Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Looking for a comforting and sweet-savory dish that’s easy to throw together? This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake delivers the perfect balance of rich flavor and tropical sweetness. With just a few simple ingredients, including juicy pineapple and smoky ham, this recipe is a go-to option for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or potlucks. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

ingredients

main players
3 cups cooked ham, diced
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup pineapple juice)

sweet and tangy glaze
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional for warm spice depth)

instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 5 minutes.
3. In the prepared baking dish, mix the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks evenly.
4. Pour the warm glaze over the ham and pineapple mixture, gently stirring to coat everything well.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
6. Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top slightly.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

serving and storage tips

This brown sugar pineapple ham bake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. For a casual weeknight dinner, pair it with fluffy white rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or buttery mashed potatoes. It also complements steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. During the holidays or at brunch gatherings, serve it alongside classic comfort foods like cornbread stuffing, deviled eggs, or mac and cheese.

If you’re hosting a potluck or buffet-style meal, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting for easy serving throughout the event.

For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or warm in a covered baking dish at 300°F until heated through.

To freeze, place the cooled ham bake in a freezer-safe container or tightly sealed foil pan. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.

This recipe is meal-prep friendly and makes for delicious leftovers, perfect for lunchboxes or a quick dinner reheat.

variations

switch up the fruit
Instead of pineapple chunks, try canned peaches, mango chunks, or mandarin oranges. These fruits still provide that juicy, sweet note that complements the salty ham and caramelized glaze. Just remember to reserve a bit of juice for the glaze if needed.

add a crunchy topping
For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds over the top before baking. The nuts toast up beautifully and provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the sweet glaze.

make it spicy-sweet
Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze. The kick of heat balances the brown sugar and fruit, giving this dish a more adult-friendly twist.

turn it into a casserole
Mix the diced ham and pineapple with 2 cups of cooked rice, quinoa, or pasta before baking. Pour the glaze over the top, stir well, and bake as directed. This makes it a hearty one-pan meal with added carbs.

incorporate vegetables
Add bell peppers, red onions, or thinly sliced carrots for a more well-rounded dish. These vegetables roast beautifully alongside the ham and absorb the glaze for extra flavor.

use maple syrup instead of brown sugar
For a slightly different sweetness, substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar in the glaze. It will have a more earthy, rich sweetness but still deliver that sticky-sweet result.

swap the ham
Don’t have ham on hand? Use diced rotisserie chicken, smoked turkey, or even pork tenderloin. All of these proteins absorb the sweet-savory glaze well and keep the dish versatile.

add herbs for depth
Stir in a bit of chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage to the glaze for a savory note that deepens the overall flavor profile. This works especially well for holiday versions.

make it tropical
Add shredded coconut and a splash of lime juice to the glaze, then serve over jasmine rice. This variation leans into the tropical notes for a summery flavor.

low-sugar version
Use a brown sugar substitute like Swerve or monk fruit, and opt for pineapple packed in juice instead of syrup. This keeps the flavor intact but reduces the overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly version.

FAQs

can i use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works great. Just make sure to extract about ¼ cup of juice to use in the glaze, or replace it with orange juice if needed.

what type of ham should i use?
Any pre-cooked ham will work—leftover holiday ham, diced ham steak, or even thick-cut deli ham. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the dish.

can i make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the ham, pineapple, and glaze in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

how do i store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

can i freeze this ham bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

can i use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a sweetener, though the flavor will be slightly different. Use ⅓ cup honey in place of ½ cup brown sugar.

what should i serve with brown sugar pineapple ham bake?
Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. It also pairs well with cornbread or dinner rolls.

how do i prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
Make sure to simmer the glaze for a few minutes before pouring it over the ham. This reduces the liquid and helps thicken it slightly for a sticky finish.

is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if all ingredients (especially the ham and mustard) are gluten-free certified, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

can i double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13-inch pan). Bake for 35–40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is the kind of recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping, flavorful dish. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays, using up leftover ham, or planning a quick family dinner, it checks all the boxes: easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and make it your new go-to for any occasion.

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