Pineapple Spiral Ham with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

My mom makes this every Easter, and the whole family shows up early. They come for the ham. The sweet pineapple glaze is why they stay.

This ham is so tender it falls apart when you touch it. The brown sugar caramelizes on top. The pineapple rings shine like little golden jewels. One bite tastes like a celebration.

I was nervous the first time I made it myself. I thought it had to be hard. It’s not. You just need a ham, some pineapple, brown sugar, and an oven. Then you let the magic happen while you set the table.

My kids now ask me to make it for their birthday dinners. That’s when I knew I had nailed it. This isn’t fancy restaurant food. This is home. This is love on a plate.

Let’s make it together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Showstopper Presentation: This ham looks as impressive as it tastes, making it the centerpiece your guests will remember.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: The combination of brown sugar, cola, and pineapple creates a complex flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: While the ham roasts, you’re free to prepare sides or enjoy time with family.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the glaze hours ahead and brush it on as the ham cooks.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Slice extras for sandwiches, salads, and quick meals throughout the week.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (depending on ham size)
• Total Time: About 3 to 3.5 hours

Servings: This recipe serves 12 to 16 people, depending on portion size. A typical spiral-sliced ham weighs 7 to 10 pounds.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large roasting pan (at least 2 inches deep)
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp carving knife
• Small saucepan
• Basting brush
• Meat mallet (optional, for scoring decoratively)

Ingredients for Pineapple Spiral Ham

For the Pineapple Ham Glaze:

• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup cola (regular Coca-Cola or similar)
• 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Spiral Ham:

• 1 spiral-sliced city ham (7 to 10 pounds)
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice (or 2 cups fresh crushed pineapple)
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (if using fresh pineapple)
• Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
• Pineapple rings or chunks (for garnish)

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this pineapple spiral ham lies in the glaze itself. The combination of dark and light brown sugars provides depth and richness, while the cola adds a subtle sweetness and caramel notes as it reduces. Apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor, and the mustards contribute tangy undertones that prevent the dish from becoming too sweet. The ground ginger and crushed red pepper flakes add warmth and complexity, creating a glaze that’s interesting on the palate rather than one-dimensional.

Variations for Pineapple Spiral Ham

• Add Fresh Pineapple: Replace canned crushed pineapple with fresh, diced pineapple for a juicier glaze.
• Bourbon Upgrade: Substitute 1/4 cup of the cola with bourbon whiskey for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Maple Twist: Use 1/4 cup pure maple syrup in place of half the brown sugar.
• Spice It Up: Double the red pepper flakes or add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat.
• Citrus Version: Add the zest and juice of 1 orange or lemon to brighten the glaze.
• Honey Sweetness: Replace light brown sugar with raw honey for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Pineapple Spiral Ham: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the spiral ham from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.

Score the surface of the ham in a crosshatch pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep into the fat layer. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and creates a beautiful presentation. Be careful not to cut into the meat itself.

2. Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine both brown sugars, cola, Dr. Pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, ground ginger, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. The glaze should be thick, glossy, and aromatic. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Arrange the Ham in the Roasting Pan

Place the scored spiral ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Surround the ham with the crushed pineapple and its juice. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the pan to create steam, which keeps the ham moist during roasting.

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.

4. Roast the Ham

Place the covered pan in the preheated 325°F oven. For a 7 to 8-pound ham, roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours. For a 9 to 10-pound ham, plan on 2.5 to 3 hours. Calculate approximately 15 minutes per pound.

After the first hour, carefully remove the foil and begin basting the ham with the glaze every 20 to 30 minutes. This builds layers of flavor and creates a beautiful, caramelized exterior.

5. Finish with the Glaze

During the final 45 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 375°F and continue basting frequently with the glaze. This higher heat caramelizes the sugars and creates a glossy, golden finish.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (not touching bone). The ham should reach 140°F for a pre-cooked spiral ham.

6. Rest and Garnish

Remove the ham from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.

Garnish with fresh pineapple rings, chunks, or maraschino cherries if desired. Transfer the pan drippings to a serving bowl for guests to pour over their slices.

