Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

This glazed ham transforms an ordinary family dinner into a festive celebration with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The caramelized pineapple brown sugar glaze creates an irresistible outer layer that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I discovered this recipe when hosting my first Christmas dinner for my in laws. The aroma of the caramelizing glaze won everyone over before they even tasted it, and now it's requested at every major family gathering.

• Pre cooked ham Choose bone in for maximum flavor or boneless for easier carving
• Pineapple juice Provides the perfect tangy sweetness that balances the saltiness of the ham
• Light brown sugar Creates that beautiful caramelized exterior and rich depth of flavor
• Soy sauce Adds unexpected umami that elevates the entire dish beyond typical glazed ham
• Honey Helps the glaze adhere to the ham while adding floral sweetness
• Dijon mustard Cuts through the sweetness with a sharp tang
• Fresh pineapple chunks Garnishing with fresh fruit brightens the whole presentation

How To Make Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Preheat the oven

Start by heating your oven to 165°C. This moderate temperature allows the glaze to caramelize without burning while ensuring the ham heats through properly.

Score the ham

Using a sharp knife, create a crosshatch pattern across the surface about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and creates those beautiful caramelized edges everyone fights over.

Prepare the glaze

Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat and simmering for approximately 5 minutes. Watch carefully as it thickens slightly you want it pourable but not watery.

Apply the glaze

Place your ham in a roasting pan and pour the warm glaze evenly over the entire surface, making sure it flows into all the score marks. The first application creates your flavor base.

Roast and baste

Roast uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, taking time to baste every 10 minutes. This creates multiple layers of flavor as the glaze reduces and caramelizes with each application.

Serve

Remove the ham when the exterior has developed a beautiful caramelized shine. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Arrange on a platter with fresh pineapple chunks and any remaining glaze for drizzling.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the glaze bubble and caramelize in the oven. The first time I made it, my daughter pulled up a chair to watch through the oven window, mesmerized by the transformation. Now she helps me score the pattern, turning our holiday prep into a cherished tradition.

Make Ahead Options

The beauty of this glazed ham lies in its flexibility for entertaining. You can prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply warm it gently on the stovetop until it returns to a pourable consistency. This approach saves precious time when preparing multiple dishes for a gathering and allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This ham creates a stunning centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with complementary side dishes. Serve alongside scalloped potatoes for a classic combination, or take a more contemporary approach with roasted brussels sprouts tossed with balsamic vinegar. The sweet and savory profile of the ham also works beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For beverages, a slightly sweet Riesling or sparkling apple cider complements the glazed ham perfectly.

Repurposing Leftovers

Leftover glazed ham transforms easily into several quick meals throughout the week. Dice it finely and fold into scrambled eggs with a sprinkle of cheese for a hearty breakfast. Slice it thinly for sandwiches with a schmear of whole grain mustard and some Swiss cheese. For dinner, cube the ham and add it to fried rice with some pineapple for a sweet and savory one pan meal that capitalizes on the existing flavors. The bone from a bone in ham makes an exceptional base for split pea soup, imparting deep flavor that cannot be replicated.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ham works best for this glazed preparation?

Both bone-in and boneless pre-cooked hams work well, but bone-in hams typically offer more flavor. Look for a ham weighing approximately 3.6 to 4.5 kg. Spiral-cut hams allow the glaze to penetrate deeper, but any pre-cooked ham variety will yield delicious results.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pineapple brown sugar glaze up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before applying to the ham. This makes the cooking process more efficient, especially when preparing for large gatherings.

→ Why is scoring the ham important?

Scoring the ham in a crosshatch pattern serves multiple purposes: it creates more surface area for the glaze to adhere to, allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, and creates an attractive diamond pattern that enhances presentation.

→ How can I tell when the ham is properly heated through?

Since the ham is pre-cooked, you're primarily heating it rather than cooking it. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (away from the bone if using bone-in) - the ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 60-65°C (140-150°F).

→ What side dishes pair well with this glazed ham?

This sweet and savory ham pairs beautifully with scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad with citrus notes. For a complete meal, consider adding dinner rolls and a simple dessert that complements the pineapple flavors.

→ Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh for serving?

Absolutely! While fresh pineapple chunks provide the best texture and flavor contrast, drained canned pineapple chunks or rings work well too. If using canned, you can even reserve some of the juice for making the glaze.