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Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake will quickly become your go‐to centerpiece dish. The sweet, sticky glaze caramelizes over a tender, fully cooked ham while pineapple slices add a tropical note and help keep the meat moist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham about 6–8 pounds
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 can pineapple slices in juice 20 ounces
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice reserved from the can
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves optional, for a warm spice note

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush
  • Toothpicks (optional)
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to give it plenty of time to warm up while you prepare the ham.
  2. Place the 6–8 pound fully cooked bone-in ham in a large roasting pan with the cut side facing down to help lock in all the delicious juices.
  3. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to seep in and flavor the meat thoroughly.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (if using).
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
  6. Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the scored ham, ensuring the sauce gets into all the diamond cuts.
  7. Arrange the pineapple slices from the can evenly over the surface of the ham. Secure them with toothpicks if needed.
  8. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent the glaze from burning while the interior warms through, then bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes for extra caramelized goodness.
  9. If desired, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to further caramelize the glaze before serving.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for holiday feasts or special dinners, offering a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal effort. You can easily substitute pineapple with peach or apricot slices for a different twist, and even add a splash of rum or bourbon to the glaze for an extra kick. The dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and any leftovers make a tasty sandwich the next day.