Pineapple & Brown Sugar Ham
This is hands-down the recipe I get asked for most often during the holidays! It’s a real showstopper of a centerpiece and I’ve made it time and time again for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and various parties and gatherings in between, and there’s no denying that it looks totally amazing in the middle of the table. Here’s the best part though, it’s actually ridiculously easy to make!
We’re using a store-bought, precooked ham to keep things super simple, and then you’ll need just a can of pineapple slices and some brown sugar to infuse it with that beautiful flavor.
The result is tender, delicious ham slices that are just wonderful served with all your favorite holiday dishes, or alongside other grazing bits on a buffet. Let me show you how it’s done!
Ingredients
Want the quick version? Scroll to the bottom for a printable recipe card with all the steps and measurements you need to make this ham the star of your Christmas or Thanksgiving table.
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Bone-in spiral ham (pre-cooked) – The star of the show. Since it’s already cooked, all we’re really doing is warming it up and infusing it with flavor.
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Pineapple slices (with juice) – The sweet, tangy partner to the ham. The slices tuck between the layers while the juice keeps everything moist and flavorful.
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Brown sugar – Rubbed over the ham for that caramelized sweetness that balances the saltiness of the meat. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like it.
How To Make Pineapple & Brown Sugar Ham
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Unwrap your pre-cooked ham and place it in a large oven-safe casserole dish or roasting pan.
- Tuck pineapple slices between the layers of ham, then pour the juice from the can right over the top.
- Rub brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and ham. Use more or less depending on how sweet you like it.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 ½ hours, or until it’s heated all the way through and the flavors have mingled. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ham.)
- Every so often, spoon some of the pan juices over the ham to keep it moist and extra flavorful.
- If your ham came with a glaze packet, whisk it together with a few spoonfuls of pineapple juice, then brush it over the ham near the end of baking.
- Slice the ham, spoon over some of those sweet pineapple juices, and don’t forget to serve the pineapple slices alongside.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
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Make ahead: You can prep the ham earlier in the day by adding the pineapple and brown sugar, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a little extra cooking time since it’ll be starting out cold.
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Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s amazing for sandwiches!
Serving Ideas
This pineapple and brown sugar ham is made for the holidays. It’s a stunning main course that looks right at home on the Christmas table or at a big Thanksgiving spread!
Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad to balance the richness.
Don’t forget the rolls — they’re perfect for soaking up those sweet pineapple juices.
Using Up Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ve got options:
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Ham sandwiches – Keep it simple with bread and mustard, or go all out with melty cheese and a panini press.
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Breakfast hash – Dice up ham and toss it with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a hearty skillet breakfast.
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Ham and bean soup – The smoky-sweet flavor is perfect for a cozy pot of soup.
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Salads – Add cubes of ham to a green salad or pasta salad for easy lunches.
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Ham fried rice – A quick weeknight dinner that comes together with leftover rice and veggies.
Pineapple & Brown Sugar Ham
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham pre-cooked
- 1 can pineapple slices with juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Unwrap your pre-cooked ham and place it in a large oven-safe casserole dish or roasting pan.
- Tuck pineapple slices between the layers of ham, then pour the juice from the can right over the top.
- Rub brown sugar evenly over the pineapple and ham. Use more or less depending on how sweet you like it.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 ½ hours, or until it’s heated all the way through and the flavors have mingled. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your ham.)
- Every so often, spoon some of the pan juices over the ham to keep it moist and extra flavorful.
- If your ham came with a glaze packet, whisk it together with a few spoonfuls of pineapple juice, then brush it over the ham near the end of baking.
- Slice the ham, spoon over some of those sweet pineapple juices, and don’t forget to serve the pineapple slices alongside.
This recipe proves that showstopper centerpieces don’t have to be complicated! We’ve got just a few ingredients here, and the result is something that’s definitely going to shine on your holiday table this year. If you try it, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. It makes my day to hear from you, and it also helps other readers who might be thinking about trying this for the first time!
