Baked Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender spiral-cut ham baked with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice for a festive Easter centerpiece. This american-inspired easter ready in about 120 minutes pairs pounds spiral-cut ham, brown sugar, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves 12 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the 8-pound spiral-cut ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan.
  2. Step 2: Stud the ham evenly with 20 whole cloves, pressing them gently into the surface.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Brush about half of the glaze mixture all over the ham, making sure to get in between the slices.
  5. Step 5: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining glaze.
  6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Step 7: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, then serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 120 minutes (15 min prep + 105 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 Baked Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple 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 pounds spiral-cut ham from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple 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 Baked Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Baked Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze?

American easter 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.

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