Baked Ham with Brown Sugar & Pineapple – Sweet Southern Classic

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

An Ode to a Timeless Centerpiece

In my years spent in kitchens around the globe, from bustling Parisian bistros to serene Japanese temples, I’ve learned that some dishes possess a unique, almost magical ability to transport us. They are not merely food; they are memories, traditions, and the centerpiece of our most cherished gatherings. For me, few recipes evoke the warm embrace of family and celebration quite like a classic Baked Ham with Pineapple. The glossy, caramelized crust, the sweet tang of fruit, and the savory depth of perfectly cooked pork—it’s a symphony of flavors that sings of holidays and Sunday dinners. This isn’t just another recipe; it is my definitive method for creating that iconic, showstopping ham that will have your guests asking for the secret. Prepare to transform a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary event.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Showstopping Presentation: The jewel-like pineapple rings and glossy, mahogany glaze make this dish the undeniable star of any table. It looks as incredible as it tastes.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: We masterfully combine sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory ham for a flavor profile that is complex, comforting, and utterly addictive.
• Surprisingly Simple to Execute: Despite its grand appearance, this recipe is built on straightforward techniques, making a gourmet centerpiece accessible to chefs of all skill levels.
• Feeds a Crowd with Grace: This is the ultimate dish for entertaining, generously serving a large group and leaving you with delicious leftovers for days to come.

Preparation Time and Servings

⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
💡 Difficulty: Easy
👥 Servings: 14-18 people

This surprisingly quick preparation allows you to create a magnificent main course without spending your entire day in the kitchen, making it perfect for efficient holiday planning.

Ingredients List

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully-cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham
• 20-30 whole cloves
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings in heavy syrup, rings and syrup separated
• 1 ½ cups (300g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) honey or pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60ml) Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

The Definitive Method for Baked Ham with Pineapple

1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it, cut-side down, in a large roasting pan fitted with a rack. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes to take the chill off for more even cooking.
2. Stud with Cloves: Gently separate the spiral slices slightly. Artfully stud the surface of the ham with whole cloves, placing one in the center of where each pineapple ring will go. This not only adds a beautiful visual touch but also infuses the meat with a warm, aromatic spice.
3. Craft the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the reserved pineapple syrup, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and cinnamon. Whisk continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened slightly into a syrupy glaze. Remove from the heat.
4. First Bake: Tent the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads 120°F (50°C).
5. Glaze and Decorate: Remove the foil from the ham. Generously brush about half of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it gets between the slices. Arrange the pineapple rings over the ham, securing each one with a toothpick if necessary.
6. Final Bake and Basting: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered. Bake for another 45-60 minutes, basting generously with the remaining glaze every 15 minutes. The ham is ready when the glaze is deeply caramelized and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The frequent basting is the secret to that perfect, lacquered crust on your Baked Ham with Pineapple.
7. Rest Before Serving: This step is non-negotiable for a juicy result. Transfer the ham to a carving board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Expert Tips for Success

• Choose Your Ham Wisely: For the best flavor and texture, I always recommend a bone-in, spiral-cut ham. The bone imparts a richer taste, while the pre-slicing allows the glorious glaze to penetrate every layer.
• Don’t Glaze Too Early: The high sugar content in the glaze can cause it to burn if applied at the beginning of the cooking process. Wait until the final hour of baking for a perfectly caramelized, never burnt, finish.
• Use an Oven Thermometer: Ovens can be notoriously inaccurate. An internal thermometer is the only surefire way to know your ham is heated through perfectly without becoming dry. For a flawless Baked Ham with Pineapple, precision is key.
• Let it Rest: I cannot stress this enough. Carving a ham straight from the oven is a culinary crime. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb all those delicious juices, ensuring every slice is moist and tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your culinary masterpiece is nothing short of perfection, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

• Cooking a Cold Ham – Pulling the ham straight from the refrigerator to the oven results in uneven cooking. Let it sit on the counter for 30-45 minutes first.
• Incorrect oven temperature – A too-hot oven will dry out the exterior before the inside is warm. Trust your thermometer, not just the dial.
• Skipping the Basting – This is what builds that sticky, irresistible crust. Without it, the glaze won’t caramelize properly and your Baked Ham with Pineapple will lack its signature finish.
• Carving too soon – Slicing immediately causes the flavorful juices to spill out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat. Patience is a virtue.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious creation for days to come.

• Short-term storage: Do not leave the ham at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Prompt refrigeration is key to food safety.
• Refrigeration: Carve the leftover ham off the bone. Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and soups.
• Freezing: For longer storage, slice the ham and wrap it in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Make-ahead option: The brown sugar glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently re-warm it before using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for my Baked Ham with Pineapple?

While you certainly can, I often recommend canned rings for this specific preparation. The heavy syrup from the can is a key component of the glaze, providing sweetness and the perfect consistency. If using fresh pineapple, you may need to add a bit more sugar and a splash of pineapple juice to the glaze to compensate and achieve that classic flavor profile.

What are some classic side dishes to serve with this ham?

This ham is a versatile centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a host of classic sides. I recommend creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus with lemon, honey-glazed carrots, a simple green bean casserole, or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up any extra glaze from the plate. The combination of these dishes creates a truly memorable feast.

Conclusion

There you have it—a recipe that is more than just a meal; it is a celebration on a platter. This timeless Baked Ham with Pineapple promises a juicy, flavorful, and visually stunning centerpiece that will anchor your festive table with elegance and classic Southern charm. It’s a testament to the fact that the most memorable dishes are often the ones rooted in simple, high-quality ingredients prepared with care. Don’t forget to share this with your friends and family!

Contact Us

Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?