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Ham with Pineapple Sauce: A Taste of Tradition

The scent of baked ham mingled with sweet pineapple always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an event. The entire extended family would gather, drawn in by the promise of juicy ham glistening under a vibrant, homemade pineapple sauce. Her laughter echoed through the house, a counterpoint to the sizzle and hum of the oven. That ham wasn’t just food; it was love on a platter. I’ve tweaked her recipe ever so slightly over the years, but the core—that unforgettable sweet and savory combination—remains the same.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 34 minutes to 2 hours 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 49 minutes to 2 hours 27 minutes
Servings: 18
Yield: Varies based on ham size.
Dietary Type: Generally not gluten-free (due to soy sauce – use tamari for gluten-free), not dairy-free.

Ingredients

6 lbs boneless ham (fully cooked)
3⁄4 cup water, divided
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
4 1⁄2 teaspoons soy sauce
4 1⁄2 teaspoons ketchup
1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 1⁄2 cups crushed pineapple, undrained
2 tablespoons cornstarch, plus
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Equipment Needed

Shallow roasting pan
Rack (for roasting pan)
Saucepan
Whisk
Meat thermometer

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to heat through gently without drying out.
Place the ham on a rack inside a shallow roasting pan. The rack is important because it elevates the ham, allowing for even heat distribution and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
Pour 1/4 cup of the water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates steam, which helps to keep the ham moist during cooking.
Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 140°F (60°C). Remember, the ham is already fully cooked, so you are simply reheating it. Don’t overcook it, or it will become dry. The exact baking time will depend on the size and shape of your ham, so use the thermometer as your guide.
While the ham is baking, prepare the pineapple sauce. In a saucepan, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of water, the brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, ground mustard, and crushed pineapple (including the juice). The juice adds extra flavor and moisture to the sauce.
Bring the pineapple sauce mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Stir until smooth to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering pineapple sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Bring the sauce back to a boil, and continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The cornstarch needs to cook completely to avoid a starchy taste.
Before serving, let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Slice the ham and serve immediately, spooning the warm pineapple sauce generously over each slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Scoring the Ham: Before baking, you can score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud it with cloves for a more visually appealing presentation and added flavor. Be sure to remove the cloves before slicing!
Brown Sugar Substitute: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses.
Make-Ahead Tip: The pineapple sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before serving.
Preventing a Dry Ham: To ensure a moist ham, you can baste it with pan juices or additional water every 30 minutes during the baking process.
Flavor Boost: A splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the pineapple sauce can add an extra layer of complexity and flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This ham with pineapple sauce is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Serve it with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh salad and roasted vegetables.

Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for longer storage (up to 2 months). Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat leftover ham, slice it and gently warm it in a skillet with a little bit of the pineapple sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. The pineapple sauce can be reheated separately in a saucepan or microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	267.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	84 g	32%
Total Fat	9.4 g	14%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	107.5 mg	35%
Sodium	1932.7 mg	80%
Total Carbohydrate	17.7 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	0%
Sugars	15.2 g	60%
Protein	26.7 g	53%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Spicy Pineapple Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pineapple sauce for a touch of heat.
Different Fruit: Use a combination of pineapple, peaches, and cherries in the sauce for a more complex flavor.
Maple Glaze: Instead of brown sugar, use maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Smoked Ham: Try using a smoked ham for a deeper, richer flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to dice the fresh pineapple into small pieces similar to the size of crushed pineapple. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q: Can I make this with a bone-in ham?
A: Absolutely! The baking time might need to be increased slightly, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).

Q: How do I prevent the pineapple sauce from being too tart?
A: If your pineapple is particularly tart, you can add a little more brown sugar to balance the flavors.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover pineapple sauce?
A: Yes, the pineapple sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
A: Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a substitute for cornstarch in equal amounts.

Final Thoughts

This Ham with Pineapple Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by experimenting with different variations and substitutions. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with the people you love. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Bon appétit!

Ham With Pineapple Sauce Recipe