Brown Sugar-Pineapple Spice Rum Glaze

Golden, Spiced, Glossy

Some glazes just coat a ham. This one transforms it.

The combination of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Kōloa Spice Rum creates a glaze that is glossy, deeply flavorful, and balanced between sweet, tangy, and warm spice. Imagine pulling a ham from the oven with a caramelized crust that glistens in the light, filling the room with aromas of vanilla, roasted sugar, and gentle island spice. Every slice is tender, juicy, and kissed with tropical flavor that lingers on the palate.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to create a foolproof ham glaze that works for both holiday centerpieces and casual Sunday dinners. You will learn how to score and prepare a ham so the glaze seeps into every layer, when and how often to baste for maximum flavor, and how to finish under the broiler without burning the sugar. I’ll also share tips on choosing the right ham, adjusting the glaze if it thickens too much, and pairing suggestions that make the whole meal come together effortlessly.

Along the way, you’ll discover a little food history too: why cooks began glazing hams with sugar in the 1800s and how that same tradition continues to bring both beauty and flavor to our tables today.

This is more than a glaze, it’s a technique that elevates a simple ham into a memorable feast.

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Servings: Enough for a 7 to 10 lb. ham

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1/4 cup Kōloa Spice Rum