There’s nothing quite like the scent of ham roasting with brown sugar and pineapple to bring back memories of Southern family gatherings. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a favorite in my family, and we make it every holiday season, filling the house with sweet and savory aromas.
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This dish combines the richness of ham with a touch of tropical sweetness from pineapple, a combination that never fails to bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a special family dinner or just craving a bit of Southern comfort, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple.
A Southern food classic
Southern cuisine has a special place in my heart, and dishes like Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham remind me why. Growing up, family gatherings meant sharing traditional Southern dishes around the table, creating warm and comforting memories as the food itself.
This ham recipe, with its blend of savory and sweet, captures the heart of Southern cooking. There’s something nostalgic and heartwarming about recipes like this — ones that have been passed down, adding a taste of tradition to every bite.
Ingredients
How to make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is incredibly easy to prepare, and it’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll start by arranging pineapple slices between the ham layers, then coat everything with brown sugar for a sweet and savory glaze.
After covering the dish with foil, the ham slowly bakes, allowing all those flavors to meld. Basting with the pan juices ensures a moist, flavorful ham, while the pineapple and sugar create a delightful glaze on top.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham as the centerpiece of your holiday meal. Pair it with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole or homemade biscuits.
For a festive touch, add cranberry sauce or a fresh side salad to balance out the richness of the ham. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings but also makes a memorable Sunday dinner when you want to treat the family to something special.
Storage tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of pineapple juice, cover with foil and warm in a low oven (around 300°F) until heated through. The ham is also delicious if served cold in sandwiches or diced up in salads or casseroles.
Southern farewell
Nothing brings friends and family together like a good Southern meal, and this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham does just that. Every bite is infused with the warmth of tradition and love, making it a wonderful dish to share with those closest to you. So go ahead and try it — you might just find it becomes a tradition in your home, too.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Aluminum Foil
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham pre-cooked
- 1 can pineapple slices with juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Remove all packaging from the pre-cooked ham, then place it in an oven-safe casserole dish.
- Open the pineapple can and arrange the slices between the layers of the ham. Pour the juice from the can over the ham to add moisture and flavor.
- Rub the brown sugar evenly over the ham and pineapple slices, ensuring it coats well. You can adjust the brown sugar if you like it sweeter or less sweet.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture, and place it in the oven. Let it bake for about 1.5 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the flavors are well melded.
- Check the ham periodically and baste it with the juices from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful.
- If your ham comes with a glaze packet, mix it with a few tablespoons of pineapple juice and glaze it for added flavor.
- Slice the ham, arrange it on a serving platter with the pineapple, and enjoy!
Notes
- Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to warm it through while letting the flavors of pineapple and brown sugar soak in. The slow cooker makes this easy, keeping the ham moist and tender as it heats.
- Remember that cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker and the ham’s size, so feel free to adjust as needed.
