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 brunch ready in about 120 minutes combines pounds spiral-cut ham, brown sugar, Dijon mustard into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 12, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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

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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.

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 busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

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 in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

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 brunch 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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