This pineapple-glazed ham with bourbon and butter is ideal for Easter or any holiday gathering. It’s lightly sweet and highlights the smoky flavor of a well-cured ham.
I’ve always had mixed feelings about Easter ham. While many enjoy a very sweet glaze, I prefer a ham that leans savory or strikes the right balance between sweet and smoky. This recipe delivers that balance: a classic bone-in smoked ham warmed through and finished with a homemade pineapple glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, and a touch of butter.
The result is a ham that’s more smoky than cloyingly sweet — exactly how I like it. If you haven’t tried a genuine smoked ham, this recipe is a great time to start. The glaze complements the ham without overwhelming its natural flavor.
About 30 minutes before the ham reaches the proper internal temperature, simmer the pineapple juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and dark brown sugar until the mixture reduces by about half and slightly thickens. Stir in unsalted butter at the end — it rounds the glaze and gives it a silky finish.
Once the ham is hot, score the fat in a criss-cross pattern, baste with half the glaze, and return it to the oven. After 15 minutes, baste with the remaining glaze and bake another 15 minutes. Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
This ham was originally prepared using a smoked, cured ham from a trusted producer, but you can use any quality bone-in smoked ham you prefer. Proper cooking time depends on the ham’s weight and whether it’s fully cooked or partially cooked; follow packaging instructions and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for pre-cooked hams warmed through.
More ham recipes
Honey Mustard Spiral Ham
Sheet Pan Easter Dinner with Ham
3-Ingredient Instant Pot Ham
Easy Ham and Bean Soup
Pineapple Glazed Ham
Equipment
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Roasting pan
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Large skillet
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Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 (14–18) pound old-fashioned bone-in ham
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple juice
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Unwrap the ham and place it skin-side up in a large roasting dish.
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Bake uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, about 18–20 minutes per pound for a pre-cooked ham.
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About 30 minutes before the ham reaches temperature, make the glaze.
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In a large skillet, combine pineapple juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and dark brown sugar.
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Simmer until the mixture reduces by about half and thickens slightly.
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Stir in the butter until melted and combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Remove the ham from the oven and score the fat in a criss-cross pattern.
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Brush half the glaze over the ham and return it to the oven for 15 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze and bake another 15 minutes.
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Remove the ham and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Calories: 170
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 5 g
Sugar: 13 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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