Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Looking for a quick, beginner-friendly main dish that delivers big flavor? This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is the perfect blend of tender ham, juicy pineapple, and a caramelized brown sugar glaze. With only 10 minutes of prep and a short baking time, it’s an easy recipe for weeknights, holidays, or potlucks. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory ham creates a balance that’s irresistible—and it’s even dairy-free!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs cooked ham, diced
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make Glaze – In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves until smooth.
3. Assemble – Add diced ham and pineapple chunks to the baking dish.
4. Coat – Pour the glaze evenly over the ham mixture and toss to coat.
5. Bake – Place uncovered in the oven for 30–35 minutes, until caramelized and bubbling.
6. Serve – Enjoy hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Ideas: Serve this ham bake hot over white rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies. It also pairs perfectly with dinner rolls for soaking up that sweet glaze.
• For Holidays: Dress it up with fresh parsley and serve as a centerpiece dish for Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled ham bake in a freezer-safe dish or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick single servings.

Variations

1. Spicy Glaze Ham Bake – Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
2. Maple Pineapple Ham Bake – Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup to create a deeper, earthy sweetness.
3. Honey Dijon Ham Bake – Replace soy sauce with honey for a sticky, golden glaze.
4. Hawaiian Style – Toss in maraschino cherries and sprinkle with shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
5. Vegetable-Boosted – Mix in bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for a hearty one-pan meal.
6. Slow Cooker Version – Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours for a hands-off dinner option.
7. Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free.
8. Pineapple & Orange Ham Bake – Add 1/4 cup orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
9. Savory Herb Ham Bake – Add rosemary and thyme to balance out the sweetness with earthy flavors.
10. Cranberry-Pineapple Ham Bake – Stir in dried cranberries for a festive, tart contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just cut into chunks and add a little extra juice or broth for moisture.

2. What type of ham works best?
Pre-cooked ham is ideal since this recipe only bakes for 35 minutes.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.

5. How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
Make sure to coat it well with glaze and avoid overbaking. Cover loosely with foil if needed.

6. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, use 1/2 cup brown sugar or replace with honey for a lighter sweetness.

7. Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours until bubbly.

8. What side dishes go well with this ham bake?
Rice, roasted potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, or cornbread.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger dish or two pans. Perfect for gatherings.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is the ultimate blend of sweet and savory flavors, ready in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or whipping up a quick family dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers every time.

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