Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

This hearty Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake transforms ordinary ham into a mouthwatering tropical delight that's both comforting and exciting. The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes perfectly around tender ham and juicy pineapple chunks, creating a dish that's as impressive as it is simple to prepare.

I first made this recipe when trying to reinvent leftover Easter ham that nobody seemed excited about. The moment those sweet and savory aromas filled the kitchen, my entire family wandered in asking what smelled so amazing. Now they request this dish even when there aren't any holidays in sight.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ham diced: The star of the show. Use leftover holiday ham or buy diced ham from the deli counter for equally delicious results.
• 1 can pineapple chunks drained: The natural enzymes tenderize the ham while adding tropical sweetness. Make sure to save some juice for the glaze.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Creates that irresistible caramelization. Dark brown sugar works best for deeper flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard: Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness. Dijon gives a more complex flavor but yellow works perfectly too.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides umami depth and saltiness. Low sodium works fine if that's what you have.
• ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and helps create the perfect glaze consistency.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional: A small amount goes a long way in adding warm aromatic notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste before adding as ham and soy sauce already contribute saltiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Warm your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. The size of the dish matters here as it allows the ham and pineapple to spread out enough to caramelize properly without drying out.

Create the Glaze:

In a medium bowl whisk together brown sugar mustard soy sauce reserved pineapple juice and ground cloves if using. Keep whisking until you see the sugar begin to dissolve and the mixture looks glossy and smooth. This combination creates the perfect balance of sweet tangy and savory flavors that will coat every piece of ham and pineapple.

Combine and Coat:

Add your diced ham and pineapple chunks to the prepared baking dish then pour the glaze over everything. Gently stir to ensure each piece gets coated in that delicious mixture. Take an extra minute here to make sure nothing is left dry as the glaze is what transforms this from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the dish uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the ham to be heated through completely and look for those beautiful caramelized edges where the sugar has begun to bubble and turn golden brown. The uncovered baking allows excess moisture to evaporate creating a thicker more flavorful glaze.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the glaze to set slightly and become even more luscious. Serve over warm rice to soak up all that wonderful sauce or pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Save This

The ground cloves might seem like a tiny insignificant addition but they're actually my secret weapon in this recipe. Just that quarter teaspoon transforms the entire dish bringing warmth and complexity that makes people wonder what that special something is. My grandmother always added a pinch to her ham glazes and now I understand why everyone raved about her cooking.

Leftover Transformation

This dish shines even brighter on day two. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and develop overnight making it perfect for meal prep. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until just warmed through. For a complete transformation try chopping leftover ham and pineapple finer and using it as an amazing omelet filling or mixed into fried rice.

Hawaiian Inspiration

This sweet and savory combination has roots in Hawaiian cooking where pineapple and ham have been paired for generations. The tropical climate of Hawaii produces some of the worlds juiciest pineapples which islanders discovered perfectly complement the saltiness of ham. The addition of soy sauce in our glaze nods to the Asian influences in Hawaiian cuisine resulting in a dish that tells a delicious cultural story with every bite.

Serving Suggestions

While rice is the classic pairing for soaking up the delicious glaze consider some other options to round out your meal. Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or snap peas provide a fresh contrast to the rich sweetness. For a complete Hawaiian inspired feast serve alongside macaroni salad and dinner rolls. For a lighter option serve in lettuce cups with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top. During summer months this makes an unexpected and delicious addition to a cookout spread.

Common Queries

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used. Save ¼ cup juice, or add a splash of orange juice for moisture and flavor.

→ Which type of ham works best?

Leftover cooked ham or ready-to-eat deli ham both work great. Choose low-sodium if desired.

→ Is the ground cloves necessary?

No, ground cloves are optional—but they enhance the warm, aromatic profile of the dish.

→ How can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble and refrigerate the ham and glaze a day in advance. Bake just before serving.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve over warm rice, or pair with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.