Oven Baked Pulled Ham: Juicy, Tender, Sweet-and-Savoury
Oven Baked Pulled Ham is a slow-roasted, tender ham dish that is baked until soft enough to shred easily. It is coated in a sweet and savory glaze that enhances flavor and caramelization. The result is juicy, flavorful meat perfect for sandwiches, sliders, and rice bowls. It is simple to prepare and ideal for large gatherings. The dish is versatile and reheats well. Its rich taste makes it perfect for holidays and meal prep. A comforting and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
- 4–5 lb cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup Pineapple juice
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface lightly to allow flavor absorption.
- Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour glaze over ham, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2.5–3 hours, basting occasionally.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes. Use two forks to shred the ham into pulled strands.
- Spread shredded ham in a baking dish, drizzle with honey-butter mixture, and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Serve warm in sandwiches, sliders, or bowls with extra sauce.
Notes
- Fully cooked ham works best for shredding.
- Low and slow baking keeps meat juicy.
- Pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and tenderness.
- Covering with foil prevents drying out.
- Resting helps fibers loosen for easy pulling.
- Broiling adds a caramelized finish.
- Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches.
- Flavor improves after sitting overnight.