How to Make the Greatest Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glazed Christmas Ham

Sharing meals that make everyone happy is more important over the holidays than simply exchanging gifts.

Picture a succulent, caramelized ham that is brimming with holiday flavors.

It sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?

But all too frequently, we get outcomes that are flavorless and dry, or glaze that simply does not adhere.

We’re here to remedy it, so don’t worry. Your holiday meal will be remembered thanks to this recipe for glazed Christmas ham with brown sugar and pineapple.

The combination of sweet pineapple, brown sugar glaze, and juicy, delicate ham is not only delicious but also simple to prepare.

Let’s make this the centerpiece of your festive meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Balancing flavors is key.

The salty richness of the ham pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze made from brown sugar and pineapple juice. Dijon mustard and ground cloves add warmth, while a touch of smoked paprika (our original twist) creates depth.

This glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the ham a glossy finish that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need and Why

• Bone-In Ham (7-9 lbs): The bone adds flavor and keeps the meat moist.
• Pineapple Slices (20 oz can): Provides sweetness, tang, and tenderizing enzymes.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): The base for a caramelized, sticky glaze.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
• Ground Cloves (1/4 tsp): Infuses the glaze with warm, festive spice.
• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp, optional): A smoky undertone that enhances depth.
• Maraschino Cherries (optional): Classic garnish for a festive look.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ham

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham, flat-side down, in a roasting pan with a rack.
3. Use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern, about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the glaze soak into the meat.

Step 2: Decorate

1. Drain the pineapple slices, reserving the juice.
2. Arrange the slices on the ham, securing them with toothpicks. For a retro touch, place maraschino cherries in the center of each slice.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

1. Pour half the glaze over the ham.
2. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
3. Baste every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.

Step 5: Caramelize

1. Remove the foil and pour the remaining glaze over the ham.
2. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
3. Bake uncovered for 15-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. The glaze should bubble and caramelize beautifully.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
2. Remove all toothpicks, slice, and serve with the caramelized pineapple.

Glazed Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple

Glazed Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple

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• Author: Ryan Yates
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

This Glazed Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple is a holiday showstopper. A sweet, tangy glaze made with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice caramelizes perfectly over a tender, juicy ham. This recipe includes a twist: an optional sprinkle of smoked paprika in the glaze for a subtle smoky depth that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Equipment:

• Large roasting pan
• Roasting rack
• Small bowl
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7 to 9 pounds)

Glaze:

• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices in juice, juice reserved
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky twist)

Garnish:

• Maraschino cherries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Ham:
   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • Place the ham, flat side down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.
   • Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/2 inch deep.
2. Decorate the Ham:
   • Drain the pineapple slices, reserving the juice for the glaze.
   • Arrange the pineapple slices over the scored ham, securing each slice with toothpicks.
   • Optionally, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice and secure with a toothpick.
3. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and smoked paprika (if using) until well combined.
4. Bake the Ham:
   • Pour half the glaze over the ham.
   • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
   • Baste the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes during this baking period.
5. Finish the Ham:
   • Remove the foil and pour the remaining glaze over the ham.
   • Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
   • Bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
   • Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.
   • Slice and serve with the caramelized pineapple slices and cherries.

Notes

Adding smoked paprika to the glaze is the unique twist in this recipe. It enhances the flavor profile with a hint of smokiness that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and the tartness of the pineapple. This subtle addition makes the dish stand out while keeping it approachable and festive.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rest Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 ounces (including glaze and ham)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 1,200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this glazed Christmas ham is a well-balanced delight, perfect for festive indulgence:

• Calories: 380, providing a hearty yet manageable portion for holiday meals.
• Protein: 28g, making it a satisfying main course that’s packed with energy.
• Fat: 12g, giving the dish its rich, juicy flavor.
• Carbohydrates: 30g, primarily from the sweet and tangy glaze.
• Sugar: 25g, delivering that irresistible caramelized finish.
• Sodium: 1200mg, a touch of saltiness to complement the sweet notes.

Professional Advice for the Ideal Glazed Christmas Ham

Which Kind of Ham Is Best for You?

For taste and moisture preservation, bone-in hams are the finest option. Convenient spiral-cut hams can dry up, so baste frequently and wrap firmly in foil.

For more baking tips, explore our guide on Roasting Techniques.

How Can the Glaze Be Prevented from Burning?

To preserve the glaze, lightly wrap the ham in foil while it bakes. During the last caramelization stage, remove the foil and baste every half an hour.

Is It Possible to Prepare This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Indeed! Cook for 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low. For a golden finish, move the glaze to an ovenproof dish and broil it.

Check out this Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce Recipe to pair perfectly with your ham.

How Should Leftovers Be Stored and Reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container or carefully wrap them in foil. To preserve moisture, reheat in a microwave or oven set to 325°F while holding a moist paper towel.

Can Canned Pineapples Be Replaced by Fresh?

While fresh pineapple works, the glaze needs blended juice. To replicate the sweetness of canned pineapple, add sugar or honey.

Which Side Dishes Go Best Together?

Classics include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls. Serve with a crisp salad or tart cranberry sauce for balance.

Ingredient Swaps and Tips For Your Glazed Christmas Ham

• Ham: Boneless ham works but may cook faster. Watch the internal temperature closely.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple can be used but may yield a less sweet glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a unique flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard works, though it’s less sharp.
• Smoked Paprika: Leave it out for a traditional flavor.

FAQs On Glazed Christmas Ham

The Final Bite

Holidays are all about making memories, and nothing brings people together like a perfectly glazed Christmas ham. With its sweet pineapple tang, caramelized brown sugar glaze, and tender, juicy slices, this recipe is sure to become a centerpiece of your celebrations. Whether it’s your first time making a holiday ham or you’re looking to upgrade your go-to recipe, this guide has you covered.

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From our kitchen to yours, happy holidays and happy cooking!

Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.