3-Ingredient Ham Glaze

This 3-Ingredient Ham glaze made with fresh pineapple, golden brown sugar, and spicy brown mustard adds the perfect amount of flavor and a crispy outer coating to a holiday ham. It’s quick and easy to make and is perfect for any Christmas dinner or Easter holiday celebration.

Be sure to follow my whole ham recipe that includes this pineapple brown sugar glaze!

Why I love this recipe

The combination of fresh pineapple, mustard, and brown sugar in a glaze for ham can create a delicious flavor profile due to a few reasons:

1. Sweetness: The brown sugar adds sweetness to the glaze, which pairs well with the saltiness of the ham.
2. Acidity: Pineapple contains natural acids, which provide a tangy flavor to the glaze. The acidity in the pineapple juice can also help to tenderize the ham, making it more moist and flavorful.
3. Spiciness: The mustard in the glaze adds a spicy kick to the flavor profile, which can balance out the sweetness and acidity in the glaze.
4. Complexity: The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors creates a complex taste that can enhance the overall flavor of the ham.

Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a balance of flavors that can enhance the taste of the ham and create a delicious glaze that is sure to be a hit with your family or guests.

How to make this 3-Ingredient Ham glaze

To make this glaze, all you need to do is combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Then, simply process until smooth.

Substitutions and ingredient swaps

• Fresh pineapple – I highly recommend using fresh pineapple. It not only creates the best flavor, but it creates a thick glaze that really sticks to the ham. You can, however, use canned pineapple or pineapple juice.
• Golden brown sugar – For a more intense flavor, dark brown sugar can be used. Pure maple syrup also makes a great substitute.
• Spicy brown mustard – Dijon or basic yellow mustard can be used.

How to cook ham with this ham glaze recipe

The methods below work whether you buy a half ham, a bone-in whole ham, or a spiral cut ham. These methods are all for smoked and cured ham which is what you will always find at the store. They are already cooked and only need to be heated.

The ideal temperature is about 140°F. This will ensure all of the ham slices are warm without drying the ham out.

The methods below do not apply to uncooked ham that would be purchased directly from a farm or specialty meat producer.

Oven baked whole ham

If you have a larger ham and are looking to feed a crowd for Easter dinner, this cooking method is recommended for whole hams.

1. Score the fat on the outside by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
2. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham.
3. Place ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it in a baking dish or roasting pan. Cook at 275°F until the internal temperature reads 135°F. The cook time will vary depending on the size of your ham. Plan on about 30 minutes per pound of ham.
4. At this point you will open up the tin foil, discard any of the pan juices (or reserve them for gravy), and brush glaze over the top of the ham.
5. Increase the oven temperature and place the uncovered ham in the oven. Roast ham until the pineapple brown sugar ham glaze turns a crispy brown. At this point, it is ready to serve after a short rest.

Instant pot ham

This method is recommended to warm a small spiral ham or half ham. It’s great if you need less ham for Sunday dinners rather than if you are wanting to make a large Christmas ham for a crowd.

1. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water or chicken broth.
2. Place the ham on the trivet in the Instant Pot.
3. Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Close the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 12-15 minutes per pound, depending on the size of your ham.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Remove the ham from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Crock pot ham

This method will work as long as the ham fits in the slow cooker. Unlike the oven, the glaze won’t crystalize but it will add a tremendous amount of flavor.

1. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Be sure to get some in between the slices if using a spiral cut ham.
3. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on the size of your ham.
5. Baste the ham with the juices from the crockpot every 1-2 hours.
6. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Other Ham Glaze combinations

There are many delicious ham glaze combinations you can try. In addition to this recipe, here are some popular options:

1. Honey Mustard Glaze: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs well with ham.
2. Maple Glaze: Combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a naturally sweet and slightly tart glaze.
3. Orange Glaze: Mix orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet and citrusy glaze with a holiday feel.
4. Bourbon Glaze: Combine bourbon, brown sugar, honey, and mustard for a boozy glaze that creates a sweet crust on the outside of a baked ham.
5. Cherry Glaze: Mix cherry preserves, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for a glaze that has both sweet and tangy flavors, which complement the taste of ham.
6. Cranberry Glaze: Combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for a glaze with a combination of sweetness and tanginess, which is a perfect match for ham.
7. Apricot Glaze: Mix apricot preserves, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for a fruity and zesty glaze that is a great accompaniment to ham.
8. Ginger Glaze: Combine ginger ale, brown sugar, and ground ginger for a spicy and sweet glaze that which enhances the taste of ham.
9. Soy Sauce Glaze: Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic for a savory and well-balanced glaze that is a great match for ham.

Leftover ham recipe ideas

If you’ve just used this recipe to make a bone-in ham for a holiday meal, you should make one of these favorites! Also, if you are wondering what to do with the ham bone, it’s great in any of the soups listed.

• ham and bean soup
• ham and cheese sliders
• navy bean soup
• ham salad
• split pea soup
• ham and pea pasta carbonara
• Hawaiian ham skewers