaze and add it about an hour before done then again about 30 mins. later. I kind of tripple glaze the ham!! Great recipe!!

Hannah S

07/02/2020 10:55:21 PM

Glaze was delicious - once I got it to thicken! After 15 minutes in the microwave, I gave up and mixed a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, whisked until smooth, added to the glaze, and microwaved for one minute on high. Worked like a charm. Two tablespoons of cornstarch would be better - my glaze was a little runny still. I skipped the fresh pineapple entirely, and dropped apple halves in the bottom of the pan halfway through cooking instead. They were delicious. I'll cover the ham with aluminum foil during cooking next time, it was a little dry.

Molly

01/20/2014 07:21:30 PM

Delicious ham! I only had canned pineapple chunks, so that is what I used. The baking time was right on for a 6 lb. ham. I did make the glaze on the stovetop rather than the microwave. I just put it on low heat and it did eventually thicken up. The glaze added a lot of depth to the ham and the leftovers reheated nicely. This was served with 'Easy Corn Pudding' from AR, and we had a terrific meal.

Lori Spurgeon

02/21/2016 08:29:06 AM

We use a canned ham and canned pineapple in heavy syrup. Mix 2 cans of pineapple syrup with an entire bag of C&h dark brown sugar, place pineapple slices stacked on top and on bottom of pan, pour sugar mix over top of pineapples making sure to evenly coat everything. We also serve the pineapple slices separate. I usually have to fix 2 of the large hams to feed my family of 8 and there's no leftovers.

IndigoCod4900

12/25/2023 03:37:53 PM

The instructions for making the glaze don't really work. I microwaved the glaze at medium for over 40 minutes and it never thickened. I have a good and powerful microwave. I resorted to boiling it on the stove and using a candy thermometer to try to get it to around 250 and even then, it wasn't THAT thick. It was still kind of runny. I would amend these instructions if you can.

Cat Saar

12/28/2017 01:32:02 PM

I didn't use the fresh pineapple and I used 1 can in natural juice and also added a 1/4 cup Jack Daniels bourbon. I put on ham before cooking and in between spiral layers. My oven was broke so cooked on BBQ in pan and foil top, it turned out good. Didn't brown up like I would have liked. I would make this again.

HotMalt3703

12/10/2023 10:18:48 PM

ham is good but save yourself the time and use your stove top for the glaze instead of putting it in the microwave. doesn’t get hot enough in the microwave.

annette57

01/07/2024 08:11:16 PM

I always follow the recipe exactly when making it for the first time. I wouldn't change a thing next time I make this. I got complimented 4 times during dinner....

Becky

12/25/2010 10:09:42 AM

This is my all time favorite. When the ham is done I use the juices and ham drippings with a bit of yellow mustard, flour and water to make "Ham Gravy" to pour over the meat and mash potatoes.

De Austin

11/19/2017 07:01:51 PM

This was simple and a great go-to for a quick glaze. I used a smoked, bone-in ham. I think the smokiness was a perfect complement to the sweetness of the glaze. I used two cans of pineapple chunks, and I did not do the toothpick part.

Patrick Clark

12/24/2024 08:01:17 PM

Seriously impressive for how easy it is.

Bernard Dunning

08/27/2025 04:12:51 PM

I don't know in what world you would be able to say that this is low sodium. I'm very sure it tastes good but it doesn't belong in the low sodium section, there's no possible way a serving of this is only 68mg sodium. Just google ham and sodium.

Sherri

07/17/2025 12:47:49 AM

Good

KindScoop6379

04/20/2025 05:56:57 PM

Yes, I put a little ground clove in my glaze.

Dave Hopkins

01/01/2025 08:32:10 PM

My mother made a ham like this. I made it for New Years day. It was great, and reminded me of my mom's

Debra Carter

12/24/2024 08:01:17 PM

Made it in no time, and it was delicious.

Amiyah 👀😋

10/07/2024 08:43:14 PM

Even though it’s not thanksgiving my grandma makes this very often and it’s so good! Hopefully you guys see this review! The best ham I’ve ever had😋

SturdyKiwi8999

12/21/2023 02:39:15 AM

It all depends on how big the ham is, I had got very huge ham and that took at least 5 hours to cook in the roaster lol but very good recipe :)

Mary Cathey

06/29/2022 08:24:32 PM

Awesome 👌

HappySquid3664

04/17/2022 11:34:49 PM

This made a perfect Easter dinner!

audio version

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

What to Serve With Pineapple-Glazed Ham

What to Do With Leftover Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Nutrition Facts

History and Origins

Regional Variations

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Where Its Typically Served

Fun Facts

Conclusion

FAQ about Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe