Savory Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Perfect for Brown Sugar Pineapple Lovers

Let me tell you, the scent of a honey glazed ham roasting in the oven, mingling with the caramelized aroma of brown sugar and pineapple, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The first time I baked this savory honey glazed ham with brown sugar pineapple, I was instantly hooked – the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. Years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, the holiday ham was always the star of family gatherings, but this particular recipe felt like a secret treasure I wished I’d discovered much sooner.

Honestly, my family couldn’t stop sneaking slices off the cooling rack (and I can’t really blame them). You know what makes this recipe dangerously easy and packed with pure, nostalgic comfort? It’s perfect for potlucks, festive dinners, or just brightening up your Pinterest recipe board with something that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I’ve tested this ham more times than I can count—in the name of research, of course—and it keeps becoming a staple for family celebrations and gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another ham glaze—it’s the one that keeps folks coming back for seconds. Here’s why it stands out:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under an hour, perfect for those busy holiday rushes or last-minute dinner plans.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely have all the ingredients in your pantry—no fancy trips to specialty stores needed.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Makes an impressive centerpiece for holiday dinners, Sunday lunches, or potlucks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, everyone loves the sweet and savory balance that hits all the right notes.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of honey’s floral sweetness with the rich brown sugar pineapple glaze is next-level comfort food.

What makes this recipe different? It’s the perfect balance—the subtle savory undertones of the ham meet the caramelized, jammy pineapple topping, with honey tying it all together. Plus, the glaze seeps into every crevice, making each bite juicy and tender. It’s not just good—it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and savor the moment. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating your family to a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every single time.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, with a few fresh touches that make all the difference.

• Ham: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7-8 pounds) – I prefer spiral-cut for easy serving
• Honey: ½ cup (120 ml) – choose a good-quality, floral honey for the best flavor
• Brown sugar: ¾ cup (150 g) packed – dark brown sugar adds a richer molasses note
• Pineapple slices: 1 can (about 20 oz / 567 g), drained – you can use fresh pineapple rings, too, just pat dry
• Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) – adds a gentle tang that balances sweetness
• Ground cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) – optional, but adds warmth to the glaze
• Cloves: Whole or ground, about 12 whole or 1 teaspoon ground – classic aroma that complements ham beautifully
• Orange juice: ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh squeezed – brightens the glaze and adds moisture
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted, melted – adds richness to the glaze
• Black pepper: Freshly ground, to taste

Pro tip: I recommend looking for a bone-in spiral ham from a trusted brand like Smithfield or HoneyBaked for best texture and flavor. If you want to make it a little healthier, swap out brown sugar for coconut sugar or use raw honey instead, and you’re good to go!

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan: A large, rimmed pan with a rack to keep the ham elevated—helps with even cooking and caramelization.
• Basting brush: Essential for applying glaze evenly and building those layers of flavor.
• Sharp knife: For scoring the ham and slicing after cooking. A serrated knife helps with spiral-cut hams.
• Meat thermometer: To check internal temperature and avoid overcooking (aim for 140°F or 60°C).
• Aluminum foil: For covering the ham during baking to prevent drying out.

If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can improvise with a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. And honestly, a simple silicone basting brush works just as well as the more expensive ones. Just keep your tools clean and dry for best results.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (163°C). This moderate heat lets the ham warm through without drying out.
2. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern about ⅛ inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.
3. Place the ham: Set your ham on the rack in the roasting pan, flat side down. Tuck whole cloves into the intersections of the scored diamonds if using whole cloves—this adds a lovely aroma and classic flavor.
4. Make the glaze: In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, melted butter, orange juice, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and glossy. This glaze is your magic.
5. Glaze the ham: Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored crevices.
6. Arrange pineapple slices: Place pineapple rings on top of the ham, securing with toothpicks if needed. Sprinkle a bit more brown sugar over the pineapple for caramelization.
7. Bake: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with remaining glaze. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
8. Final broil: Remove foil and broil for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the glaze and pineapple edges—watch closely to avoid burning.
9. Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.

Note: If your ham is smaller or larger, adjust cooking time roughly 15 minutes per pound (450 g). The key is to keep it moist and flavorful.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Let me share some hard-earned tips from my kitchen: Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness; there’s nothing worse than a dry ham (been there!). When scoring, don’t cut too deep—just enough to allow glaze to seep in without drying the meat.

Basting is your best friend here. Every 20 minutes, slather on that glaze to build layers of sticky sweetness. Also, cover the ham loosely with foil—trust me, it keeps the edges from getting too tough while the inside warms up.

For the final broil, keep your eyes peeled. A minute too long can burn the sugar, while just right creates that irresistible caramelized crust. Lastly, resting the ham after cooking is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute so every slice is juicy and tender.

Variations & Adaptations

• Dietary: For a low-sugar version, reduce the brown sugar by half and use pure maple syrup instead of honey.
• Seasonal: Swap pineapple with fresh peach slices in summer for a juicy twist.
• Flavor twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for a boozy depth that’s surprisingly delightful.
• Cooking method: Try smoking the ham instead of baking for a smoky flavor; just adjust glaze application and time accordingly.
• Allergen substitutions: Use coconut sugar and maple syrup for a refined sugar-free glaze; replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free.

Personally, I’ve tried adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat kick—definitely worth a shot if you like a little spice with your sweet!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This ham shines best served warm, right out of the oven, with the glaze still glossy and pineapple caramelized. Slice thin and pair with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months. When reheating, cover with foil and warm gently at 275°F (135°C) to keep it moist.

Flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so if you can wait, reheating leftovers is almost as good as fresh. Just don’t forget to spoon a little extra glaze over before warming to keep that sweet-savory magic alive.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Per serving (about 3 oz / 85 g): approximately 250 calories, 15 g protein, 8 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates (mostly from sugars). This ham provides a solid protein boost with the added benefit of natural sweetness from honey and pineapple.

Using real fruit and natural sweeteners means you’re skipping artificial flavors and preservatives common in pre-glazed hams. Plus, pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that may aid digestion, and honey offers antimicrobial properties.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free diets by swapping butter. Just be mindful of added sugars if you are watching carb intake.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a savory honey glazed ham with brown sugar pineapple recipe that’s both crowd-pleasing and easy enough for a weeknight feast, this is your go-to. It’s sweet, tangy, and packed with rich flavor without being complicated.

Feel free to tweak the sweetness or try one of the variations to make it your own. Honestly, this ham recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I love how it brings people together around the table.

Give it a try, share your experiences or any fun twists you add, and let’s make this classic a part of your family tradition. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Just keep an eye on cooking times as boneless hams tend to cook a bit faster. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have pineapple—can I skip it?

You can, but pineapple adds a wonderful acidity and sweetness that balances the ham. Try substituting with orange slices or apple rings for a different fruity twist.

How long can I prepare the ham in advance?

You can prepare and glaze the ham the day before, then refrigerate it covered. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Is this glaze suitable for a spiral-cut ham?

Yes! Spiral-cut hams work beautifully with this glaze since it seeps into the slices for maximum flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. All ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your mustard and other packaged items to be certain.

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