Irresistible Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe for Every Occasion

There’s something about the scent of a Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham roasting in the oven that instantly wraps a house in warmth and welcome. Growing up in that old white farmhouse nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sunday dinners were sacred, and Mama Lu’s kitchen was always humming with the magic of simple ingredients transformed by love. I remember the way her skillet cornbread would soak up the drippings from a roast, or how she’d hum softly while basting a ham with whatever was on hand. This recipe for Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham carries that same spirit — a sweet, sticky glaze that’s as much about family stories as it is about flavor. Pull up a chair, and let me share how you can bring a bit of that homey comfort to your own table.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

What makes this Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham stand out isn’t just the sweet tang of pineapple or the caramelized crust from brown sugar, but the way it brings people together. In my childhood kitchen, food wasn’t merely fuel — it was a ritual, a way to say “I love you” without uttering a word. This ham recipe evokes those memories, blending bright, fruity notes with rich, buttery sweetness that feels both festive and familiar.

The glaze is straightforward but packs a punch, turning an ordinary ham into the star of any holiday or family gathering. Plus, the balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and a hint of spice—makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re seasoned at roasting or just starting out, this recipe’s forgiving nature means you’ll come away with a juicy, flavorful ham that invites second helpings and stories shared around the table.

And here’s a little secret from my porch-swing afternoons with Mama Lu: a good glaze is about patience and love, letting the sugars gently caramelize without burning. That’s where the magic happens, and I’ll walk you through it.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6 to 8 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh if possible, or canned works fine)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a warm, spiced note)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or even a mild spicy mustard will do the trick. And if fresh pineapple isn’t in season, the canned variety, especially when well-drained, still gives you that bright, tropical tang. I remember the winters back home when fresh fruit was a luxury; canned pineapple was the next best thing, and no less comforting.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 400 per 6-ounce serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g (mostly from the glaze)
• Sodium: 1100mg (varies based on ham type)

Don’t let the sugar content scare you — this glaze is mostly surface-level sweetness that enhances flavor rather than overwhelms. Plus, ham is a protein powerhouse that’s perfect for those hearty family meals. Growing up, we always balanced a rich main with plenty of fresh vegetables and simple sides, which helped round out the meal. Learn more: Irresistible Creamy Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Onions Recipe

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Steps to Create Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a thick skin, score it in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep—this helps the glaze seep in.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, mustard, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
4. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven. Plan for about 15 minutes per pound — so for a 7-pound ham, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
5. Every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with more glaze, uncovering it briefly to allow the sugars to caramelize without burning. This slow, loving basting is reminiscent of the way Mama Lu tended her Sunday roasts, turning and spooning over gravy with care.
6. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil completely to let the glaze set into a sticky, golden crust. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn—if it starts to darken too fast, tent the ham again.
7. Once the ham is glossy and caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite tender and moist.
8. For a final touch, garnish with pineapple slices or maraschino cherries if you like — a little vintage charm that Mama Lu would have approved.

Tips for Making the Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

My time in that Blue Ridge farmhouse taught me that the best dishes come from paying attention, not rushing. Here are a few tips to help you make this ham your own family favorite:

• Use a quality ham: Since this glaze highlights the ham’s natural flavors, start with a good-quality, fully cooked bone-in ham for best results.
• Don’t skip the scoring: Those diamond cuts aren’t just pretty — they let the glaze soak deeper, infusing each bite with sweetness.
• Glaze gently: Keep the heat moderate and baste often. Too high a temperature can burn the sugars and turn your glaze bitter.
• Let it rest: Just like we rested from a long day’s work on the porch swing, giving the ham time to settle before slicing preserves all those juicy flavors.
• Customize your spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the cloves and cinnamon, or add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick. Mama Lu always said, “Make it your own, child.”

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Back home, a Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham was never served alone. It was the centerpiece of a spread that celebrated the season and the people gathered around the table. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that balance sweet, savory, and fresh:

• Classic skillet cornbread — a nod to Mama Lu’s golden, buttery loaves that soaked up every drop of gravy.
• Collard greens or sautéed green beans with garlic and a splash of vinegar to cut through the glaze’s sweetness.
• Mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
• A crisp, tangy coleslaw or simple garden salad to bring brightness and crunch.
• For drinks, a chilled Riesling or a sparkling apple cider complements the ham’s flavors beautifully.

Serving your ham alongside sides that contrast texture and flavor makes the meal feel thoughtful and complete — just like all the Sunday dinners I grew up loving.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers are a blessing in any kitchen — and with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham, they only get better with time. Here’s how to keep that flavor and moisture intact:

• Store promptly: Wrap leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Reheat gently: To avoid drying out, reheat ham slices covered with foil in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You can brush a little extra glaze or pineapple juice before warming.
• Freeze for longer storage: Leftover ham freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Repurpose: Use leftover ham in soups, casseroles, or breakfast scrambles. There’s something heartwarming about turning a Sunday dinner favorite into a cozy weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham?

The main ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham?

The total time to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham ahead of time?

Yes, Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham?

Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

Making this Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham brings me right back to those flour-dusted afternoons with Mama Lu, where food was more than sustenance — it was the soul of our family. The simplicity of the ingredients paired with the care and patience in preparation is what makes this recipe truly special. It’s a meal that invites stories, laughter, and the slow, satisfied sighs of people who feel at home.

“Recipes weren’t written,” Mama Lu always said, “They were remembered. Shared by heart, with a pinch of salt and a whole lot of soul.”

So as you prepare your own Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham, think of it as more than a dish — it’s a chance to build your own family rituals, filled with love and a few sweet memories that will last long after the last slice is gone.