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Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham for Christmas

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A sweet and tangy glazed ham that’s perfect for Christmas dinner, made with a simple pantry-staple glaze that turns out tender and juicy every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (8–10 lbs)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 20–30 whole cloves (optional)
  • Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the ham out of the fridge about 2 hours before baking to let it come to room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Remove ham from packaging, rinse quickly under cool water, and pat dry. Place flat-side down in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep if not pre-scored.
  4. Stud with whole cloves at intersections of diamond scores (optional).
  5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened (maple syrup consistency).
  6. Pour half the glaze over the ham and brush evenly over the entire surface.
  7. Bake ham uncovered for 15 minutes per pound (about 2 hours for 8 lbs, 2.5 hours for 10 lbs).
  8. Baste with pan juices every 20 minutes. If pan looks dry, add a splash of water or pineapple juice.
  9. About 30 minutes before done, brush on remaining glaze.
  10. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the thickest part (avoid bone). Target 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham.
  11. If garnishing, arrange pineapple rings and cherries on ham during last 15 minutes of baking, securing with toothpicks.
  12. Remove ham from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 15-20 minutes before carving.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcook the ham—use a thermometer and pull at 140°F. Save pan drippings to drizzle over sliced ham or make gravy. The glaze can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Leftover ham keeps 3-5 days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas ham, brown sugar pineapple glazed ham, holiday ham, spiral ham, glazed ham

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