Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake 

When it comes to comfort food that’s both sweet and savory, few dishes compete with the rich, satisfying flavor of Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake. This dish combines tender chunks of cooked ham with juicy pineapple, all coated in a sticky, glossy brown sugar glaze. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a cozy Sunday meal, or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

4 cups cooked ham, diced
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves (if using), cinnamon (if using), and black pepper.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze, about 5 minutes.
• In a large baking dish, combine the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks.
• Pour the glaze over the ham and pineapple and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
• Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.

serving and storage tips

Serve the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake warm as a main dish alongside classic sides like rice, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or warm dinner rolls to soak up the glaze.

For gatherings or buffets, keep the dish warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting after baking.

Leftovers should be cooled completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through (about 15–20 minutes).

This dish also freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven until hot and bubbly.

variations

use fresh pineapple
Swap canned pineapple with 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter, less sugary flavor. Fresh pineapple adds natural acidity that balances beautifully with the sweet glaze.

substitute maple syrup
Replace brown sugar with 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. The result is a rich, caramel-like glaze with a hint of smokiness.

add vegetables
Incorporate 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, sliced red onions, or even carrots for added texture, color, and a slight savory contrast. These veggies roast beautifully alongside the ham and pineapple.

make it spicy
Stir 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the glaze before baking. The added heat balances the sweet pineapple and enhances the ham’s flavor.

try different mustards
Swap Dijon for honey mustard or spicy brown mustard. Honey mustard makes the glaze sweeter and mellower, while spicy brown mustard adds bold tanginess.

add a smoky twist
Mix in a few drops of liquid smoke or use smoked ham for a subtle, smoky background flavor that pairs well with the sweet glaze.

turn it into a casserole
Add 2 cups of cooked rice or cooked egg noodles into the baking dish with the ham and pineapple. Mix with the glaze and bake as a hearty, all-in-one casserole meal.

use spiral ham slices
Instead of diced ham, use leftover spiral ham slices and layer them in the baking dish. The glaze soaks into the layers and creates a beautiful, sliced presentation.

make it tropical
Add shredded coconut and a splash of coconut milk to the glaze for a tropical flair. You can also include chopped mango or papaya along with the pineapple.

low-sugar option
Cut the brown sugar to 1/4 cup and increase the Dijon mustard slightly for a more savory-forward dish with less sweetness but still plenty of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pineapple in syrup instead of juice?
Yes, but it will make the dish sweeter. If using syrup, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar slightly to balance the flavors.

2. What type of ham works best for this recipe?
Fully cooked ham, either leftover holiday ham or store-bought ham steaks, works best. Diced or cubed pieces make for even baking and easier serving.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish and prepare the glaze in advance. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the cornstarch and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes. Increase baking time slightly if the dish is very full.

6. How can I thicken the glaze more?
If you want a thicker glaze, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons. Cook the glaze until it reaches a glossy, syrupy consistency before pouring over the ham.

7. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Prepare the glaze and pour over ham and pineapple in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or until hot and bubbly.

8. What can I serve with this dish?
Great sides include rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cornbread, or a crisp green salad. It also pairs well with dinner rolls or crusty bread.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

10. What’s a good substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon, use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard. Each will give the glaze a slightly different flavor but still complement the dish nicely.

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory in one easy-to-make dish. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a go-to comfort food that’s ideal for holidays, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to serve something warm and satisfying.

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