90-Min Glazed Ham with Pineapple | Juicy Holiday Dinner Recipe

Ready to impress your taste buds and your BBQ-loving friends? Let’s chat about the ultimate crowd-pleaser: BBQ Glazed Ham with Pineapple. It’s sweet, tangy, savory, and a little bit sassy—kind of like the star of any backyard party or holiday dinner. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.

Why BBQ Glazed Ham with Pineapple?

Ever wonder why that sweet pineapple tang pairs so perfectly with the rich, smoky flavor of ham? It’s not magic — it’s science and experience. The fruit’s natural acids break down the ham’s saltiness while the BBQ glaze adds a bold, sticky coating that keeps every bite juicy. Plus, the pineapple looks pretty handling the ham like a tropical crown jewel.

Personally, I love making this for 4 people — it’s a perfect size for a small group, yet so flavorful it feels like a feast. Wanna get the timing and ingredients down? Let’s get to it.

Ingredients for 4 People on Glazed Ham with Pineapple

• 4 to 5 lb bone-in ham (pre-cooked, because who wants to cook a raw ham, right?)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your fave brand or homemade, but something smoky and sweet works best)
• 1 cup pineapple juice (not just for the drink, it’s key here)
• 1 can (about 20 oz) pineapple rings, drained
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for that caramelized magic)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a little kick)
• Whole cloves (optional but highly recommended for that classic ham vibe)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (because presentation counts!)

Cooking Time of Glazed Ham

• Prep time: 15 minutes (easy!)
• Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step BBQ Glazed Ham with Pineapple

1. Prep Your Ham and Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grab your ham and give it a good scoring — that is, slice diamond shapes about 1/8 inch deep all over the surface. This helps the glaze soak in, making the flavor pop.

If you’re feeling fancy (or nostalgic), stick a whole clove at each diamond’s intersection. It’s optional but adds that sweet, spicy aroma that screams “holiday feast.”

2. Whip up the Glaze

In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir it until the sugar dissolves and everything looks smooth and saucy. This stuff? It’s gonna coat, caramelize, and wow your mouth.

3. Pineapple Time!

Place the ham on a roasting pan lined with foil (less mess = happy you). Arrange pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Not only do they taste amazing, but they make the dish look like a tropical masterpiece.

4. Glaze and Bake

Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham and pineapple. Cover the ham loosely with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes.

Pro tip: Don’t skip the basting. It keeps the ham juicy and the glaze sticky sweet.

5. Final Touch

Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to let the glaze get that perfect caramelized finish. If you smell something amazing right now—yep, that’s the glaze doing its thing.

Let the ham rest for 10 minutes after taking it out. This lets those juices redistribute so every slice is tender and juicy.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced flavors: The sweet pineapple and BBQ glaze cut through the salty, smoky ham perfectly.
• Juiciness: Low and slow cooking with basting makes sure the ham never gets dry.
• Simple steps: No need for fancy equipment or complicated prep.
• Visual wow: Pineapple rings + cloves = an impressive, Instagram-worthy dish.

Quick Tips and Tricks

• Don’t rush that glaze application! Basting is like giving the ham a flavor hug every 20 minutes.
• Use fresh pineapple juice if you can — it brings more brightness than the canned stuff.
• If you want a smoky kick, toss some smoked paprika into your BBQ sauce mix.
• Make sure your ham is pre-cooked unless you want a very long misunderstanding with your oven.

FAQ about BBQ Glazed Ham with Pineapple

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned rings?
A: Absolutely! Cut fresh pineapple into rings or chunks, but remember fresh pineapple tends to be less sweet and more acidic, so you may want to adjust the sugar in your glaze accordingly.

Q: How do I know the ham is done?
A: Since most store-bought hams come pre-cooked, you mainly want to warm it through, about 140°F internally. Don’t overcook, or it’ll get tough.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just check your BBQ sauce ingredients for gluten (many are safe) or make your own to be 100% sure.

Q: What sides go well with BBQ glazed ham?
A: Classiccoleslaw, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad work great. You can’t go wrong with comfort food here.

Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: For sure! Make the glaze ahead and keep the ham covered in the fridge. On the day, just bake and baste as usual.

Final Thoughts for Glazed Ham with Pineapple Lovers

So, if you want a dinner that’s sweet, sticky, and totally no-fuss, this BBQ glazed ham with pineapple ticks all the boxes. It’s like the holiday spirit wrapped in BBQ sauce and fruit juice — and honestly, it deserves a spot on your recipe rotation. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, you’ll look like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.

Just imagine that first bite: juicy, smoky ham with a sweet pineapple glaze that makes you say, “Why haven’t I done this before?” Seriously, try it out this weekend. FYI, your taste buds will thank you. 🙂