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The Juiciest, Most Flavorful Holiday Ham You’ll Ever Make!
If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is it. Juicy, caramelized, and bursting with that sweet and savory combo we all love, it’s a stress-free way to impress your guests. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or just because (honestly, why not?), this ham is pure comfort food with a little retro charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Foolproof: No special skills needed—just mix, baste, and let the oven do the magic.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: Brown sugar and pineapple glaze makes every bite incredibly flavorful.
- Great for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and makes the best leftovers.
- No Dry Ham Here: The glaze locks in moisture, making this one juicy ham.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Bone-in ham (8-10 lbs): A smoked, fully cooked ham works best.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds rich caramelized sweetness.
- Pineapple slices (1 can): Provides a fruity glaze and keeps the ham moist.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): Boosts the tanginess of the glaze.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Balances out the sweetness with a subtle kick.
- Cloves (whole, optional): Classic holiday spice—totally up to you!
- Honey (¼ cup): Enhances the glaze’s stickiness and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F. If your ham has a rind, score it in a crisscross pattern for that beautiful finish.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Arrange the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat-side up. Pour about ½ cup of the glaze over it.
- Add the Pineapple: Arrange pineapple slices over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. If using cloves, stick them into the scored cuts.
- Bake & Baste: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, spoon more glaze over the ham.
- Caramelize: Remove foil, increase oven to 400°F, and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and sticky.
- Rest & Serve: Let the ham rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy all that juicy goodness!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Score for Flavor: Scoring the ham helps the glaze soak in deeper.
- Don’t Skip Basting: This is what keeps the ham ultra-moist.
- Save the Drippings: Use them to drizzle over leftovers for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap Mustard: Try grainy mustard or spicy brown for a different twist.
- Holiday Twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for extra warmth.
- Side Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or classic mac & cheese.
FAQs
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Slice the ham, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
- 8-10 lb bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 can pineapple slices (plus 1 cup juice)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- Whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the ham in a crisscross pattern.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Simmer until thickened.
- Place ham in a roasting pan and pour ½ cup of glaze over it.
- Arrange pineapple slices on the ham, securing with toothpicks. Add cloves if desired.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, increase oven to 400°F, and bake for 15 more minutes.
- Rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
If you give this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media with #TheKitchensAid—because sharing is the best part of cooking. Enjoy!
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