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Perfect Glazed Easter Ham Recipe with Pineapple Brown Sugar

perfect glazed easter ham - featured image

A deliciously sticky, caramelized pineapple brown sugar glazed ham that’s perfect for Easter or any special occasion. This easy recipe balances sweet and savory flavors with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham (7-9 pounds)
  • 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup drained crushed pineapple
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off thick rind if present, leaving about ¼ inch of fat.
  3. Score the surface by making shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, forming a diamond pattern.
  4. Optional: Stud the intersections of the diamond pattern with whole cloves.
  5. Place the ham fat side up on a rack inside a roasting pan.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
  7. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored cuts.
  8. Tent the pan with foil and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (approximately 15 minutes per pound). Baste with remaining glaze every 20 minutes, using the last half in the final 30 minutes to build a sticky crust.
  9. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 140°F (60°C). If not, continue baking and basting in 10-minute increments.
  10. Remove the ham from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  11. Slice along the natural spiral cuts or into thick pieces and serve.

Notes

Use a good-quality brown sugar with molasses for best flavor. Score shallowly to avoid drying out the ham. Baste frequently to build a sticky glaze without burning. Let the ham rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to set. The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter ham, glazed ham, pineapple brown sugar glaze, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, baked ham, holiday dinner