Last December, I needed a no-fuss dinner after a long day of holiday shopping with my granddaughter. She tugged at my hand and said, “Grammy, let’s cook something sweet and fun!” My eyes caught the ham in the fridge and a can of pineapple tucked behind it.
I tossed together what felt like two simple ingredients and something magical happened. The aroma of caramelizing sugar and fruit filled the kitchen. My granddaughter took a bite and did a little happy dance. From that moment forward, this bake became our signature dish.
That evening taught me how simple flavors can sing together. The sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar, a touch of tang from mustard, and the salty depth of ham blended into something every bit comforting and celebratory. It warmed us up from the inside on a chilly evening.
I’ve tweaked it since—sometimes adding cloves, sometimes serving it over rice, always with that same glow in the eyes of family gathered around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it here.
Short Description
A sweet-savory bake of diced ham and pineapple tossed in a honeyed brown sugar-Dijon glaze, baked until caramelized and bubbly—delicious over rice or with roasted veggies.
Key Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked ham, diced
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools Needed
- 9×13‑inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Oven
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F. Grease your 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves until smooth.
Step 3: Arrange Ham & Pineapple
Spread diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Coat with Glaze
Pour the glaze over the ham and pineapple. Toss gently in the dish to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Caramelized
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30–35 minutes. The glaze should bubble and turn glossy with slightly caramelized edges.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove from oven and serve hot over rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting Tip
If glaze isn’t thickening by 35 minutes, switch oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet‑Savory Blend: Brown sugar, pineapple, and mustard deliver a perfect balance of flavors.
Minimal Prep: Just toss ingredients together—no marinating, no elaborate steps.
Family Friendly: Loved by kids and grown-ups alike; bright, comforting and satisfying.
Versatile Serving: Great over rice, quinoa, or paired with roasted vegetables or greens.
Smart Use of Leftovers: Uses leftover cooked ham, reducing food waste and effort.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Burning the Glaze
Solution: Keep an eye in the final minutes. If edges darken too fast, tent with foil.
Glaze Too Runny
Solution: Drain pineapple thoroughly and only use reserved juice. Stir glaze well to combine.
Soggy Pineapple
Solution: Pat pineapple chunks dry before mixing them in.
Over-sweetness
Solution: Taste glaze before adding. Add a pinch of salt or extra mustard to balance it.
Uneven Baking
Solution: Spread ingredients in a single layer in the dish so everything caramelizes evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Spoon over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.
Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans to balance sweetness.
Enjoy buffet-style for holiday meals or family dinners.
Pair with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light lager beer.
For a casual twist, serve in taco shells with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days—glaze firms as it chills.
Freeze in portions (use freezer-safe containers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
Reheat in oven at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to gently warm through.
Microwave single portions in short bursts with a sprinkle of water to prevent dryness.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, use about 2 cups chopped fresh pineapple. Reduce added pineapple juice accordingly.
2. Is this dish too sweet?
Try reducing brown sugar to ½ cup and adding an extra teaspoon of Dijon if you prefer tang.
3. Can I make it with turkey instead of ham?
Certainly, diced roasted turkey breast works well. Use the same glaze.
4. Is ground cloves necessary?
It’s optional. Cloves add warmth and depth, but skip it if you prefer a cleaner, simpler flavor.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble in dish, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake shortly before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Use leftover ham for a smart, resourceful meal.
Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top before serving add a fun crunch.
Add a splash of orange juice instead of pineapple juice for citrus brightness.
Stir in a bit of ground ginger to enhance the warmth of the glaze.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving so flavors meld and glaze thickens slightly.
Recipe Variations
1. Honey Pineapple Turkey Bake
Use cooked diced turkey breast instead of ham.
Substitute honey for soy sauce (use 2 tbsp honey, omit soy).
Proceed with same steps for a lighter, sweeter version.
2. Tropical Ham & Mango
Replace pineapple chunks with 1 cup diced mango.
Add 2 tbsp lime juice to the glaze for tropical brightness.
Bake the same way for a fruity twist.
3. Spicy Brown Sugar Ham Bake
Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Mix everything as instructed.
Bake until hot and bubbling, gives a sweet heat.
4. Maple‑Pineapple Ham Bake
Substitute ¾ cup pure maple syrup for brown sugar.
Use dijon, soy sauce, pineapple juice as before.
Bake until caramel sheen forms—rich and warm.
5. Herb‑Glazed Ham Bake
Stir in 1 tsp fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the glaze.
Adds herbal brightness to the sweet and savory blend.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake always brings a bright, cozy glow to the table. The sweet glaze and caramelized edges turn humble ham and fruit into something special. Each bite balances savory, sweet, and tang in the most homey way.
It’s relaxed enough for a weeknight dinner but warm and festive when you’re hosting friends or family. I find comfort in how straightforward it is—no fuss, no complicated steps, just honest flavor.
Watching it bubble in the oven, hearing the light crackle as it comes out, I feel that familiar pride of creating something simple but loved. I hope this dish warms your kitchen like it warms mine. It’s food that feels like a hug, a reminder that the simplest ingredients can become something memorable when shared with people we love.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Print ThisIngredients
- 2 lbs cooked ham, diced
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F. Grease your 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves until smooth.
Step 3: Arrange Ham & Pineapple
Spread diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Coat with Glaze
Pour the glaze over the ham and pineapple. Toss gently in the dish to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Bake Until Caramelized
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30–35 minutes. The glaze should bubble and turn glossy with slightly caramelized edges.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove from oven and serve hot over rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
