1950s Pineapple Baked Ham with Sweet Glaze
A nostalgic ham dish glazed with pineapple and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection for a classic American meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 110 minutes pairs ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs, bone-in, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces ham
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup, chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup, drained pineapple chunks
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 2 cups, steamed green beans
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 4 lbs ham (sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces) in a roasting pan, cut side up.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (drained), 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground cloves until well combined.
- Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly over the ham, cover with foil, and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for 30 more minutes until the glaze is bubbly and golden. Rest for 10 minutes, then serve with 2 cups steamed green beans.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 1950s Pineapple Baked Ham with Sweet Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 1950s Pineapple Baked Ham with Sweet Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ham from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 1950s Pineapple Baked Ham with Sweet Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 1950s Pineapple Baked Ham with Sweet Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with 1950s Pineapple Baked Ham with Sweet Glaze?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My husband loved it! The 1950s recipe is a classic, and the pineapple added a nice tang.
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious! The glaze caramelized beautifully and the ham was tender. A hit at my potluck.
- ★★★★★
This ham was perfect for my family dinner. The pineapple glaze was sweet and sticky, just like my grandma used to make.







