Holiday Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Sauce
This incredible Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham recipe features a juicy ham coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham (bone-in or boneless) 8-10 lb
Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
- 1.5 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained 20 oz
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp ground cloves or 1 tbsp whole cloves for studding
- 1 tsp orange zest optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and discard the plastic disk covering the bone, if applicable. Place the ham, cut-side down if spiral-cut, in a large roasting pan. If your ham is not pre-scored, carefully score the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate evenly and adds a beautiful presentation. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the ham from drying out during the initial baking phase.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, undrained crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves (if using ground). If you prefer whole cloves, reserve them for studding the ham later. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze begins to thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, if using. The glaze should be a thick, pourable consistency.
- Bake the Ham: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound. For an 8-10 lb ham, this will be about 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours. The goal is to heat the ham through to an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) before glazing. This initial covered baking ensures the ham stays incredibly moist. During this time, you can prepare any side dishes or enjoy the festive aromas filling your kitchen.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: After the initial baking, remove the ham from the oven and carefully uncover it. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). If using whole cloves, stud them into the ham's diamond pattern now. Spoon or brush a generous amount of the brown sugar pineapple glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10-15 minutes. This step creates a beautiful, caramelized crust and allows the flavors to truly sink in. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Once the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Loosely tent the ham with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy. After resting, carve the ham against the grain, using the spiral cuts as your guide, and serve warm with any remaining glaze on the side. Enjoy your festive masterpiece!
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, let the ham come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours before baking.
- Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy; don't rely solely on timing.
- If your ham comes with a glaze packet, you can still use this homemade brown sugar pineapple glaze for superior flavor.