Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 1.5–2 hours | Servings: 8–10

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Ingredients

• The Meat: 1 fully cooked bone-in or spiral-cut ham (8–10 lbs).
• The Sweet Glaze:
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed.
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices or tidbits (reserve the juice).
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup for extra stickiness.
• The Aromatics:
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon or whole cloves.
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard (to balance the sweetness).
• Garnish: Maraschino cherries and fresh parsley.

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Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan or large baking dish.
2. Score and Stud: If the ham is not pre-sliced, score the surface in a diamond pattern. Use toothpicks to secure pineapple slices and cherries across the surface.
3. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, honey, cinnamon, and dry mustard until smooth.
4. First Bake: Pour half of the glaze over the ham. Cover the pan tightly with foil to keep the meat juicy.
5. Glaze and Finish: Bake for about 15 minutes per pound. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham.
6. Caramelize: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the final 10 minutes to allow the brown sugar to bubble and create a dark, sticky crust.
7. Rest: Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.