Sweet and juicy, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a crowd-pleaser! Topped with a golden brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, it’s the kind of dish that steals the show at any dinner table. It’s super easy to make, which means you get to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family and friends.
This recipe came together one chilly December evening when I needed something both festive and hearty for a family dinner. The warm, tropical notes of the pineapple paired with the rich, deep flavor of the ham create a contrast that’s just irresistible. It’s fantastic for big holiday meals like Christmas or Easter, but honestly, it’s a winner any time you need a special, no-fuss meal. Everyone always asks for seconds, so I think you’ll find it’s a real hit at your table too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
I love how a few simple steps and ingredients come together to make something so spectacular! Here’s how to get this ham from pantry to table:
Ingredients and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take your bone-in spiral ham out of its packaging and lay it flat in a roasting pan.
Adding the Pineapple
Next, open up a can of pineapple rings. Arrange these slices between the cuts of the spiral ham. Pour the juice from the can all over the ham, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Sweet Glaze
Now for the fun part: sprinkle the brown sugar over the pineapple and ham. Feel free to add a bit more if you like things on the sweeter side. This will create that irresistible caramelized glaze as it bakes.
Bake and Baste
Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep all that moisture and flavor locked in and let it bake for about 1.5 hours. Depending on the size of your ham, you might need a bit more or less time, so keep an eye on it. Every now and then, baste the ham with the juices that collect in the pan to keep it moist and flavor-packed.
Optional Extra Glaze
If your ham comes with a glaze packet, you can mix this with some of the pineapple juice for an extra layer of flavor. Apply this pineapple glaze over the ham about 30 minutes before the end of baking to let it set and become beautifully glossy.
Dig In!
Let it rest for 10-20 minutes. Then, slice, serve it with the pineapple slices, and enjoy!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham pre-cooked
- 1 can pineapple slices with juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Remove the packaging from the pre-cooked ham and place it in a oven safe casserole dish.1 bone-in spiral ham
- Open the can of pineapple slices and place the slices between the slices of ham. Then pour the juice from the can over it.1 can pineapple slices
- Rub the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple slices and ham. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.¼ cup brown sugar
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil and let it cook for 1.5 hours in the oven. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham. You want the ham to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Check the ham periodically. You can baste it with the juices that collect in the dish to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
- If your ham came with a glaze package, you could mix this with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice, mix it and glaze the ham with it.
- Slice the ham and serve it with the pineapple slices.
Notes
- Ham: While spiral-cut hams are convenient and soak up the flavors well, you can use any pre-cooked bone-in ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of ham.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar works great, but if you want a deeper, molasses-like flavor, go for dark brown sugar.
- Pineapple: While canned pineapple slices are super convenient, don’t hesitate to use fresh pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Add Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Glaze Thickness: If you like a thicker glaze, you can boil the pineapple juice with some brown sugar in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens before pouring it over the ham.
- What can I do with the ham bone? Don’t toss it! The ham bone is perfect for making flavorful soups or stews. It adds a rich, meaty flavor that’s hard to beat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Wrap the ham slices tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate. This way, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you’ve got more leftovers than you can handle in a few days, pop them in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap them well or use a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for a couple of months.
- Reheat: Reheating is a breeze—just a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave, and you’re ready for round two!
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Tips
I’ve picked up a few tricks to make your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham even more spectacular:
- Ham: While spiral-cut hams are convenient and soak up the flavors well, you can use any pre-cooked bone-in ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of ham.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar works great, but if you want a deeper, molasses-like flavor, go for dark brown sugar.
- Pineapple: While canned pineapple slices are super convenient, don’t hesitate to use fresh pineapple if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Add Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Glaze Thickness: If you like a thicker glaze, you can boil the pineapple juice with some brown sugar in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens before pouring it over the ham.
- What can I do with the ham bone? Don’t toss it! The ham bone is perfect for making flavorful soups or stews. It adds a rich, meaty flavor that’s hard to beat.
How to Store Leftover Ham
Wrap the ham slices tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate. This way, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3-4 days.
If you’ve got more leftovers than you can handle in a few days, pop them in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap them well or use a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for a couple of months. Reheating is a breeze—just a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave, and you’re ready for round two!
What to Serve With This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
When you whip up a Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham, think about sides that can stand up to its sweet and savory glory. Cheesy scalloped potatoes or a creamy mac and cheese make for hearty companions, while a crisp green bean almondine is a side dish with a refreshing crunch.
Don’t forget a simple, light salad to balance the richness—it’s the perfect refreshing sidekick!
More Holiday Recipes You Will Love
- Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
- Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Rump Roast
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Turkey Casserole Recipe
