Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Classic
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, combining the rich, savory flavors of ham with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the caramelized depth of brown sugar. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and elegant, with a sticky-sweet glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Imagine tender slices of ham infused with the bright, tangy notes of pineapple, all coated in a glossy, golden-brown glaze. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a special meal, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake delivers on both flavor and presentation. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free option for busy cooks.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of sweet and savory, with caramelized brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and rich ham.
- Texture: Tender, juicy ham with a sticky glaze and soft, caramelized pineapple pieces.
- Aroma: Warm, inviting scents of brown sugar, pineapple, and baked ham fill the kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown glaze with pineapple rings creates an eye-catching presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with minimal hands-on effort.
- Special Equipment: Just a baking dish and a small saucepan for the glaze.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for special occasions. The steps are straightforward, and most of the work is hands-off.
- Category: Main dish, holiday meal, or special occasion centerpiece.
- Cuisine: A classic American holiday dish with tropical influences from the pineapple.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, especially when using pre-cooked ham.
- Season: Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
- Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. First, the flavor combination is unbeatable—sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. The brown sugar caramelizes into a sticky glaze, while the pineapple adds a bright contrast to the rich ham. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced.
From a practical standpoint, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is incredibly easy to prepare. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can pop it in the oven and let it work its magic. It’s also versatile—you can use a spiral-cut ham for convenience or a whole ham for a more dramatic presentation.
Nutritionally, ham provides a good source of protein, while pineapple adds a dose of vitamin C and digestive enzymes. The dish is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Socially, this is a dish that brings people together. The beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper at holiday gatherings, and the familiar flavors appeal to all ages. Plus, leftovers (if there are any!) make fantastic sandwiches or additions to breakfast dishes.
Finally, this recipe is cost-effective. Ham is often on sale during the holidays, and the other ingredients—pineapple, brown sugar, and spices—are pantry staples that won’t break the bank.
The Recipe
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 lb) fully cooked ham, spiral-cut or whole
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place ham in baking dish. If using a whole ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- Arrange pineapple slices over ham, securing with toothpicks if needed. Place cherries in pineapple centers if desired.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.
- Brush half the glaze over ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered 15 more minutes until caramelized.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices.
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, stud ham with whole cloves before baking.
- Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
