Oh, the smell of a holiday gathering! For me, nothing screams “special occasion” quite like the sweet, sticky aroma of a glazed ham wafting through the house. This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is my absolute go-to, and trust me, it’s a total showstopper without being a headache to make. What I love most is that perfect dance between the sweet pineapple and brown sugar glaze and that savory, juicy ham. It’s just… *chef’s kiss*! We’ve been making this for years at Christmas, and it’s always the first thing to disappear from the table. It’s so easy, anyone can nail it, and you’ll feel like a gourmet chef when you pull it out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Seriously, this ham bake is a winner for so many reasons:
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: That pineapple and brown sugar glaze just hits different, balancing beautifully with the ham.
- Stunning Presentation: It looks *so* fancy on the table, but you know the secret – it’s super easy!
- Quick Prep: You can have it prepped and ready for the oven in under 15 minutes. Easy peasy!
- Holiday Hero: It’s the star of any holiday feast, from Christmas to Easter.
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone, I mean *everyone*, devours this ham.
- Minimal Cleanup: Most of the magic happens right in one pan. Yes!
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this amazing Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake, you’ll need just a few simple things. Don’t worry, it’s all really straightforward. We’re talking about a glorious, juicy ham as our star, and then a glaze that’s going to make your taste buds sing. I always grab my ingredients the day before so I’m not rushing on the big day. It makes everything feel so much more relaxed!
So, here’s what you’ll need for this masterpiece:
- 1 (5-7 pound) fully cooked ham – Make sure it’s a good quality one!
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained – Don’t drain that juice; it’s pure gold for our glaze!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – I like to use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, but regular works too.
- 1/4 cup honey – This adds a lovely sweetness and helps the glaze get nice and sticky.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – This is our secret weapon for that little bit of tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that warm, cozy spice note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – Just a pinch, it’s powerful stuff and adds depth.
Essential Ham for Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
When you’re picking out your ham, a fully cooked one is your best friend here. Just grab one that looks good to you – spiral sliced or a whole bone-in ham works great. If yours has a thick rind, I like to score it in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. It’s not totally crucial, but it really helps that gorgeous glaze sink in and makes it look extra special.
Crafting the Perfect Pineapple Glaze
This glaze is seriously the heart of the whole operation! We’re combining that sweet, tangy crushed pineapple (juice and all!) with the rich brown sugar, the smooth honey, and that little kick from the Dijon mustard. Then, we add the cinnamon and cloves for that unmistakable holiday aroma. Just stir it all together until it’s smooth and beautifully combined. It’s a simple mix, but oh my goodness, the flavor payoff is HUGE!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Alright, let’s get this delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake into the oven! It’s really straightforward, and watching it transform is half the fun. I always like to have everything measured out before I start, just makes the whole process smoother, especially if you’ve got little helpers wandering around!
Preparing the Ham and Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot. We’re preheating it to 325°F (160°C). While that’s warming up, grab your roasting pan. Gently place your ham right in the center of it. If you scored the rind earlier, make sure those little diamond cuts are facing up so they can catch all that yummy glaze!
Mixing the Sweet and Savory Glaze
Now for the magic sauce! Grab a medium-sized bowl. Dump in that undrained crushed pineapple – don’t forget the juice! Add your packed brown sugar, honey, that zippy Dijon mustard, the cinnamon, and just a whisper of cloves. Give it a really good stir with a whisk or a spoon until everything is combined and looks like a beautiful, sticky glaze. It should smell amazing already!
Glazing and Baking the Ham
Okay, time to dress up our ham! Pour that glorious pineapple glaze evenly all over the top and sides of the ham. Try to get it into all those little nooks and crannies you might have scored. Now, pop it into the preheated oven. It’ll need about 1.5 to 2 hours. The best way to tell it’s done is with a meat thermometer – you’re looking for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). About every 30 minutes, open the oven carefully and spoon some of that syrupy glaze from the bottom of the pan back over the ham. This basting is key to getting that super shiny, caramelized finish!
Resting and Serving Your Masterpiece
Once your ham hits that perfect temperature, carefully take it out of the oven. Now, this next part is super important: let it rest! Tent it loosely with foil and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it incredibly moist and tender. Then, just slice it up and serve it with all that delicious glaze spooned over the top. Enjoy the applause!
Tips for an Unforgettable Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
You’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the ingredients, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that really make this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake sing. It’s all about those small details that elevate it from good to absolutely spectacular!
Scoring for Maximum Glaze Penetration
If your ham has that thick, fatty rind, don’t skip scoring it! Just use a sharp knife to make shallow diamond shapes across the surface. This isn’t just for looks; it creates little pockets for that amazing pineapple glaze to seep into. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in how much flavor gets into every bite.
Achieving the Perfect Glaze Consistency
My glaze usually turns out just right from the can, but if yours seems a bit too thick, just add a tiny splash of pineapple juice or even water to thin it out a hair. If it looks too thin, a little extra brown sugar can help thicken it up as it bakes. Keep an eye on it in the oven – that sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to a little burnt in a flash! Basting helps keep it moist, but if you see it getting too dark too quickly, you can always loosely tent the ham with foil for the last 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Got questions about making this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake? I’ve got answers!
Q: What’s the best kind of ham for this recipe?
Any fully cooked ham will work beautifully! Whether it’s spiral-sliced, bone-in, or boneless, they all take beautifully to this sweet and savory glaze. Just make sure it’s already cooked, as we’re just warming it through and adding flavor.
Q: Can I prep the pineapple glaze ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! You can totally mix up the glaze ingredients and keep them covered in the fridge for a day or two. Just give it a good stir before you’re ready to pour it over the ham. It’s a great way to save time on busy cooking days!
Q: How do I know for sure when my ham is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part of the ham. If you don’t have one, you can usually tell by how easily the meat pulls away from the bone, but a thermometer is your most reliable friend here!
Q: What goes well with this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake?
This ham is so versatile! It’s fantastic with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad. Creamy macaroni and cheese or some glazed carrots are also amazing pairings. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be a hit!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
So, let’s chat about these ingredients for our Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake! The ham itself is pretty straightforward – just grab a fully cooked one. If you can find one with a nice fat cap, that’s great for scoring! Now, about the glaze: that crushed pineapple is key, and please, please don’t drain it! That juice is pure liquid gold for our glaze. If you don’t have honey, you could try maple syrup, but it will give a slightly different flavor profile. And for the spices, if you’re not a huge fan of cloves, you can just leave them out, or maybe add a tiny pinch more cinnamon. Some folks even add a pinch of ground ginger for a little extra warmth. It’s all about making it *your* perfect ham!
Nutritional Estimate for Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brand of ham you pick and even how much glaze you pile on! But generally, you’re looking at a pretty satisfying dish. Think good protein from the ham, balanced with some natural sugars and carbs from the glaze ingredients. It’s definitely a treat for special occasions!
Sharing Your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake Experience
I just LOVE hearing about your cooking adventures! Did you try this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake? I’d be thrilled if you’d pop down in the comments and tell me all about it! Did you try any fun variations? Maybe you’ve got a favorite side dish that goes perfectly with it? Share your photos, give it a rating, and let everyone know how it turned out. And hey, if you loved it, consider sharing it with your friends on social media!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A sweet and savory ham bake with a brown sugar and pineapple glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 pound) fully cooked ham
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add maraschino cherries or pineapple rings to the ham before baking for extra decoration.
- If your ham has a thick rind, score it in a diamond pattern before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake, glazed ham, pineapple ham, holiday ham, sweet ham, savory ham