Imagine a ham so succulent, so gloriously glazed, that it becomes the star of your dinner table. This Brown Sugar Pineapple Baked Ham isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spices, this ham promises to be the showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for your recipe).
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can sliced pineapple (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove ham from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1/2-inch deep crosshatch cuts.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon until a smooth glaze forms.
- Brush approximately 1/3 of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake the ham for approximately 2 hours, or about 15 minutes per pound. Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with additional glaze.
- If using canned pineapple slices, arrange them on the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, securing with toothpicks if needed.
- The ham is done when its internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with pineapple slices if desired, and serve warm.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Let your ham sit out for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Scoring Technique: If your ham has a thick fat layer, score it in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.
- Glaze Magic: Don't dump all the glaze at once. Baste every 30 minutes to build layers of flavor and create a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
- Thermometer is Your Friend: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect 140°F internal temperature.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Pineapple Placement: If using pineapple slices, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a beautiful, classic presentation.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider using fresh pineapple juice instead of canned, and choose a high-quality honey for the most complex glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 379kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 113mg
