Smoky Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

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

A smoky-sweet glaze made with pineapple juice and brown sugar that enhances the natural flavor of baked ham with a tropical twist. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 95 minutes combines bone-in ham, pineapple juice, brown sugar 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 340 calories and feeds 8, 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: 80 min Serves 8 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and place the 6 lbs bone-in ham in a roasting pan with the fat side up.
  2. Step 2: Score the ham’s surface in 1/4-inch deep diamond cuts, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Brush half of this glaze all over the ham.
  5. Step 5: Bake ham uncovered for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting with remaining glaze every 20 minutes to build a sticky, smoky crust.
  6. Step 6: Check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F before removing from oven.
  7. Step 7: Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (15 min prep + 80 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 Smoky Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham 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 Smoky Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham 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 Smoky Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham 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 Smoky Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham 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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