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    Easy Pineapple Ham Glaze Recipe

    Published December 10, 2021. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    You will love this very simple-to-prepare pineapple ham glaze that perfectly accompanies and baked ham recipe. The addition of pineapple to this glaze cuts so well with the salty umami-flavored ham.

    Whether it’s a glaze or a sauce, these simple recipes have tremendous ability to enhance the flavor of whatever you want to serve them on. I personally love a good chimichurri sauce smothered over a steak or even a balsamic reduction with chicken and tomatoes, and you should for sure try these out.

    jar of pineapple glaze for ham

    Pineapple glaze for ham is one of the most common out there because it’s so simple to prepare and the taste is fantastic. You will even see some ham recipes that include ham slices that are pierced onto the ham with a toothpick, it’s that popular of a flavor combination. Don’t forget to check out my recipe video tutorial below which shows step-by-step instructions on how to make this.

    Pineapple Ham Glaze Video

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    Ingredients for Pineapple Ham Glaze

    ingredients for a pineapple ham glaze
    • Pineapple – I like to use finely roughly chopped fresh pineapple.
    • Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar should be used and be sure to pack it in tight.
    • Pineapple Juice – A regular can of pineapple juice will do, however if you only have the option to buy canned pineapple, simply use the juice from that can.
    • Cinnamon – Either freshly ground or pre-ground cinnamon will work.
    • Cloves – Use ground cloves unless you want to ground them yourself.
    • Butter – I finish every sauce and glaze that I ever make with a little bit of cold whole unsalted butter.

    How to Make a Pineapple Glaze for Ham

    1. Add the pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to a small to medium size pot and stir to combine.
    2. Bring the glaze to a boil over high heat and then turn it down to low heat and cook for about 10 minutes.  It should thicken to a syrup.
    3. Finish the glaze by stirring in some butter until it is melted and incorporated. Use the glaze or store in the refrigerator. 
    step by step instructions for making a pineapple ham glaze

    Make-Ahead and Storage

    Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time. If you are using this during a large holiday meal, I recommend making it ahead of time.

    How to Store: Transfer to a container and keep it in the refrigerator until cool. Add on a lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This glaze will freeze well, once cool, in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it before reheating and using.

    How to Reheat: You do not have to reheat this glaze to use it, but if you want it warm, add it to a small size saucepot and heat over low heat until hot.

    Chef Billy Parisi

    chef notes + tips

    • If you are unable to find a fresh pineapple, replace it with crushed or chopped canned or frozen pineapple.  
    • Do not keep this recipe at a rolling boil, it will boil up over the pot as well as having the possibility to burn.
    • You can replace the brown sugar with regular sugar.
    • Be sure to check out my glazed ham recipe to understand when to use the glaze.
    jar of pineapple glaze for ham

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    Video

    Easy Pineapple Ham Glaze Recipe

    5 from 4 votes
    You will love this very simple to prepare pineapple ham glaze that perfectly accompanies and baked ham recipe.
    Servings: 2 cups
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes

    Ingredients 

    • 1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple
    • 1 cup pineapple juice
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
    • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

    Instructions

    • Add the pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves to a small to medium size pot and stir to combine and add it to a cooktop.
    • Bring the glaze to a boil over high heat and then turn it down to low heat and cook for about 10 minutes. It should thicken to a syrup.
    • Finish the glaze by stirring in some butter until it is melted and incorporated. Use the glaze immediately or store in the refrigerator.

    Notes

    Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time. If you are using this during a large holiday meal, I recommend making it ahead of time.
    How to Store: Transfer to a container and keep it in the refrigerator until cool. Add on a lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This glaze will freeze well, once cool, in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it before reheating and using.
    How to Reheat: You do not have to reheat this glaze to use it, but if you want it warm, add it to a small size sauce-pot and heat over low heat until hot.
    If you are unable to find fresh pineapple, replace it with crushed or chopped canned or frozen pineapple.  
    Do not keep this recipe at a rolling boil, it will boil up over the pot as well as have the possibility to burn.
    You can replace the brown sugar with regular sugar.
    Be sure to check out my glazed ham recipe to understand when to use the glaze.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 469kcalCarbohydrates: 107gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 358mgFiber: 2gSugar: 100gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 1mg
    Course: sauces, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American

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