Holiday Pineapple Glazed Ham (Sweet, Tangy, and Perfectly Caramelized)

There is something special about a baked ham that fills the whole house with holiday cheer. The rich, savory smell, and that sticky sweet glaze bubbling in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone wander in the kitchen to see what’s cooking.

This pineapple glazed ham has been part of our family’s holiday table for years, and it never fails to impress. The glaze is made with simple pantry staples like brown sugar, mustard, and crushed pineapple, and it creates the most beautiful glossy finish while keeping the ham juicy and full of flavor.

And just between us, we call it Aunt Willow’s Holiday Ham at home. Aunt Willow happens to be our cat, and one year I told the kids that she shared her “secret ham recipe” with me. She’s been getting credit ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients. You probably already have everything you need in the pantry.
• Sweet and savory perfection. The brown sugar and pineapple caramelize beautifully over the smokey ham for a glaze that’s sticky and full of flavor.
• Feeds a crowd. This pineapple glazed ham is big enough for the whole family and still leaves plenty for sandwiches later.
• Smells like the holidays. The warm spices and pineapple glaze fill the kitchen with that cozy holiday aroma everyone.
• Beautiful for the holiday table. The glossy glaze and golden edge make it a true showstopper that looks every bit as good as it tastes.

A Holiday Tradition

Around here, this pineapple glazed ham usually makes its big debut at Christmas dinner. For a while, I was making both a turkey and a ham for Thanksgiving, but somewhere along the line the ham stole the spotlight and claimed Christmas for itself. It’s that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and nostalgic that brings everyone back for seconds.

Ingredients for Pineapple Glazed Ham

For the ham:

• 1 whole or half fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds – spiral or uncut both work)

For the glaze:

• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of nutmeg

How to Make Pineapple Glazed Ham

Preheat oven to 325℉ and place ham cut side down in a roasting pan.

In small saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients – crushed pineapple with juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, mustard, pepper, cloves, and nutmeg.

Bring to a boil, stirring often, until the glaze thickens and turns glossy.

Brush a layer of glaze over the ham, cover roasting pan loosely with foil. (save some glaze because you will be brushing the ham with more every 30 minutes while it bakes)

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reached 140℉.

Brush ham with more glaze every 30 minutes for that sticky, caramelized coating.

For the last 10 to 15 minutes, remove the foil and brush one final coat to let it caramelize.

As it bakes, the glaze turns golden and glossy with little bits of caramelized pineapple that make the ham look and smell irresistible.

Make Ahead Tip for Pineapple Glazed Ham

If you are anything like me and need to prep before a big holiday meal (especially Christmas Day when the kitchen is in the state of chaos), then this section is for you.

You can make the glaze a day or two ahead of time and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly on the stove before using.

If you’d like to bake the ham early, you can cook it completely, let it cool, and then slice it. Store the slices with a bit of glaze drizzled over top to keep them moist. When your ready to serve, cover the dish with foil and reheat in a 300℉ oven until warmed through. Brush on a little extra glaze right before serving for a fresh from the oven shine.

Variations

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of allspice for extra holiday warmth.
• Swap a tablespoon of brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a richer glaze.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a sweet heat.
• Replace a tablespoon of pineapple juice with orange juice or apple cider vinegar for a touch of brightness.

Serving Tips for Pineapple Glazed Ham

This pineapple glazed ham is a showstopper on its own but it goes perfectly with:

• Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
• Mac and Cheese
• Old Fashioned Potato Salad with Cooked Dressing

Leftovers make the best sandwiches, breakfast hash, or even ham and bean soup.

Storage and Reheating Pineapple Glazed Ham

Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. They’ll keep up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.

Reheat in the microwave or in place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 300℉ until heated through.