How to Serve Pineapple Spiral Ham

This elegant ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• With Dinner Rolls: Serve thick slices on soft dinner rolls with the pan drippings on the side.
• Alongside Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, or green bean casserole.
• With Rice or Grains: Serve alongside cilantro lime rice or wild rice pilaf.
• Cold Slices: Create elegant charcuterie boards or gourmet sandwiches with leftovers.
• In Soups: Use leftover ham to add richness to split pea soup or bean soups.
• For Breakfast: Slice and serve with eggs, hash browns, and toast the morning after.

Storing Pineapple Spiral Ham

• Cooked Ham (Whole or Sliced): Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freezing: Slice the ham into portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pan Drippings: Store the glaze and drippings separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan before serving.
• Reheating: Wrap the ham in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or microwave individual slices on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a Meat Thermometer: This removes all guesswork. Pre-cooked spiral hams need only reach 140°F, not the 160°F required for uncooked hams.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Those 10 to 15 minutes allow carryover cooking and help retain moisture.
• Make Extra Glaze: Double the glaze recipe and reserve half to serve on the side. Guests love having extra for drizzling.
• Keep It Moist: Check the water level in the pan periodically. Add more if it’s evaporating quickly. The steam is crucial for tenderness.
• Score Decoratively: If you’re feeling fancy, insert whole cloves into the center of each scored square for a classic presentation.
• Cook to Temperature, Not Time: Oven temperatures vary, so use the meat thermometer as your guide rather than relying solely on time.
• Choose Quality Cola: The cola is a key ingredient, so use a brand you enjoy. The quality will influence the final glaze.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (3 oz)	Amount
Calories	210
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	22g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugar	20g
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	2.5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	980mg
Potassium	280mg
Iron	1.2mg
Calcium	45mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and calculated per 3-ounce serving. Values may vary based on specific ingredients used and ham brand.

Pineapple Spiral Ham FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe with a bone-in ham instead of a spiral-sliced ham? A: Yes, you can. Bone-in hams take longer to cook, so plan for approximately 18 to 20 minutes per pound for a pre-cooked bone-in ham. The glaze recipe remains the same.

Q: What if I don’t have Dr. Pepper? Can I substitute it? A: Absolutely. You can use an equal amount of another cola, root beer, or even ginger ale. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile, but all work well.

Q: Can I prepare the glaze the day before? A: Yes. Make the glaze the day ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it gently before basting the ham.

Q: How do I know when the ham is fully cooked? A: A meat thermometer should read 140°F in the thickest part of the meat for a pre-cooked spiral ham. If you’re using an uncooked ham, the temperature should reach 160°F.

Q: Can I cook this ham in a slow cooker? A: Spiral ham is best cooked in the oven to develop the beautiful caramelized glaze. However, you can finish a pre-cooked ham on low in a slow cooker with the glaze if you prefer a hands-off approach, though the glaze won’t caramelize as nicely.

Q: What’s the best way to slice a spiral ham? A: Use a sharp carving knife and cut perpendicular to the bone, following the natural seams between the slices. The ham should come apart easily if it’s cooked properly.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering? A: Yes, but you may need a larger roasting pan. Double the glaze recipe and all ingredients accordingly. A larger ham will take longer to roast, so adjust cooking time based on the total weight and use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Q: How long can I store leftovers? A: Properly stored cooked ham will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months when wrapped well.

Conclusion

Pineapple Spiral Ham with Sweet and Tangy Glaze is a timeless recipe that transforms a simple dinner centerpiece into something truly special. The harmonious blend of sweet pineapple, rich brown sugars, savory soy sauce, and warming spices creates a glaze that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday celebration, a family dinner, or any occasion that calls for something impressive, this ham delivers tenderness, flavor, and elegance in every slice.

The combination of dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, cola, Dr. Pepper, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, mustards, ginger, and red pepper flakes has been carefully balanced to create depth of flavor without overwhelming the natural quality of the ham. The crushed pineapple adds moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.

Your guests will be impressed by the beautiful presentation, and you’ll appreciate how manageable the preparation and cooking process truly is. Serve this ham confidently at any gathering, knowing it’s a recipe that stands the test of time and delivers results every single time.