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Easy Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham: Best Holiday Recipe

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This easy brown sugar pineapple glazed ham is a forgiving, fast, and crowd-pleasing holiday recipe that requires only five simple ingredients and about 45 minutes of oven time. It delivers a deep amber, caramelized crust and unbelievably juicy meat, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham, spiral-cut or whole
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings in juice, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven. While the oven heats, take the ham out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, cut shallow diagonal lines about 1/4-inch deep across the entire surface of the ham, forming a diamond pattern. Do not cut too deep.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, 1/4 cup of the pineapple juice (from the can), Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  4. Place the ham in the roasting pan on the rack, flat side down. If using a spiral-cut ham, position it so the cut sides are facing down.
  5. Brush on the first layer of glaze: Using a pastry brush, apply about half the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, including the sides and ends.
  6. Arrange the pineapple rings: Secure the pineapple rings onto the ham using toothpicks, placing them in a single layer over the top and sides.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered.
  8. After 30 minutes, remove the ham and brush on the remaining glaze. If the pineapple rings have shifted, nudge them back into place.
  9. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is bubbling and deep amber. If the top starts to look too dark, tent loosely with foil.
  10. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Remove the toothpicks (and the pineapple rings, if desired).
  11. Carve and serve: If using a spiral-cut ham, follow the pre-cut lines. For a whole ham, slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Spoon any pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, look for a ham that’s not pre-glazed or pre-smoked with heavy flavoring. If your brown sugar is hard, microwave it with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds to soften. Don’t skip scoring the ham—it helps the glaze soak in and creates caramelized edges. Watch the sugar: brown sugar burns faster than you think, so check the ham at the 20-minute mark during the second bake if your oven runs hot. Let the ham rest before carving to keep it juicy. Double the glaze if you like extra sticky coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar pineapple glazed ham, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, glazed ham, Easter ham, Christmas ham, pineapple ham

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-brown-sugar-pineapple-glazed-ham-best-holiday-recipe/