Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a classic holiday dish that combines the sweet flavors of brown sugar and pineapple with the savory, salty goodness of a spiral ham. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, but it’s simple enough for any family gathering. The best part? The ham comes out moist, tender, and infused with a delightful mix of flavors.

Prep Time:

• Total time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 hours
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in spiral ham (pre-cooked): A pre-cooked ham saves time and makes this recipe effortless. Choose a bone-in ham for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• 1 can pineapple slices (with juice): Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the ham.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and caramelizes beautifully as the ham bakes.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your ham will cook evenly once it’s placed in the oven.
2. Prepare the ham: Remove the packaging from the pre-cooked spiral ham and place the ham in a large, oven-safe casserole dish. Make sure the dish is deep enough to hold the ham and the juices that will accumulate as it cooks.
3. Add pineapple slices: Open the can of pineapple slices and set the juice aside. Take the pineapple slices and insert them between the spiral slices of the ham. The pineapple not only adds flavor but also makes for a visually appealing presentation.
4. Pour the pineapple juice: Once the pineapple slices are arranged, pour the juice from the can over the ham. The pineapple juice will help keep the ham moist as it bakes while also adding a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the ham’s natural saltiness.
5. Rub the ham with brown sugar: Evenly rub the 1/4 cup of brown sugar over the pineapple slices and the surface of the ham. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference. The sugar will melt into the ham and caramelize during cooking, creating a beautiful, sweet crust.
6. Cover and bake: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out while it heats. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 hours. Since the ham is pre-cooked, the goal is to heat it through while infusing it with the flavors of the pineapple and brown sugar. Depending on the size of your ham, the cooking time may vary, so be sure to check periodically.
7. Baste the ham: While the ham cooks, check it occasionally and baste it with the juices that collect in the casserole dish. Basting helps keep the ham moist and ensures that the pineapple and brown sugar flavors are distributed evenly.
8. Optional glaze: If your ham came with a glaze package, you can mix the glaze with a few tablespoons of the reserved pineapple juice. When the ham is nearly done, brush the glaze over the top for an extra layer of flavor and shine. This step is optional, but it adds an extra depth of sweetness and enhances the presentation.
9. Slice and serve: Once the ham is heated through and the brown sugar has caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the ham with the pineapple slices, which will have absorbed the sweet and savory flavors during the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions:

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with dinner rolls and a variety of sauces, such as honey mustard or cranberry sauce, for extra flavor options.

For a sweet and savory contrast, try serving this ham with a side of sweet potato casserole or maple-glazed carrots. The richness of the brown sugar and pineapple pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making this ham a versatile and crowd-pleasing main course.

Notes:

• Since the ham is already pre-cooked, the primary goal is to heat it through while infusing it with the flavors of the pineapple and brown sugar. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham and your oven, so it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it’s heated to about 140°F (60°C).
• For extra moisture, you can cover the ham more tightly with foil, but be sure to remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the brown sugar to caramelize beautifully.

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is an easy yet impressive dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in a delicious way. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or even just a special weekend dinner. Enjoy!