Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Delight

This brown sugar pineapple ham bake transforms leftover or deli ham and juicy pineapple chunks into a festive main dish, all smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze. Each bite delivers the perfect union of savory ham, caramelized brown sugar, bright pineapple, and a kiss of mustard. It is quick to assemble and guaranteed to shine—whether you are feeding a crowd at a family gathering or need an easy weeknight meal with a cheerful twist.

I first served this after Easter to use leftover ham and it became an instant classic. The way the glaze bubbles and browns in the oven just makes everyone’s mouth water.

Ingredients

• