Okay, let’s talk holiday ham! If you’re anything like me, the thought of cooking a big holiday meal can be exciting but also a *little* overwhelming, right? That’s why I’m absolutely obsessed with this One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham. Seriously, it’s become my go-to for both Christmas and Thanksgiving. It’s got that perfect sweet and savory combo that just screams holiday cheer, and the best part? It all cooks in one pan! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the smell filled the whole house, and everyone was raving about it. It’s just so darn easy, and it looks incredibly impressive on the table. This recipe is a lifesaver when you’ve got a million other things to juggle!
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Seriously, this ham is a game-changer for your holiday spread. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:
- Super Simple: It’s a true one-pan wonder! Everything cooks together, which means way less washing up. Thank goodness for that when you’re already juggling so much!
- Incredible Flavor: That sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple glaze is just divine. It caramelizes beautifully, giving you that perfect sweet and savory bite every single time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a classic for a reason. This flavor combo is universally loved, making it a foolproof dish that everyone at your Christmas or Thanksgiving table will adore.
- Busy Cook Friendly: The prep is a breeze, and the oven does most of the work. You can focus on other dishes or just enjoy a moment of peace while it bakes!
Gathering Your Ingredients for One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Alright, let’s get our shopping list sorted for this magical ham! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, which is always a win during the holidays. Here’s what you’ll want to grab to make this One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham absolutely perfect for your Christmas or Thanksgiving table.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need. Make sure to grab these so we can get cooking!
- 1 (5-7 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham: This is our star! Look for a good quality, fully cooked ham at your grocery store. The bone-in kind just has a bit more flavor, in my opinion.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This is key for that gorgeous, caramelized glaze. Make sure it’s packed down into the measuring cup!
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained: Don’t drain this! All that syrupy goodness is going right into our glaze. It adds such a bright, tangy note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice: Just a little extra liquid to help smooth out the glaze. If you can’t find canned pineapple with juice, just grab a small can or carton of pineapple juice.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that cozy holiday flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch! Cloves have a really strong flavor, so a little goes a long way to add depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Another classic warm spice that just sings with the ham and pineapple.
- Whole cloves, for studding (optional): If you want to get fancy and traditional, grab a small jar of whole cloves. They look so pretty poked into the ham before baking!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Holiday Ham
A little extra info to make sure everything goes smoothly! First off, when you buy a “fully cooked” ham, it means it’s already cured and cooked. You’re just reheating it and adding that amazing glaze. Easy peasy! Now, about that pineapple juice – if you happen to drain your crushed pineapple (though I really hope you don’t!), just use about 1/4 cup of plain pineapple juice from a carton or bottle. Some folks also like to add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of ground ginger to the glaze for an extra kick, but honestly, this basic combo is just so, so good on its own. And for the cloves, if you don’t want to stud the ham, no worries at all! The flavor is already in the glaze.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Alright, let’s get this ham into the oven! It’s really not complicated at all, which is exactly what we want for a busy holiday. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a showstopper!
Preheating and Preparing the Ham
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is heating up, grab your ham and your roasting pan. If you have a larger ham, make sure your pan is big enough to hold it comfortably. You don’t want any overhang! Just place the ham right in the center of the pan. Easy start, right?
Crafting the Delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
Now for the magic – the glaze! This is what gives our One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham all its fantastic flavor. In a medium bowl, combine that lovely packed brown sugar, the entire can of crushed pineapple (don’t drain that juice!), the pineapple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Now, give it a really good stir until everything is mixed together well. You want it to be a nice, thick, syrupy mixture. Trust me, it smells amazing even at this stage!
Glazing and Baking Your One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Okay, time to get that glaze onto the ham! Spoon about half of that glorious brown sugar pineapple mixture all over the top and sides of the ham. If you grabbed those whole cloves and want that classic look, now’s the time to gently poke them into the ham. They look so pretty and add a little extra hint of spice! Once it’s glazed and maybe studded, cover the roasting pan really tightly with aluminum foil. We want to trap all that steam and flavor inside. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 1 hour. After that first hour, carefully take off the foil – watch out for the steam! – and pour the rest of that delicious glaze over the ham. Then, put it back in the oven, uncovered this time, and let it bake for another 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and baste it with those lovely pan juices every 20-30 minutes. That basting is super important for getting that glaze to stick and keep the ham nice and moist. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when you check with a meat thermometer.
Resting and Carving the Perfect Holiday Ham
Once your ham hits that perfect temperature and looks all golden and delicious, carefully take it out of the oven. Now, this next part is crucial, so don’t skip it! Let the ham rest in the pan, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes before you even think about carving it. This resting time lets all those wonderful juices redistribute throughout the meat. If you carve it too soon, all that tasty moisture will just run out onto the pan, and nobody wants a dry ham! After it rests, you can carve it into nice slices and serve it up. It’s seriously that simple!
Tips for Achieving the Best One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Okay, so wanting that perfect holiday ham is totally normal! It’s the star of the show, right? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make sure your One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham comes out absolutely amazing every single time.
Ensuring Even Cooking and Flavor Distribution
One of the keys to a great ham is making sure that glaze really sticks and caramelizes beautifully. When you’re basting, really try to spoon that pineapple-brown sugar goodness all over the ham, getting into all the nooks and crannies. If you’re using a bone-in ham, sometimes the bone side can cook a little faster than the other side. If you notice one side is browning way quicker than the rest, you can loosely tent that specific spot with a small piece of foil. This protects it from getting too dark while the rest of the ham catches up. It’s all about giving it consistent heat and flavor!
Creative Variations for Your Holiday Ham
While this classic brown sugar pineapple combo is pure perfection, don’t be afraid to play around! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze mixture. It adds a subtle tang that really balances the sweetness. Or how about a pinch of ground ginger? It gives it a lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and cloves. Some people even like to add a splash of orange juice instead of pineapple juice for a different citrus note. Whatever you do, it’s still going to be delicious, but these little tweaks can make it uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions for Your One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is such a versatile star for your holiday table! It’s got that sweet and savory vibe that just goes with everything. Whether you’re planning a big Christmas feast or a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, this ham is the perfect centerpiece. It’s so delicious, you almost don’t need anything else, but I love pairing it with some classic sides that really make the whole meal shine. It just makes the whole experience feel extra special, you know?
Complementary Sides for Your Holiday Feast
When I serve this amazing ham, I always try to round out the meal with some tried-and-true favorites. Creamy mashed potatoes are an absolute must – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra glaze from the ham! Roasted Brussels sprouts, maybe with a little bacon, are fantastic, or even some simple glazed carrots would be lovely and echo those pineapple notes. And you absolutely cannot forget a good stuffing or dressing; it’s just not a holiday meal without it! A nice, fresh green salad can also be a great way to balance out all the richness. Everything just comes together beautifully!
Storing and Reheating Leftover One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
So, you’ve got some delicious leftover ham from your amazing One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham feast, huh? Lucky you! Honestly, this ham is just as good, if not better, the next day. But you want to make sure you store and reheat it properly so it stays super moist and flavorful. It’s really not hard at all, just a couple of little things to keep in mind to capture that holiday magic again!
Best Practices for Storing Leftover Ham
Okay, first things first, let that leftover ham cool down a bit before you wrap it up. Once it’s not piping hot anymore, you’ll want to wrap it tightly. I usually go for a double layer of plastic wrap, and then maybe tuck that into a zip-top bag or some foil. This really helps keep the air out and prevents it from drying out in the fridge. If you’ve already sliced it, store the slices in an airtight container. It should stay perfectly good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you think you won’t get to it by then, just wrap it really well and pop it in the freezer – it’ll be good for a couple of months!
Reheating Your Delicious Holiday Ham
When you’re ready to enjoy that leftover ham, the key is to reheat it gently so it doesn’t dry out. My favorite way is in the oven. Place the leftover ham slices (or the whole chunk if you have it) in a small baking dish. Add just a splash of liquid to the bottom of the dish – a little bit of water, broth, or even some of that leftover pineapple juice works wonders! Cover the dish tightly with foil and heat it in a moderate oven, around 300-325°F (150-160°C), until it’s heated through. It usually only takes about 10-15 minutes for slices. You want it warmed up, not cooked again, so just be patient and let the gentle heat do its thing!
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Got questions about making this delicious ham? I totally get it! It’s always good to be sure, especially when you’re cooking for a crowd. This One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is pretty straightforward, but here are a few things people often ask me.
Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in for this recipe?
Oh, absolutely! You can totally use a boneless ham. Just make sure it’s also fully cooked. Boneless hams might cook a little faster than bone-in ones, so keep an eye on the internal temperature. I’d start checking it about 30 minutes earlier than the recipe says. The glaze will still be amazing on it!
How do I know when my One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. You want the thickest part of the ham, not touching the bone, to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). It’s super important not to overcook it, or it can get a little dry. So, trust your thermometer – it’s your best friend for perfectly cooked ham!
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time for this holiday ham?
Yes, you absolutely can! That’s one of the things I love about this recipe – you can prep ahead. Just mix up the brown sugar, pineapple, and spice mixture, put it in an airtight container, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, give it a good stir, and it’s good to go! It saves you a few minutes on a busy holiday morning.
What is the best way to stud a ham with cloves?
It’s really simple and adds such a pretty, classic look! Just take your whole cloves (they usually come with a little bit of stem) and gently push them into the ham wherever you like. I usually space them out evenly across the top surface of the ham, maybe about an inch or two apart. They’ll bake right into the glaze and look just lovely. Don’t worry if you don’t have them; the flavor is already in the glaze!
Nutritional Information
Just a friendly reminder that the nutritional info for this One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is an estimate. It can change a bit depending on the exact brand of ham, pineapple, and other ingredients you use. But it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with for your Christmas or Thanksgiving feast!
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Easy One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham 3 Ways
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and delicious one-pan ham glazed with brown sugar and pineapple, perfect for holiday gatherings like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Whole cloves, for studding (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, crushed pineapple (with juice), cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham.
- If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and pour the remaining glaze over the ham.
- Continue baking, uncovered, for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Ensure your ham is fully cooked before starting.
- Basting helps the glaze adhere and keeps the ham moist.
- Adjust baking time based on the size of your ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: One Pan Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham, Christmas Ham, Thanksgiving Ham, Holiday Ham, Glazed Ham, Easy Ham Recipe