Description

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.

Notes

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.