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 easter ready in about 95 minutes pairs bone-in ham, pineapple juice, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 80 min Serves 8 American cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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 weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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 covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in ham from drying out.

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 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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