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Perfect Honey Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar

honey glazed ham - featured image

A quick and easy honey glazed ham recipe featuring a sweet and tangy pineapple and brown sugar glaze, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 78 pounds or 3.23.6 kg), bone-in preferred
  • 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) raw or pure honey
  • 1 can (about 20 oz/567g) pineapple rings, drained (reserve juice)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the ham from packaging and place it on a rack in your roasting pan, cut side down.
  2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and ½ cup pineapple juice reserved from the can. Stir frequently until sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Score the ham surface lightly in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, about ¼ inch deep.
  4. Arrange pineapple rings over the ham, tucking them into the scored diamonds if possible. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
  5. Brush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure to coat all exposed surfaces.
  6. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour 30 minutes (or 15 minutes per pound), basting every 20 minutes with remaining glaze. Tent loosely with foil if the ham starts to get too dark.
  7. Check for doneness: Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re mainly heating it through and caramelizing the glaze. Internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C).
  8. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use a spiral-cut ham for easy serving. Score the ham to allow glaze penetration. Baste every 20 minutes for a sticky, flavorful crust. Tent with foil if the ham browns too quickly. Save some glaze for a final coat after baking. Fresh pineapple juice can be used instead of canned for a brighter flavor. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey glazed ham, pineapple ham, brown sugar glaze, holiday ham, spiral ham recipe, easy ham glaze, sweet and savory ham