This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a simple, crowd-pleasing main dish that's full of sweet and savory flavor. It's the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and almost no prep time, you'll have a holiday-worthy ham that your family will rave about.
This ham is a classic favorite, especially around major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham is a timeless pairing that works just as well for a Sunday dinner as it does for a festive gathering. It's also a go-to when you want something warm, comforting, and just a little bit special without a lot of effort.
This recipe was inspired by my Melty Ham and Cheese Sliders, with its easy mustard‑butter‑onion glaze adapted here, and it pairs especially well with my Baked Sweet Potato Bites, a crowd favorite topped with marshmallows and pecans
Ingredients
- Spiral ham is pre-cooked and bone-in, making it easy to use while still offering great texture and flavor.
- Pineapple slices fit between the ham layers and add a sweet, fruity taste.
- Pineapple juice keeps the ham moist and forms a natural glaze as it bakes.
- Brown sugar caramelizes in the oven and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the ham's saltiness.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the ham out of its packaging and place it in a casserole or baking dish that's safe for the oven. Open the can of pineapple. Tuck the pineapple slices in between the slices of ham.
Pour the juice from the can over the whole thing.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and ham. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more brown sugar.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Cooking time might vary depending on the size of your ham. You're just warming it through and letting the flavors blend.
While it bakes, check on the ham once or twice. Spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the dish over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.
If your ham came with a glaze packet, you can mix it with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice and brush it over the ham during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Cooking time might vary depending on the size of your ham. You're just warming it through and letting the flavors blend.
While it bakes, check on the ham once or twice. Spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the dish over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.
If your ham came with a glaze packet, you can mix it with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice and brush it over the ham during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Once it's heated through, slice the ham and serve with the pineapple.
Hint: Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to help the juices settle and keep it tender.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your ham and glaze packet (if using) to be sure.
- Low sugar: You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or skip it entirely if the pineapple provides enough sweetness for your taste.
- Spicy version: Try adding a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the pineapple juice for a little kick.
💭Crucial Success Tips
The key to this recipe is not overcooking the ham. Since it's already fully cooked, your goal is just to warm it through and let it soak up the flavors. Covering it well and basting once or twice will keep it moist and tender.
FAQ
Yes! Just follow the same prep steps and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
You can use crushed pineapple or pineapple chunks. Just spoon them around and between the ham slices.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is an easy and flavorful dish made with a pre-cooked spiral ham, sweet pineapple slices, and a touch of brown sugar. Baked until warm and juicy, the ham soaks up the fruity sweetness of the pineapple juice and turns beautifully caramelized. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for holidays or family gatherings, with minimal prep and big flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 can pineapple slices (with juice)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the ham out of its packaging and place it in a casserole or baking dish that's safe for the oven.
- Open the can of pineapple. Tuck the pineapple slices in between the slices of ham.
- Pour the juice from the can over the whole thing.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and ham. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more brown sugar.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Cooking time might vary depending on the size of your ham. You're just warming it through and letting the flavors blend. While it bakes, check on the ham once or twice. Spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the dish over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.
- If your ham came with a glaze packet, you can mix it with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice and brush it over the ham during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.
- Once it's heated through, slice the ham and serve with the pineapple.
Notes
The ham is already cooked, so the goal here is to warm it and let it soak up that sweet pineapple and brown sugar flavor. Keep in mind that oven times can vary a little based on your ham's size, so adjust if needed.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 47Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 106mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 2g
How to Store Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Slice the ham and store it with the juices for best results. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a little of the juice to keep it moist.
Fall
- Classic Pecan Pie
- Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallows
- Maple Bacon Cheese Dip
- Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic-Parmesan Butter and Creamy Dip
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