This Glazed Ham is the ultimate showstopper for any celebration, featuring a bone-in spiral-sliced ham brushed with a rich glaze that combines the sweetness of pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar with the warmth of cinnamon and mustard powder.
Baked to perfection and then broiled for a golden caramelized finish, this ham is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Glazed Ham is a deliciously festive dish that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
The pineapple juice adds a sweet, tropical flavor that complements the savory ham, while the butter and honey create a smooth, glossy glaze.
Cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder elevate the flavor, adding warmth and depth to every bite.
With the sugar glaze mixture creating a sweet, aromatic caramelized finish, this ham is the perfect centerpiece for your next celebration.
Ingredient Highlights
Spiral-Sliced Ham: The bone-in spiral-sliced ham is perfect for this recipe, as it’s easy to slice and absorb the flavors of the glaze.
Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice provides a sweet, fruity base for the glaze, making it both tangy and refreshing.
Butter and Honey: Butter and honey work together to give the ham a glossy, sweet finish with a bit of richness.
Spices: Cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder add a well-rounded flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the ham.
Sugar Glaze Mixture: Brown sugar, white sugar, ground clove, and paprika create a deliciously sweet and aromatic glaze that caramelizes beautifully on top of the ham.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook the Ham at Low Heat: Slow baking at 275°F (135°C) ensures that the ham remains tender and juicy.
Baste the Ham: Make sure to baste the ham with the glaze several times during the baking process to ensure it’s flavorful all over.
Watch the Broiling Step: When broiling the ham to caramelize the glaze, keep a close eye on it to prevent the sugars from burning.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) to ensure it is heated through but not overcooked.
How to Make Glazed Ham
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Adjust the oven rack to make room for the roasting pan, possibly moving it down one notch to fit the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Roasting Pan
Pour pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan, then place a roasting rack on top.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry. Place the ham on top of the roasting rack.
Brush the ham with the glaze mixture of melted butter, honey, cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder, ensuring it gets into the crevices of the slices.
Step 4: Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil, sealing the edges of the pan.
Bake for 15 minutes per pound of ham (about 2 hours for an 8-pound ham).
Step 5: Make the Sugar Glaze
While the ham bakes, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, ground clove, paprika, nutmeg, allspice, and ground ginger in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 6: Glaze the Ham
Once the ham has finished baking, remove it from the oven and take the foil off. Sprinkle half of the sugar glaze mixture over the top of the ham.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze Sauce
Transfer the roasting pan with the ham drippings to the stove. Stir in the remaining sugar glaze ingredients and whisk to combine.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl.
Step 8: Broil the Ham
Place the ham back on the roasting rack. Brush the ham with the prepared glaze.
Broil the ham at 450°F (230°C) for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the top. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Serving Ideas
This Glazed Ham is perfect for a holiday feast or special family dinner.
Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, twice-baked potato casserole, corn casserole, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
It also pairs wonderfully with a refreshing fruit salad or a tangy coleslaw for contrast.
Storage
Leftover Glazed Ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place slices of ham in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham. The cooking time may vary, so check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 140°F (60°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the ham in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving, brushing it with fresh glaze before broiling.
How do I adjust the spice level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the cayenne pepper in the glaze or omit it altogether.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
You can substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Ham is perfect for any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dish.
With its combination of savory and sweet flavors, crispy glaze, and tender meat, it’s sure to be a favorite at your holiday table or family dinner.
The pineapple juice and honey bring a wonderful balance of sweetness, while the spices and Worcestershire sauce provide a savory, deep flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral-sliced half ham
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
For the Sugar Glaze Mixture
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground clove
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch allspice
- Pinch ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C) and prepare the roasting pan with pineapple juice and a roasting rack.
- Rinse and pat the ham dry, then brush with a mixture of butter, honey, cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound.
- Prepare the sugar glaze while baking.
- After baking, apply half the glaze and broil the ham for 3–5 minutes to caramelize.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ham Type: This recipe is for a fully cooked, bone-in spiral-sliced ham. Always check the label.
- Pineapple Juice Swap: Apple juice or orange juice can also be used.
- Glazing Tip: Use a kitchen torch instead of a broiler for more control over caramelization.
- Storage: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Wrap slices in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
