Glazed Easter Ham with Pineapple Ginger

The Glaze That Started With a Giggle

I have a funny story about this glaze. My grandson once called it “sticky sunshine.” I still laugh at that. It really is the perfect name. The pineapple and brown sugar make it sweet and bright.

This is my go-to easy ham glaze. It only needs a few things from your kitchen. You just simmer them together. In minutes, you have a shiny, sweet syrup. Doesn’t that smell amazing while it cooks?

Why a Homemade Glaze Matters

A homemade ham glaze is special. It turns a simple baked ham into a holiday ham recipe. You know exactly what’s in it. No strange ingredients. That matters to me. I want my family to eat good, real food.

This simple ham glaze is also about love. Taking a few extra minutes shows you care. It makes the whole table feel warmer. That’s the heart of a good holiday meal. What’s your favorite holiday food that makes you feel loved?

How to Make Your Pineapple Glaze

Let’s make this pineapple ham glaze recipe. Grab a small pot. Put in your chopped pineapple, the juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Give it a good stir. Now turn the heat to high.

Once it boils, turn it down low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. You will see it get thick and syrupy. Turn off the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts. Your pineapple glaze for ham is ready!

A Little Tip From My Kitchen

Here’s a great trick. This is a wonderful make-ahead ham glaze. You can cook it the day before. Just let it cool and put it in the fridge. On the big day, warm it up gently. It will be perfect for your baked ham glaze.

*Fun fact: The acid in pineapple juice helps tenderize the ham. So your brown sugar ham glaze adds flavor and makes the meat extra juicy!* Do you like to cook things ahead for big dinners, or do it all on the day?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know how to make pineapple glaze. It’s so simple. Anyone can do it. I promise. This easy ham glaze will make your meal shine. The sweet and spicy smell will fill your home. That smell is part of the holiday magic.

I love hearing your stories. Will this be your first time making a homemade ham glaze? Or do you have a family recipe you always use? Tell me about it. I read every note.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Finely chopped fresh pineapple	1 cup
Pineapple juice	1 cup
Packed light brown sugar	3/4 cup
Ground cinnamon	1/2 teaspoon
Cloves	1/8 teaspoon
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon	Added at the end, stirred in until melted

Instructions

Step 1: Grab your pot and add everything but the butter. That’s your pineapple, juice, brown sugar, and spices. Stir it all together. I love the smell of cinnamon and pineapple. It already feels like a holiday ham recipe is starting.

Step 2: Now, turn your cooktop to high. Bring your easy ham glaze to a boil. Then, turn the heat down to low. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes. Watch it become a thick, syrupy pineapple glaze for ham.

Step 3: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in that tablespoon of butter until it melts. Doesn’t that homemade ham glaze look shiny? (A hard-learned tip: let your glaze cool a bit before adding butter. This keeps it nice and smooth.)

Step 4: Your brown sugar ham glaze is ready to use! Brush it on your baked ham right away. Or, let it cool and store it. This simple ham glaze is a perfect make-ahead ham glaze for a busy Easter.

Step 5: To use, just warm the glaze gently. Brush it over your ham during the last 30 minutes of baking. It will become sticky and delicious. Do you prefer a sweet or savory glaze? Share below! This is my favorite way for how to make pineapple glaze.

Creative Twists

Add a spoonful of orange marmalade for a citrusy zing. Swap the ground ginger for a tablespoon of fresh, grated ginger. Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a sweet-and-tangy kick. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This pineapple ham glaze recipe makes the star of the table. Serve your glazed ham with creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet glaze is wonderful with them. Buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze. For a fresh touch, add a simple green salad. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Glazed Ham Happy

Let’s talk about storing your beautiful ham. First, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly. I use foil first, then plastic wrap. This keeps the flavor in. The glaze can go in its own little jar in the fridge. They will both keep for about four days.

You can freeze the ham, too. Slice it first. Place slices in a freezer bag with parchment paper between them. This way, you can pull out just a few slices for a quick meal. The glaze freezes wonderfully in a small container. Thaw both in the fridge overnight.

Reheating is simple. Warm slices in a pan with a splash of water. Cover it with a lid. This keeps the ham moist. I remember my first big ham. I left the whole thing out on the counter! I learned my lesson about cooling it quickly.

Batch cooking this glaze saves holiday stress. Make a double batch ahead of time. This matters because it gives you more time with family. You are not stuck in the kitchen. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Ham Hiccups

Even grandmas run into little problems. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your glaze is too thin, just cook it longer. Let it bubble on low until it coats your spoon nicely. I once made a very runny glaze. A few more minutes of patience fixed it perfectly.

Second, is your brown sugar hard as a rock? Place it in a bowl with a slice of bread. Cover it tightly overnight. The sugar will steal moisture from the bread. You will have soft sugar by morning. This matters because fresh, soft sugar makes a smoother glaze.

Third, don’t let your ham dry out. Bake it with a little water or juice in the pan. Cover it with foil for most of the cooking time. This keeps it juicy. Getting the moisture right builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

How to make a pineapple ginger glaze for ham

This easy ham glaze starts with fresh pineapple and juice. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Boil it, then simmer for ten minutes. It will become a thick syrup. Finish by stirring in butter. This homemade ham glaze is sweet, tangy, and perfect for your holiday ham recipe.

What sides go best with glazed ham

Scalloped potatoes are a classic choice. Buttery dinner rolls are a must for soaking up glaze. A simple green bean dish adds freshness. A tangy coleslaw cuts the sweetness nicely. These sides balance the rich flavor of your pineapple glaze for ham. They make a beautiful holiday table.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned

Yes, fresh pineapple is wonderful here. You need one cup of finely chopped fruit. Use its juice too. Fresh pineapple gives a brighter, tangier flavor. It makes the best pineapple ham glaze recipe. Canned pineapple in juice works just fine in a pinch. Both make a delicious baked ham glaze.

How long to bake a ham per pound

For a pre-cooked ham, bake about 15 minutes per pound. The oven should be 325 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 140 degrees. Always check the package instructions first. This slow heating warms it through and helps your brown sugar ham glaze stick beautifully.

How to make a ginger brown sugar glaze

Follow the simple ham glaze recipe above. The key is using fresh ginger. Grate about one tablespoon into the pot. Add it with the pineapple and juice. The ginger gives a warm, spicy kick. It pairs perfectly with the brown sugar. This makes a standout homemade ham glaze.

Tips for scoring and decorating a ham

Score the fat in a diamond pattern. Use a sharp knife. Do not cut deep into the meat. This helps the make-ahead ham glaze soak in. For decoration, use whole cloves. Press one into the center of each diamond. You can also add pineapple rings before the final bake.

*Fun fact: The pineapple is a symbol of welcome and hospitality.* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this special meal. Cooking for others is an act of love. It creates memories around the table. The smell of this ham baking is pure happiness. It reminds me of my own family’s laughter and stories.

I would be so pleased to hear about your experience. Tell me about your holiday table. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you. Your stories are my favorite thing to read. Thank you for letting me join your cooking adventure.

Happy cooking!

—Elena Rutherford