Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham – The Perfect Holiday (or Anytime) Meal

If you’re looking for a ham recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is it! Juicy, sweet, and perfectly caramelized, this recipe combines the classic flavors of pineapple and brown sugar for a mouthwatering dish that looks (and tastes!) like you spent all day in the kitchen.

The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight family dinner but elegant enough for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.

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Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

• Effortless & impressive: Uses a pre-cooked spiral ham, so most of the work is done for you. The famous ham from Costco works great in this recipe. Just remove and discard the seasoning packet that comes with it.
• Sweet & savory flavor: The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while the pineapple adds a tangy, juicy touch. If you prefer no added sugar, you can substitute the brown sugar for honey and it will be just as sweet and delicious!
• Perfect for leftovers: Use the extra ham for sandwiches, omelets, or soups the next day.

This ham makes your kitchen smell amazing and is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your dinner table — no fancy ingredients or complicated steps required!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bone-in spiral ham (pre-cooked) – This is the easiest option since it’s already cooked; you’re just heating and glazing it.
• 1 can pineapple slices (with juice) – The juice keeps the ham moist and adds that signature tropical flavor.
• ¼ cup brown sugar or substitute honey – Adjust for sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar or honey depending on your preference.

Optional: If your ham came with a glaze packet, you can mix it with some pineapple juice for an extra layer of flavor. I prefer to throw it out and make my own glaze.

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Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

• Use the juice! Don’t skip pouring the pineapple juice over the ham — it’s the secret to keeping it moist.
• Add a little spice: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon over the top for a warm, festive flavor.
• Make cleanup easy: Line your baking dish with foil or parchment paper for simple cleanup.
• Check the internal temperature: The ham should reach 140°F to be perfectly warmed through.
• Want crispy edges? Remove the foil near the end and broil for 2–3 minutes — just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

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Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

If you’re looking for a ham recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is it! Juicy, sweet, and perfectly caramelized, this recipe combines the classic flavors of pineapple and brown sugar for a mouthwatering dish that looks (and tastes!) like you spent all day in the kitchen. The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight family dinner but elegant enough for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword christmas, holiday, make ahead thanksgiving, thanksgiving

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in spiral ham pre-cooked
• 1 can pineapple slices with juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Remove the packaging from the pre-cooked ham and place it in an oven safe dish
   
3. Place the pineapple slices between the slices of ham then pour the remaining juice over the ham
   
4. Rub the brown sugar or honey evenly over the ham. The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted based on your sweetness preference.
   
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and let it cook for 1.5 hours in the oven. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham. You want the ham to heat through and the flavors to meld.
6. Check the ham every 30 minutes and baste with the juices in the pan
7. Slice the ham and serve it with the pineapple slices.

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Pair this sweet and savory ham with your favorite side dishes for the perfect meal! This is a traditional holiday dish, but it really can be enjoyed year-round!

Try serving it with some of these recipes:

• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Simple Pear Salad With Pomegranate And Walnuts
• Roasted Vegetables

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How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also wrap slices of ham in plastic wrap and then freeze in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. You’ll be glad to have it on busy nights.

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of pineapple juice or broth to keep it tender.

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Now Give it a try!

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the kind of recipe that feels special, even though it couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want a cozy meal that fills your home with the best aroma ever, this ham is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

So grab that spiral ham, pop open a can of pineapple, and get ready to serve up a holiday-worthy dinner any night of the week!

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