A classic holiday centerpiece, this Honey Baked Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze Ham is rich in sweet and savory flavors. The ham is coated in a luscious brown sugar and honey glaze, enhanced with pineapple juice and warming spices. Decorated with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries, this dish not only looks stunning but also delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. It’s a must-have for festive gatherings, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Holidays – A visually impressive dish that makes any holiday meal extra special.
Sweet & Savory Balance – The caramelized glaze enhances the ham’s natural flavors, creating a delicious contrast.
Easy to Prepare – Simple steps ensure a stress-free cooking experience.
Juicy & Tender – Basting the ham during baking keeps it moist and flavorful.
Leftovers are Amazing – Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup honey
½ cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, drained
10-12 maraschino cherries
Toothpicks (for securing pineapples and cherries)

Directions

Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a roasting pan or disposable aluminum baking tray.
Prepare the Glaze – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until fully dissolved and slightly thickened.
Score the Ham – Use a sharp knife to create shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern across the ham’s surface to allow the glaze to penetrate.
Add Pineapple & Cherries – Secure pineapple rings onto the ham using toothpicks, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
Glaze the Ham – Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Bake – Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Caramelize – For the last 20 minutes, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) to create a beautifully caramelized crust.
Rest & Serve – Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving

Variations

Spiced Glaze – Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Maple Twist – Substitute honey with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
Citrus Infusion – Mix in a bit of orange or lemon zest for a fresh citrusy kick.
Whiskey Glaze – Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the glaze for a bold, smoky depth.
No Cherries – Skip the maraschino cherries if you prefer a more subtle fruitiness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in a covered dish at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Add a little reserved glaze or broth to prevent drying out.

FAQs

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Covering the ham with foil while baking and basting it every 30 minutes helps retain moisture.

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, boneless ham works, but bone-in ham tends to have better flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

You can substitute it with yellow mustard or a little apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

Can I make this ham in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ham a day ahead and reheat it before serving. Store it with some glaze to keep it moist.

Should I remove the rind before baking?

Most hams come pre-trimmed, but if yours has a thick rind, scoring or partially removing it allows the glaze to penetrate better.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just slice fresh pineapple into rings and use them in place of canned.

What should I serve with this ham?

Popular sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad.

How do I get a deeper caramelized crust?

Brush extra glaze on the ham and broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?

Yes, dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor to the glaze.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your mustard and any additional ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Honey Baked Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze Ham is a show-stopping dish that brings warmth and festive flavor to any occasion. With its rich glaze, juicy texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes fantastic leftovers. Try this recipe for your next celebration, and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness in every bite!

Honey Baked Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze Ham

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 10–12 1x

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Description

A beautifully glazed holiday ham with a rich, caramelized brown sugar and honey glaze, topped with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. This dish is a perfect centerpiece for festive gatherings, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a roasting pan or aluminum baking tray.
Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze slightly thickens.
Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a crisscross pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
Decorate: Secure the pineapple rings onto the ham using toothpicks, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring.
Glaze the Ham: Generously brush the glaze over the ham, ensuring full coverage.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Caramelization: Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve a golden, caramelized finish.
Rest & Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, let the ham marinate in the glaze for 1-2 hours before baking.
Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be used in soups and casseroles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American