Description

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

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
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.
In the prepared baking dish, mix the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks evenly.
Pour the warm glaze over the ham and pineapple mixture, gently stirring to coat everything well.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top slightly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

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.