Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake brings together juicy diced ham and sweet pineapple chunks coated in a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. Everything cooks together in one dish until bubbling and caramelized, creating a comforting meal perfect for holidays or any weeknight when you want something easy and flavorful. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy notes makes each bite irresistible.

I first made this recipe when I needed a crowd-pleaser for a holiday dinner, and it has been my go-to ever since. Leftovers never last long, which says a lot in my house.

Ingredients

• Cooked ham, diced: provides a hearty base and soaks up the glaze. Choose a good quality ham for richer flavor and better texture
• Pineapple chunks in juice: adds bright acidity and keeps the dish juicy. Canned pineapple juice works well and saves time
• Brown sugar: creates the signature sticky caramelized crust. Opt for dark brown sugar for extra depth
• Dijon mustard: adds tang to balance the sweetness. Choose a bold Dijon for best results
• Soy sauce: deepens the savory notes. Low sodium soy sauce is great if you prefer less salt
• Reserved pineapple juice: brings moisture and ties all the flavors together. Make sure to use juice, not syrup
• Ground cloves (optional): lends warm festive spice. Freshly ground cloves make a noticeable difference
• Salt and pepper: season to taste but start light since ham can be salty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Mix the Glaze:

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves if using. Beat until all the sugar dissolves completely so the glaze bakes up smooth and not gritty.

Assemble the Bake:

Scatter the diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Distributing them evenly ensures every serving has a good balance of sweet and savory.

Coat Everything:

Pour the glaze evenly over the ham and pineapple. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently toss everything so every piece is coated and glistening with the sticky sauce.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the dish uncovered in the center rack of your oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, with edges just starting to brown. This caramelization is key to developing that rich, deep flavor.

Serve:

Enjoy the bake hot right out of the oven. It is delicious on its own or served over fluffy white rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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One year I served this for Easter and watched as my toddler niece to my eighty-year-old aunt all happily went back for seconds. I think the Dijon mustard is my secret weapon because it binds all the flavors together without ever overpowering the dish.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover ham bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The glaze thickens and intensifies in flavor as it rests. For longer storage freeze portions wrapped tightly. When reheating, cover with foil and warm gently in the oven to maintain moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Dijon mustard try honey mustard for a sweeter finish or spicy brown mustard for extra heat. Turkey ham can be used instead of traditional ham with great results. For a deeper caramel flavor swap part of the brown sugar with blackstrap molasses.

Serving Suggestions

This ham bake is fantastic served over steamed white rice, which soaks up every drop of the glaze. For a lighter meal try pairing it with steamed green beans or a crisp winter salad. Leftovers make a deliciously savory breakfast hash with fried eggs the next morning.

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Cultural and Historical Context

This kind of ham and pineapple bake became popular in mid twentieth century America when canned pineapple and precooked ham were affordable luxuries for many families. My grandmother always reserved this recipe for Christmas, but now I make it year-round whenever I want a soulful, nostalgic comfort food that warms the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of ham works best for this dish?

Diced cooked ham like boneless ham steak or leftover spiral ham absorbs the glaze well and bakes evenly for tender results.

→ Can fresh pineapple replace canned chunks?

Yes, fresh pineapple works fine. Use fresh pineapple juice to keep the sweet and tangy flavor balanced without watering down the glaze.

→ How do I prevent the ham from drying out during baking?

Coat the ham and pineapple thoroughly in glaze and bake uncovered just until the surface caramelizes to retain moisture inside.

→ What side dishes pair well with this ham bake?

Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables complement the rich, sticky glaze beautifully, balancing the meal.

→ Can brown sugar be swapped for another sweetener?

Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar but will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the caramelized glaze.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep or leftovers?

Absolutely, it reheats well stored in an airtight container, and the glaze thickens and intensifies after refrigeration.