Brown Sugar & Pineapple Spiral-Cut Ham – A Sweet & Savory Holiday Showstopper

Brown sugar pineapple ham provides tender, beautifully sweetened slices of ham. Slow-roasted ham is an excellent holiday choice! The brown sugar and mustard will be spread on and used as a glaze on the outside of the ham, and the pineapple rings will go in between the slices.

This mouthwatering ham recipe is great for a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner main dish. Grab that spiral-cut ham and create a juicy ham with a sticky glaze packed with sweet and savory flavors. Holiday dinners just got a whole lot tastier.

Check out how to make a spiral ham in the Instant Pot try this double-smoked ham We made for our Easter dinner a few years back, or whip up this satisfying bourbon-glazed ham.

Reasons To Make This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

• This is an easy recipe that requires just four ingredients to make.
• The pineapple provides moisture and the brown sugar creates a caramelized crust for both flavor and texture.
• The recipe to elevate your spiral-cut ham you grabbed at the grocery store.
• Great for a special occasion or holiday feast.
• Offers an excellent presentation value for your dinner table.

Ingredients at a Glance

• Spiral bone-in ham (pre-cooked)
• Pineapple slices
• Brown sugar
• Dijon Mustard

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Open the can of pineapple slices and generously arrange them between the ham slices. Pull apart the slices and place the pineapple in the sliced ham.

Then, you will take the juice from the can of pineapple and pour it over the whole ham.

Next, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top and sides of the ham. Then, use your hands to rub the ham down with the mustard and mix it with the brown sugar.

Cover the ham with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake as directed. Be sure to baste the ham once or twice during baking to lock in flavor and keep it moist.

Once done, let cool for a bit, then slice and serve up this brown sugar ham.

Variations to Try

• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a sweet maple glaze. It offers more of a fall flavor to the oven-baked ham recipe.
• Experimenting with a splash of bourbon or a touch of cayenne brings a fun twist that still keeps this recipe approachable.
• You can swap and use honey mustard, making it sweeter and tangier. Or go to a new level and do a Dijon or whole grain mustard for a spicier flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to heat the fresh ham.
• You can reach for your usual herbs to garnish and cook with the pineapple ham. It will add more flavor to the recipe.
• If you want to add a whole new level of depth, you can add a splash of bourbon to the pineapple ham recipe. It makes this a tasty holiday meal main course.
• Top the ham with a maraschino cherry for a traditional topper for your ham.

Keeping leftovers

Any leftover ham and pineapple can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Then, you can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or even the air fryer.

You can also freeze the ham in a freezer-friendly container for 2-3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as you wish.

FAQ: Common Questions & Tips

Can we use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of ham, such as boneless ham or smoked ham. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless ham may require less time to heat through.

Can we skip the spiral-cut ham and use a whole bone-in ham instead?

Yes — you can use a larger whole bone-in ham. You’ll want to adjust the bake time (roughly 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F) and keep the glaze and pineapple method the same for that sweet-savory finish.

Can we use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple slices?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just remove the skin and core the pineapple before slicing it. Fresh pineapple can add a slightly different flavor compared to canned pineapple.

Will using fresh pineapple instead of canned change the outcome?

Using fresh pineapple is fine, and it adds a slightly brighter tropical flavor. Make sure to core and slice the fresh pineapple into rings or wedges, and reserve some of the juice (or add a splash of pineapple juice) to help create your glaze’s moisture.

Can this recipe be adapted for a slow cooker or crock-pot?

Yes — you can use a pre-cooked ham in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours with pineapple slices between the cuts, brown sugar and mustard glaze poured over, then finish under the broiler for a caramelized crust if desired.

How can we make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, use less brown sugar in the glaze, opt for unsweetened pineapple slices, or reduce the amount of pineapple juice used.

Ingredients

Makes 8 servings

• 2 pound spiral ham
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 can spiral ham
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Equipment

• Casserole Dish
• Measuring Cups

Method

1. To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Unwrap the pre-cooked spiral ham and place it in a large, oven-safe casserole dish.
3. Open the can of pineapple slices and generously arrange them between the slices of ham.
4. Pour the juice from the can of pineapple slices over the ham and pineapple.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple slices and ham. Rub the ham with Dijon mustard. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your sweetness preference. The sugar will caramelize during cooking, creating a delectable crust.
6. Cover the ham with aluminum foil, ensuring that it’s tightly sealed. This will help trap the moisture and flavors as the ham slow-cooks.
7. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for approximately 1.5 hours.
8. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your ham, so keep an eye on it. The goal is to heat the ham through and allow the flavors to meld.
9. Periodically check the ham and baste it with the delicious juices that collect in the dish. This step ensures that your ham stays moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed.
10. If your ham came with a glaze package, you can elevate the flavors even further. Mix the glaze with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice, creating a luscious glaze. Brush this glaze over the ham for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
11. Once your ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into generous portions, making sure to include the pineapple slices. Enjoy!