🍍 Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Sweet, Savory & Perfect for Any Holiday or Sunday Dinner

There are some dishes that look impressive and taste like they took hours to make — but are surprisingly easy. This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is exactly that. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast, a special occasion, or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and salty — all in one juicy, glazed ham.

With caramelized brown sugar, golden pineapple, and tender slices of ham baked to perfection, this classic dish has stood the test of time — and for good reason. It’s crowd-pleasing, visually stunning, and packed with flavor in every bite.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Simple ingredients, maximum flavor

• ✅ Perfect centerpiece for holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas!)

• ✅ Great for leftovers (hello, ham sandwiches!)

• ✅ Sweet and sticky glaze that everyone raves about

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📝 Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked boneless ham (about 3–4 lbs)

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice (not syrup), reserve the juice

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard (optional, for tang)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a warm spice note)

• Maraschino cherries (optional, for decoration)

• Toothpicks (to secure pineapple and cherries, if desired)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or roasting pan.

2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, gently score the top of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze soak in.

3. Arrange the ham: Place the ham in the baking dish. Arrange pineapple slices on top and around the ham. If using cherries, place one in the center of each pineapple ring and secure with toothpicks.

4. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, 1/2 cup reserved pineapple juice, mustard (if using), and cloves. Stir until smooth.

5. Glaze and bake: Pour half of the glaze over the ham. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Add more glaze: Remove foil, pour remaining glaze over the top, and bake uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the ham is caramelized and heated through.

7. Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with pan juices spooned over the top.

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🧡 Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls.

• Holiday-style: Add it to your Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving spread.

• Leftover magic: Use in sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, or soups!

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-heat kick.

• No mustard? Just use brown sugar and pineapple juice — it’s still delicious!

• Boneless vs. bone-in: You can use either; adjust cooking time for larger cuts.

• Double the glaze: If you love extra sauce, double the glaze recipe for more basting and drizzling.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is one of those dishes that brings people together — the kind that fills your kitchen with the scent of warm spices, sweet pineapple, and sticky-salty ham goodness. It’s easy to make but feels truly special, no matter the occasion.

Make it once, and it’s sure to become a holiday tradition or Sunday staple in your home.