Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake – The Sweet, Sticky, Holiday Showstopper

When it comes to crowd-pleasing holiday mains, few dishes can rival the comfort and flavor of a Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly fills your kitchen with warm, nostalgic aromas of caramelized brown sugar, juicy pineapple, and smoky ham. Whether you’re cooking for a festive dinner, Easter brunch, or a casual Sunday feast, this timeless dish promises tender, sweet-savory perfection in every slice.

Imagine a glistening baked ham coated in a golden glaze that’s both sticky and silky, topped with juicy pineapple rings that caramelize as they bake. The secret? A simple brown sugar glaze infused with butter, mustard, and a touch of spice. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of flavors — salty, sweet, and tangy — in a dish that’s beautifully simple yet worthy of any celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Ham Bake

• 🍍 Classic with a Twist: Traditional glazed ham, but made even better with pineapple’s natural acidity to balance the sweetness.
• 🍯 Easy Prep: Only 10 minutes of prep before the oven takes over.
• 🍖 Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for holidays or leftovers.
• ⏱️ Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The glaze does all the magic while your kitchen fills with that cozy caramel scent.
• 🎉 Visually Stunning: Those golden pineapple rings make it as photogenic as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, simplicity is key. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a dish that tastes like a gourmet masterpiece.

For the Ham Bake

• 1 fully cooked boneless ham (about 3–4 pounds)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained (reserve ½ cup of the juice)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, for warmth and aroma)
• Pinch of salt
• Toothpicks (for securing pineapple slices)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish or roasting pan lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Ham
   Place the ham flat side down in the baking dish. If it’s pre-sliced, gently fan out the slices slightly so the glaze can seep in between.
3. Mix the Glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, melted butter, ground cloves, and reserved pineapple juice until smooth and glossy.
4. Arrange the Pineapple
   Place pineapple slices evenly over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Spoon some glaze over the top, letting it run between slices.
5. Bake and Baste
   Bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes (or until heated through), basting with glaze every 20 minutes. The glaze will thicken and caramelize beautifully.
6. Caramelize the Top (Optional)
   For extra color and sticky texture, broil the ham for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch closely — it can go from golden to burnt quickly!
7. Rest and Serve
   Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Juicy baked ham glazed with brown sugar and pineapple for a sweet, sticky, and irresistible holiday centerpiece.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Hawaiian

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 fully cooked boneless ham 3–4 pounds
• 20 oz pineapple slices drained, reserve 1/2 cup juice
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 0.25 tsp ground cloves optional
• 1 pinch salt

Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Toothpicks

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease baking dish.
2. Place ham in the dish, fanning slices slightly if pre-cut.
3. Whisk brown sugar, mustard, butter, cloves, and pineapple juice into a smooth glaze.
4. Arrange pineapple slices on top, securing with toothpicks if needed.
5. Spoon glaze over ham and bake 1 hour 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.
6. Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for a caramelized top. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vintage touch, add maraschino cherries in pineapple centers before baking.

Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

1. Use Good Ham: A pre-cooked ham saves time and ensures tenderness. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
2. Baste Often: The more you baste, the deeper the caramelization. Every 15–20 minutes keeps it juicy and glossy.
3. Don’t Skip the Mustard: It cuts through the sweetness and adds a subtle tang.
4. Save the Juice: Reserved pineapple juice is your secret to a balanced glaze that’s not overly thick or syrupy.
5. Let it Rest: Just 10 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute so every slice stays moist.

Variations You’ll Love

• Spiced Honey Glaze: Swap brown sugar for honey and add ½ tsp cinnamon for a warmer, floral note.
• Tropical Touch: Add maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple ring for a vintage presentation.
• Savory Option: Mix in a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire for a deeper umami punch.
• Smoky Version: Sprinkle with smoked paprika or brush with a bit of BBQ sauce before the final glaze.
• Maple-Pineapple Twist: Use half brown sugar and half maple syrup for a more complex sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This ham is incredibly versatile — perfect for every table and every occasion.

• Holiday Dinner: Pair with scalloped potatoes, green beans, or buttered rolls.
• Casual Weeknight Meal: Serve with steamed rice or mashed sweet potatoes.
• Brunch Plate: Slice thin and serve with scrambled eggs, toast, and a fruit salad.
• Sandwiches: Leftovers make the most mouthwatering ham sliders or breakfast biscuits.
• Party Platter: Cube the ham and serve on skewers with pineapple chunks and cheese.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Slice leftovers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes with a splash of pineapple juice to keep moist.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Pineapple-Glazed Ham

The combination of ham, pineapple, and brown sugar has roots in mid-century America, where canned pineapple became a symbol of tropical luxury. The pairing took off in the 1950s as part of the Hawaiian-inspired cuisine trend, symbolizing hospitality and festive abundance. Today, it remains one of the most beloved ways to prepare ham for holidays and family gatherings around the world.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Approx. 340 calories | 14g fat | 24g carbs | 28g protein | 780mg sodium
Rich in protein and naturally sweetened with pineapple — it’s a feel-good indulgence that delivers comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake lies in its simplicity. The pineapple’s natural acidity tenderizes the ham while the brown sugar caramelizes into a luscious glaze that coats every slice. The butter and mustard bring balance, ensuring the sweetness never overpowers. The result? A glossy, succulent ham that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it — even though it practically makes itself.

Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings joy to the table and stories to the heart. The sweet aroma, the sizzling glaze, and that first tender bite remind us why classics never go out of style.