Name: Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons light brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon ground thyme; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Zest from 1 orange; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); Juice from 1 orange (about 1/2 cup); 3/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice; 1/3 cup bourbon or pineapple juice (optional); 1/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice (for sprinkling); 5 to 6 pound bone-in, previously cooked spiral ham

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

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If you’re craving a ham that bursts with vibrant, tropical flavors and just the right hint of spice and sweetness, this Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. This show-stopping dish combines the juicy tenderness of a spiral-cut ham with a luscious glaze made of brown sugar, fresh orange, and crushed pineapple, delivering a perfect balance of caramelized goodness and fruity brightness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a festive holiday, a family gathering, or just a weekend feast, this recipe promises to bring warmth, joy, and mouthwatering aroma to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large cooked ham with a browned, textured surface rests on crinkled aluminum foil covering a white marbled surface. Below the ham, there are nine small white bowls arranged in a loose grid; these bowls hold a variety of ingredients including yellow liquid, pale brown powder, orange zest, green dried herbs, and bright yellow pineapple chunks. The colors range from deep red-brown of the ham to the vibrant yellows and browns of the ingredients, all set against the clean white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden glaze. From aromatic spices to bright citrus zest, these essentials ensure your ham is anything but ordinary.

2 teaspoons light brown sugar (packed): Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized crust.

1 teaspoon ground thyme: Brings a gentle herbal aroma that balances the sweetness perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon allspice: Contributes warm, fragrant undertones reminiscent of cloves and cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the pineapple and orange.

Zest from 1 orange: Gives a fresh citrus brightness that awakens the glaze.
1/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice: Adds tropical sweetness and tender moisture to the ham.
5 to 6 pound bone-in previously cooked spiral ham: The star of the dish — pre-cooked and spiral sliced for easy serving.

1 cup light brown sugar (packed): The main sweetener for the glaze, ensuring it thickens to a luscious finish.
Juice from 1 orange (about 1/2 cup): Brings vibrant acidity and juiciness.
3/4 cup crushed pineapple with juice: Doubles down on tropical flavor and natural sweetness for the glaze.

1/3 cup bourbon or pineapple juice: Adds a warm depth from bourbon or extra fruitiness from pineapple juice.

How to Make Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and setting out a large roasting pan to cradle your ham during cooking. This initial step sets the stage for a perfectly heated environment where the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 2: Combine and Apply the Rub

Mix light brown sugar, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, and orange zest in a small bowl until they’re well combined. This fragrant rub is going to infuse the ham with a beguiling spice and citrus kick—then carefully massage it all over your spiral ham, ensuring every inch is coated for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Initial Baking Covered

Wrap your rubbed ham tightly with heavy-duty nonstick foil and nestle it securely in the roasting pan. Bake it covered for 30 minutes to gently warm the ham and help the spices seep into the meat without drying it out. This slow start locks in moisture, making every slice tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Pineapple Glaze

While the ham is baking, combine the brown sugar, orange juice, crushed pineapple with juice, and bourbon or extra pineapple juice in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to low and let it gently simmer for about 15 minutes. The glaze will thicken and concentrate its flavors, transforming into a sticky, luscious syrup ready to elevate your ham.

Step 5: Add Pineapple and Continue Baking

Remove the ham from the oven after 30 minutes, carefully peel back the foil, and sprinkle 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple plus its juice evenly over the ham’s surface. Reseal the foil tightly and return the ham to the oven for another 10 minutes—this step enhances juiciness and infuses more tropical sweetness.

Step 6: Glaze and Broil for Finish

Once the ham is back out of the oven, turn your broiler to 500°F. Peel back the foil again and generously drizzle the thickened orange pineapple glaze over the ham. Place it under the broiler, uncovered, for 3 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully—this quick broil caramelizes the glaze, creating a beautiful sticky crust that is sweet, tangy, and simply irresistible.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes after broiling. This pause allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite as moist and flavorful as possible. Then, slice and prepare to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

How to Serve Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

A piece of sliced meat on a fork shows three layers: the top layer is crispy and reddish with some golden bits, the middle layer is pink and tender, and the bottom layer is slightly browned on the edge with a juicy texture. In the background, there is a white plate with many thin slices of the same meat stacked together, topped with small golden bits. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and there is a blurred glass with a reddish liquid on the right side. The overall colors are warm with reds, pinks, and golds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh and colorful garnishes really bring this dish to life. Try adding some thin orange slices or a few sprigs of fresh thyme around the serving plate to echo the flavors inside. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or even some maraschino cherries on top can add playful, textural contrast alongside the savory-sweet ham.

Side Dishes

This Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe shines alongside aromatic mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with balsamic, or a crisp apple and fennel salad. The richness of the ham pairs beautifully with vibrant, fresh sides that cut through the sweetness and add balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, carve your ham slices into petite sliders or stack them high on a festive platter with pineapple rings and fresh herb sprigs. Using a wooden cutting board with some of the caramelized glaze drizzled around creates a rustic, inviting presentation perfect for holiday tables or casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from this Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly covered, your ham slices will stay juicy and delicious for up to five days, making lunches or next-day dinners delightfully easy.

Freezing

To enjoy the ham later, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ham will keep well for up to four months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain its juicy texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover ham in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F), covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pineapple juice or orange juice to revive the moisture and keep that delightful tang alive.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! A boneless ham will work just fine, though the bone-in version adds extra flavor and keeps the meat tender during cooking. Adjust baking times slightly if your ham is smaller or boneless.

Is bourbon necessary for the glaze?

Nope! Bourbon adds a lovely depth and slight warmth, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, simply use extra pineapple juice for a fruitier glaze that’s just as tasty.

How can I make sure the glaze doesn’t burn under the broiler?

Stay close and watch the ham carefully during broiling—it only takes a few minutes for caramelization, and burning can happen quickly. Keep your oven rack a few inches beneath the broiler and remove the ham as soon as the glaze bubbles and darkens.

Can I prepare the glaze a day ahead?

Yes! Making the glaze in advance saves time and allows the flavors to deepen overnight. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and gently warm it before drizzling over the ham.

What if I don’t have crushed pineapple? Can I use fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple finely chopped is a great substitute and will add even more vibrant flavor. Just ensure the pieces are small enough to spread easily over the ham.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those magical dishes that bring people together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and beautifully caramelized—a triumphant centerpiece perfect for any special occasion or simply a cozy dinner at home. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how this glaze transforms your ham into a memorable feast that everyone will rave about.

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