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Sweet Pineapple Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
This glazed ham ranks as the top holiday pick in our house and always gets everyone excited at mealtime. When brown sugar meets juicy pineapple, they transform a simple spiral ham into something truly wonderful. You'll love how each mouthful delivers that ideal mix of sweet and salty flavors. I guarantee your dinner guests will want more than just one serving.
What Makes This Ham Special
I've spent many holidays trying different ham coatings, and this mix works better than anything else. The brown sugar forms that amazing candy-like exterior while the pineapple brings a bright, sunny taste. My little trick is adding some cola for extra flavor depth - it's the hidden ingredient that takes this ham to another level. It's just right for Easter, Christmas, or whenever you need to impress family and friends.
Your Ingredient List
- Dark brown sugar: 1 cup firmly packed. Using newly opened sugar really helps create that perfect sticky coating.
- Cola or Dr. Pepper: 12 oz softens the meat and adds rich flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tbsp gives a nice sharp balance to all the sweetness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: 1 tbsp adds umami flavor without making things too salty.
- Mustards (Dijon and grainy): 1 ½ tbsp each for tanginess and texture.
- Ground ginger and onion powder: 1 tsp and ½ tsp respectively bring warmth and background flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp for a gentle heat kick.
- City ham: 6-9 lb spiral-sliced ham with surface cuts for better flavor soaking.
- Canned crushed pineapple: 20 oz for that signature sweet tropical taste.
Let's Make It
- Ready to Enjoy:
- Give it a short rest before cutting into slices.
- Final Bake:
- Continue cooking without covering, basting every 10 minutes using the pan drippings until the ham reaches 140°F inside, roughly 40-60 minutes.
- Time to Glaze:
- Spread half the glaze onto the ham, working it into the cuts. Top with pineapple and pour more glaze over everything.
- First Cook:
- Put the foil-covered ham in the oven for an hour.
- Get Ready:
- Warm your oven to 325°F. Make shallow cuts across the ham surface about 1 inch apart. Place ham in your baking dish and wrap with foil.
- Make Your Glaze:
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then keep stirring for 20-30 minutes until it gets thick like syrup. Put aside.
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My Personal Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this gorgeous ham while it's warm next to some buttery mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. From what I've found, any leftovers will stay tasty when wrapped in foil and kept in your fridge for about 4 days. You can also store extra portions in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick weeknight family meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap canned pineapple for fresh?
No, fresh pineapple isn’t good for this dish. It has enzymes that can mess up the meat’s texture. Use canned or cooked pineapple instead to avoid mushiness.
- → How long does leftover ham stay fresh?
Refrigerated in an airtight container, it’ll last up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it, and it will keep for about 2 months.
- → How should I check if the ham is fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to check the thickest part of the ham. When it reads 140°F, it’s good to go. Be careful to avoid touching the bone.
- → Can the glaze be made in advance?
Totally! You can mix the glaze a day early. Keep it in the fridge, and warm it slightly when ready to spread on the ham.
- → What pairs nicely with this ham?
Go for classic sides like roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, or green beans. The leftovers also make awesome sandwiches.