
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham: A Southern Favorite for Holidays and Beyond
When it comes to comforting southern meals that feel special without a ton of fuss, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham delivers every time.
Whether you’re feeding the family on Sunday after church or pulling together a holiday spread, this recipe brings that perfect balance of savory and sweet that’s hard to beat.
It uses just a few pantry staples and turns a store-bought pre-cooked ham into something that tastes like it came out of grandma’s kitchen.
You may also like:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Bites
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
- Mini Pecan Tarts
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
What Is Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham?
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a simple baked ham recipe made with a bone-in spiral ham, canned pineapple slices and juice, and brown sugar. That’s it.
These three ingredients do all the heavy lifting—no long prep, no complicated steps.
The sweet pineapple juice mixes with the brown sugar as it bakes, forming a sticky, caramelized coating that flavors every bite.
This easy ham with pineapple and brown sugar is ideal when you’re short on time but still want something that feels like a centerpiece.
When to Serve This Easy Holiday Ham Recipe
This ham is most popular around the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, even New Year’s Day—but it works just as well for any special gathering or Sunday dinner.
It’s a great make-ahead option if you’re hosting guests, since it reheats beautifully. It also travels well, making it ideal if you’re taking a dish to a potluck or family get-together.
Where to Use Leftover Pineapple Glazed Ham
One of the best things about this southern-style pineapple ham recipe is the leftovers.
Slice it up for ham sandwiches the next day, dice it into a cheesy ham and potato casserole, or chop and toss it into breakfast omelets.
You can even make ham sliders with Hawaiian rolls, adding a little melted cheese for a quick meal.
The pineapple glaze keeps the meat flavorful and moist, so it doesn’t dry out when reheated.
Why This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe Works
If you’ve been searching for an easy baked ham recipe with pineapple, you’re not alone.
Many people want a recipe that looks and tastes impressive but doesn’t involve hours in the kitchen.
That’s exactly what this is. It uses a pre-cooked spiral ham, so your job is simply to warm it through while adding sweet, tangy flavor.
You don’t need any special equipment, and the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store.
How to Serve Southern Pineapple Ham
You can slice and serve this right out of the oven alongside classic southern sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, or cornbread.
Want to stretch your meal even further?
Serve this brown sugar pineapple ham with rice and roasted veggies for a weeknight dinner.
It’s also perfect for a brunch table with eggs, biscuits, and fruit.
Who Loves This Southern Baked Ham Recipe
This recipe is great for busy home cooks, especially folks cooking for a family or holiday crowd.
It’s budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and makes enough to feed a small army.
If you’re hosting guests from out of town or feeding picky eaters, this easy southern baked ham with pineapple is a safe bet.
Kids love the sweetness, and adults appreciate the flavor and tenderness.
An Easy Recipe That Stands Out
This brown sugar pineapple ham recipe proves that simple ingredients and easy prep can still lead to big flavor.
Whether you’re planning your Easter ham or just need a no-fail meal that brings everyone to the table, this dish belongs in your regular rotation.
If you’re looking for the best spiral ham recipe with pineapple and brown sugar, this one hits the mark.
Make it once and it just might become your new holiday tradition.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1.5 hours
Servings 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in spiral ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 can pineapple slices (with juice)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions:
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the packaging from the pre-cooked ham and place it in a oven safe casserole dish.
Open the can of pineapple slices and place the slices between the slices of ham.

Pour the juice from the can over it.

Rub the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple slices and ham. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.

Cover the ham with aluminum foil and let it cook for 1.5 hours in the oven. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham. You want the ham to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Check the ham periodically. You can baste it with the juices that collect in the dish to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
If your ham came with a glaze package, you could mix this with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice, mix it and glaze the ham with it.
Slice the ham and serve it with the pineapple slices.

Note: Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to heat it through and infuse it with the flavors of pineapple and brown sugar. The slow cooker helps to achieve this while keeping the ham moist and tender.
Enjoy your flavorful slow cooker pineapple brown sugar ham!

Remember that cooking times may vary based on the specifics of your slow cooker and the ham’s size, so adjust accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Can I use canned pineapple for brown sugar ham glaze?
Yes, canned pineapple works perfectly for this recipe. Use both the slices and the juice to add natural sweetness and moisture to the ham.
How long do you bake a pre-cooked spiral ham with pineapple and brown sugar?
Bake at 350°F for about 1.5 hours, or until the ham is heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your ham, so check periodically.
What’s the best way to keep a spiral ham moist while baking?
Cover the ham tightly with foil and baste it with the juices from the pan during baking. The pineapple juice helps keep the ham tender and flavorful.
Can I make brown sugar pineapple ham in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Yes, you can. Place the ham in the slow cooker, add pineapple slices and juice, sprinkle with brown sugar, and cook on low for 4–5 hours until warmed through.
What sides go best with southern baked ham with pineapple glaze?
Classic southern sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and cornbread are perfect pairings.
How do I store leftover pineapple glazed ham?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months for longer storage.
Can I use this brown sugar ham recipe for Easter or Christmas dinner?
Absolutely. This easy pineapple ham is a popular choice for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday meals because it’s simple and crowd-pleasing.
Is this pineapple ham recipe good for ham sandwiches the next day?
Yes, the leftovers are great for sandwiches, sliders, or even chopped into eggs, casseroles, or soups. The pineapple flavor makes it extra tasty.
Do I need to use a glaze packet that comes with the ham?
No, you don’t have to. This recipe is flavorful on its own, but if your ham comes with a glaze, you can mix it with pineapple juice for extra sweetness.
What type of ham is best for brown sugar and pineapple baked ham?
A bone-in spiral ham works best because it’s pre-sliced, easy to serve, and soaks up the brown sugar pineapple glaze really well during baking.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 can pineapple slices (with juice)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the packaging from the pre-cooked ham and place it in a oven safe casserole dish.
Open the can of pineapple slices and place the slices between the slices of ham. Then pour the juice from the can over it.
Rub the brown sugar evenly over the pineapple slices and ham. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Cover the ham with aluminum foil and let it cook for 1.5 hours in the oven. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the ham. You want the ham to heat through and the flavors to meld.
Check the ham periodically. You can baste it with the juices that collect in the dish to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
If your ham came with a glaze package, you could mix this with a few tablespoons of the pineapple juice, mix it and glaze the ham with it.
Slice the ham and serve it with the pineapple slices.