There is something incredibly irresistible about a perfectly glazed ham that’s bursting with sweet, tangy flavors, and nothing delivers quite like this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe. This dish combines the juicy tenderness of a spiral-sliced city ham with the tropical zing of crushed pineapple and the richness of a brown sugar glaze, bringing a crowd-pleasing centerpiece to your table that feels both festive and comforting. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or special Sunday dinner, this recipe makes the ham the star with an easy-to-follow method that ensures succulent, flavor-packed slices every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and creating a beautiful caramelized finish. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the subtle spice of ginger and the bright acidity of apple cider vinegar, each element enhances the ham’s natural savoriness.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and creates the perfect glaze consistency.
- 12 oz. cola or Dr. Pepper: Provides caramel notes and moisture, balancing sweetness with a little fizz.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Introduces a bright tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Adds subtle umami depth without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, creamy punch for complexity in the glaze.
- 1½ tbsp grainy mustard: Adds texture and a slightly rustic mustard flavor.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: A warm spice that enhances the tropical pineapple and brown sugar notes.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds savory subtlety and rounds out the glaze.
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Provides just a touch of heat to keep the flavors interesting.
- ¼ tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
- 1 6-9 lbs. spiral-sliced city ham: The star ingredient—already sliced for convenience and flavor absorption.
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple (1 large can): The star tropical fruit component that keeps the ham moist and adds juicy sweetness.
How to Make Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by whisking together the brown sugar, cola, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, ground ginger, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly, stirring frequently. This luscious glaze will infuse your ham with layers of sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness.
Step 2: Prep the Ham
Place the spiral-sliced city ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Gently separate the slices with your fingers to allow the glaze to seep between each slice, ensuring flavor penetrates deeply. Pour the crushed pineapple evenly over and between the slices—this juicy addition keeps each piece tender and irresistible.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Bake
Brush a generous amount of your prepared glaze over the entire ham, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil to trap moisture and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 75 minutes. Every 20 minutes, uncover and baste with more glaze to build that beautiful sticky coating.
Step 4: Final Caramelization
For the last 15 minutes, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This step caramelizes the glaze to create a glossy, slightly crisp exterior that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Watch carefully to avoid burning, and once done, let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in those juicy flavors.
How to Serve Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe with fresh garnishes turns each plate into a vibrant celebration. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Thin slices of orange or lemon can add a zesty brightness that complements the sweet ham beautifully, while some extra pineapple chunks on the side tie the tropical theme together perfectly.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic and creative sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted sweet potatoes bring comforting earthiness, while a crisp green bean almondine or honey-glazed carrots add sweet-savory balance and texture contrast. For a truly festive spread, fresh cranberry sauce or a tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe the centerpiece of your celebration by serving it on a large wooden carving board surrounded by pineapple wedges, fresh herbs, and citrus slices. For an eye-catching buffet, create small serving platters with pre-sliced ham drizzled with leftover glaze and topped with pineapple tidbits and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. This not only looks stunning but also allows guests to appreciate the harmony of flavors in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After indulging in your delicious Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The ham keeps well for up to 4 days and actually benefits from sitting as the flavors continue to meld together. Make sure to reserve any extra glaze separately to reapply when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover ham slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in freezer bags. To maintain flavor and moisture, add a bit of the pineapple and glaze before sealing. Frozen ham is best used within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe slices in a baking dish covered with foil at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Spoon reserved glaze and pineapple over the ham during reheating to keep it moist and flavorful. Avoid overheating to preserve tenderness and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-cooked spiral ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a pre-cooked spiral ham is ideal because it lets you focus on glazing and warming the ham without worrying about cooking it from raw. This recipe is specifically designed with spiral ham in mind, ensuring the glaze seeps into every slice.
What if I don’t have cola or Dr. Pepper on hand?
If cola or Dr. Pepper isn’t available, try substituting with ginger ale or apple juice for a lighter sweetness. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly, but the ham will still turn out delicious.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before applying to the ham for the best results. Preparing the glaze ahead saves time and lets flavors develop even more.
How do I avoid my ham drying out during baking?
Covering the ham with foil during baking traps steam and moisture, which keeps the ham juicy. Additionally, basting frequently with the pineapple glaze helps maintain moisture and adds layers of flavor.
Is this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe suitable for any season?
Definitely! While many associate ham with holidays, the bright pineapple glaze lends itself wonderfully to spring and summer celebrations as well. It’s versatile enough to brighten any meal year-round.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet straightforward dish that radiates warmth and flavor, this Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe is an absolute must-try. The blend of sweet, tangy, and savory elements creates a harmonious balance that’s sure to win over family and friends alike. Give it a go and watch as everyone reaches for seconds and asks for the recipe!
Print
Pineapple Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pineapple Spiral Ham recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for holiday meals or special family gatherings. The ham is spiral-sliced and baked with a rich glaze made from dark brown sugar, cola, mustards, and pineapple, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized dish that serves 12 people.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed, light brown sugar can be substituted)
- 12 oz. cola (or Dr. Pepper)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1½ tbsp grainy mustard
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 20 oz. crushed pineapple (1 large can)
Main Ingredient
- 1 very large spiral-sliced city ham (6–9 lbs.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to get ready for baking the ham.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, cola, apple cider vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, ground ginger, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and crushed pineapple. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Place Ham in Baking Pan: Place the spiral-sliced ham flat side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish suitable to hold its size. Ensure the ham is fully defrosted if previously frozen.
- Apply Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, making sure the glaze penetrates between the slices for deep flavor.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for roughly 90 minutes. Baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist and enhance the caramelization.
- Finish Uncovered: For the last 15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and the ham to develop a nice, glossy finish.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing further, ensuring juices redistribute for the best texture and flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a 6-9 pound spiral-sliced city ham for ideal cooking time and serving size.
- Light brown sugar works well if dark brown sugar is unavailable.
- Cola adds a nice caramel flavor; Dr. Pepper is a good alternative.
- Keep the ham covered during most of the bake to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
- Basting regularly helps achieve a moist and flavorful ham.
- If you prefer a spicier glaze, increase the crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
- Let the ham rest after baking for the best slicing results.
