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Kickin' Pineapple Ham

On By Andy LaPointe / 0 comments
Kickin' Pineapple Ham

Updated: June, 2026

Author: Andy LaPointe - Co-Founder of Traverse Bay Farms

Quick Summary

This pineapple salsa ham is the easiest way to make ham taste bright, juicy, and a little unexpected. Pineapple salsa bakes into a sticky sweet-and-savory glaze, then you spoon extra salsa over the top for a fresh finish that feels perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, and simple weekend meals.

At-a-Glance

  • Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Texture: Juicy ham with sticky glaze and spoonable salsa topping
  • Flavor: Sweet pineapple and mild heat with savory ham
  • Key ingredients: Ham, pineapple salsa, brown sugar, mustard, garlic
  • Skill level: Beginner
  • Make-ahead note: Mix glaze ahead and warm pineapple salsa just before serving
Kickin' Pineapple Salsa Ham - Traverse Bay Farms

Prep and Yield

  • Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Bake time: 1 hour 10 minutes (depends on ham size)
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Skill level: Beginner

Ingredients

For the Ham

  • 1 fully cooked spiral ham, 6–8 pounds
  • 1 jar Traverse Bay Farms Pineapple Salsa (about 16 oz), divided
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or pineapple juice)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Additional crushed pineapple for an even tangier taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for more heat
  • Optional for serving: sliced green onions or chopped cilantro

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. Add 1/2 cup water to the pan and cover tightly with foil.

2

In a bowl, mix 1 cup pineapple salsa, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper to make a quick glaze.

3

Bake the covered ham for 45 minutes.

4

Remove foil and spoon the pineapple salsa glaze over the ham, letting it drip into the slices. Return to the oven uncovered.

5

Bake for 20–30 minutes more, basting once or twice, until the ham is hot and glossy and the glaze looks slightly sticky.

6

Warm the remaining pineapple salsa in a small saucepan for 2–3 minutes, just until spoonable and fragrant, then remove from heat.

7

Let the ham rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve with warm pineapple salsa spooned over the top. Add green onions or cilantro if desired.

Chef's Tips

  • Use a fully cooked spiral ham so the oven time is mostly about heating and glazing, not cooking from raw.
  • Keep the ham covered at first so it stays juicy, then uncover at the end so the glaze can thicken and cling.
  • If the pineapple salsa is too chunky for your liking, chop a few bigger pieces so the glaze spreads more evenly across the ham.
  • Do not overbake. Ham dries out quickly, so heat it just until warm through and glossy on the outside.
  • For a thicker glaze, simmer a few spoonfuls of the pan juices with a little extra salsa for 3–5 minutes before serving.
  • Traverse Bay Farms tip: Pineapple salsa brings sweet fruit and gentle heat in one step, so you get a glaze and a topping without extra ingredients.

Nutritional Highlights

  • Pineapple salsa adds fruit-forward flavor and helps balance ham's savory richness.
  • Using salsa as both glaze and topping adds brightness without needing a long ingredient list.
  • Leftover ham works well for quick meals like sandwiches, egg scrambles, and fried rice.

Behind the Recipe

This is the kind of Northern Michigan shortcut recipe that works great for gatherings: one jar ingredient that does most of the work, plus a few pantry staples. Pineapple salsa already has fruit, acidity, and a little heat, so it naturally turns into a glaze that makes ham taste more lively and less heavy.

It works because the brown sugar helps the glaze cling and caramelize lightly, mustard adds tang, and the pineapple salsa keeps everything bright. Warming extra salsa at the end gives you a fresh, spoonable finish that makes the whole plate feel special without a lot of effort.

How to Serve

  • Serve with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes and a simple green salad.
  • Pair with rice and roasted vegetables for a sweet-and-savory dinner plate.
  • Use leftovers for Hawaiian-style sliders with extra pineapple salsa.
  • Dice leftover ham for omelets, breakfast casseroles, or fried rice.

How to Store and Make Ahead

This recipe is a great make-ahead option because the ham reheats well and the salsa topping stays flavorful.

  • Refrigerator: Store sliced ham in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze ham in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat: Warm ham gently in the oven covered with foil, adding a spoonful of salsa or pan juices to keep it moist.

FAQ

Can I use pineapple salsa as a glaze for ham?

Yes, pineapple salsa works very well as a glaze because it already has fruit sweetness, acidity, and seasoning. When warmed in the oven with a little brown sugar and mustard, it thickens and clings to the ham. It also doubles as a topping, so you get more flavor with less work.

What kind of ham works best for pineapple salsa ham?

A fully cooked spiral ham is the easiest choice because it heats evenly and the glaze can drip into the slices. A boneless fully cooked ham also works, but you may need to score the surface so the glaze sticks. Avoid overbaking, since ham dries out quickly.

How do I keep pineapple salsa ham from drying out?

Start by covering the ham with foil so it stays moist while it warms through. Uncover only for the final glazing step so the sauce can thicken. Add a little water to the pan, and baste once or twice to keep the surface glossy and juicy.

Can I make pineapple salsa ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the ham, cool it, and refrigerate it sliced, then reheat covered in the oven with a little extra salsa or pan juices. For the best flavor, warm the pineapple salsa separately and spoon it over the ham right before serving so it tastes fresh and bright.

What should I serve with pineapple salsa ham?

This ham pairs well with simple sides that balance sweet and savory flavors, like roasted potatoes, rice, green beans, or a crisp salad. It is also great with slider buns for a casual meal. Spoon extra warm pineapple salsa over the top to tie everything together.

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Customer Testimonials

"The pineapple salsa makes the ham taste bright and not too sweet. Everyone asked what the glaze was."

— Julie R., Indianapolis, IN

"So easy. The jar salsa did all the work and the leftovers made the best sliders."

— Kevin M., Tampa, FL

"I warmed extra salsa and spooned it over the slices, and it looked like a catered meal."

— Hannah S., Albuquerque, NM

Ready to Make This Recipe?

Pick up Traverse Bay Farms Pineapple Salsa — award-winning, made with real fruit, and shipped nationwide.

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