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Pineapple Glaze For Ham

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close up shot of glaze brushed on the ham
Take your meal to the next level with our pineapple glaze for ham, where tropical pineapple juice and rich brown sugar create a blend of sweet and savory flavors.
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Table of Contents
  1. Pineapple Glaze For Ham Ingredients
  2. Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make This Pineapple Glaze For Ham Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Why We Love This Recipe
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of our pineapple glaze for ham. This recipe combines the zing of pineapple with the warmth of brown sugar, creating a glaze that’s perfect to transform ordinary ham into a mouthwatering dish.

close up shot of glaze on the ham

Pineapple Glaze For Ham Ingredients

Pineapple Glaze For Ham raw ingredients that are labeled
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The star of the show, pineapple juice, contributes a tropical, tangy sweetness that beautifully complements the savory richness of the ham. 

Dark brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes, elevating the overall sweetness. A hint of Dijon mustard introduces a subtle tang and complexity to the glaze. 

You’ll need:

  • 1¼ cups of 100% pineapple juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1½ cups of dark brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons of salted butter, sliced into pats
  • 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Substitutions and Additions

PINEAPPLE JUICE: For a twist on this easy recipe, you can try using fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant and authentic flavor. 

Alternatively, consider pineapple juice blends with other fruits for a unique twist on the glaze.

DARK BROWN SUGAR: Light brown sugar can be substituted if you prefer a milder sweetness. You can also experiment with honey or maple syrup for different flavor dimensions.

DIJON MUSTARD: If you’re not a fan of mustard, try substituting it with honey mustard or omit it altogether for a sweeter glaze.

WHOLE CLOVES: If you’re not a fan of cloves’ strong flavor, use ground cloves sparingly, or substitute with allspice for a milder spice profile.

CINNAMON AND NUTMEG: Adjust the quantity of these spices to suit your taste. You can also explore other spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.

How To Make This Pineapple Glaze For Ham Recipe

This easy glaze will come together quickly in a saucepan and be ready to add to your ham when it is time to get it in the oven.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can also make a double batch of this pineapple and brown sugar glaze so guests can add more to their serving.

STEP ONE: Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pats of butter, whole cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a 1-1½ quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to help dissolve the brown sugar.

pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, butter, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg added to a saucepan

STEP TWO: Allow the glaze to reach a very low simmer. Reduce the heat to low heat and continue to simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, continuing to whisk often. All stove tops cook differently, so adjust the heat up or down as needed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and completely cool. 

pineapple juice mix simmered for 6-8 minutes

STEP THREE: Use a slotted spoon to remove the whole cloves and discard them. Pour the glaze into a 1-pint mason jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can keep the glaze in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

PRO TIP:

When you are ready to use the glaze, follow the instructions for cooking your ham and brush this glaze over the outside of the ham when called for.

cloves removed from the pot

How To Serve

Now that you have your sweet pineapple glaze ready, let’s explore some serving possibilities:

Brush the glaze generously over a baked ham for a sweet and tangy finish that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Use it as a dipping sauce for roasted pork, adding a burst of flavor with each bite.

Mix it into a glaze for your holiday turkey, creating a memorable, flavorful feast.

Transform it into a marinade for ribs, infusing them with a delightful sweetness before grilling.

Pair your glazed dishes with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Check out our other delicious ham glaze recipe, which uses apricot jam to add plenty of flavor to your holiday ham.

Storage

If you need to store the ham glaze, here are some handy tips.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare this delicious glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed mason jar.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: If you have excess glaze, freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. When reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

REHEATING: To reheat glazed ham, place it in a covered dish in a 325°F (163°C) oven until it’s warmed through. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

Why We Love This Recipe

Our pineapple glaze for ham holds a special place in our hearts, and here’s why:

FLAVOR EXPLOSION: The blend of pineapple, brown sugar, and spices creates a flavor explosion that is sure to be a winner.

TIME-SAVER: It’s a time-saver, with make-ahead options for busy days or special occasions.

CROWD-PLEASER: The sweet and savory balance is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and kids.

close up shot of Pineapple Glaze For Ham in a jar

In conclusion, our pineapple glaze for ham combines the sweet and savory in perfect harmony. Whether hosting a holiday feast or simply elevating a weeknight dinner, this glaze will surely delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice? 

Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure it’s well strained to achieve the desired consistency.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar? 

Light brown sugar or alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used.

Can I omit the Dijon mustard? 

You can skip the mustard or use honey mustard for a different flavor profile in this pineapple brown sugar ham glaze.

Can I adjust the spices to my taste? 

Feel free to tweak the cinnamon and nutmeg to match your preferences.

Can I use ground cloves instead of whole cloves? 

Yes, but use them sparingly, as ground cloves have a stronger flavor.

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close up shot of glaze brushed on the ham

Pineapple Glaze For Ham

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Take your meal to the next level with our pineapple glaze for ham, where tropical pineapple juice and rich brown sugar create a blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • cups 100% pineapple juice, fresh or bottled
  • cups dark brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into pats
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pats of butter, whole cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg to a 1-1½ quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk to help dissolve the brown sugar.
  • Allow the glaze to reach a very low simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 6-8 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, continuing to whisk often. All stove tops cook differently, so adjust the heat up or down as needed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and completely cool.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the whole cloves and discard them. Pour the glaze into a 1-pint mason jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can keep the glaze in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • You can also make a double batch of this pineapple and brown sugar glaze so guests can add more to their serving.
  • When you are ready to use the glaze, follow the instructions for cooking your ham and brush this glaze over the outside of the ham when called for.

Nutrition

Calories: 1657kcal | Carbohydrates: 368g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 782mg | Potassium: 939mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 351g | Vitamin A: 758IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 388mg | Iron: 5mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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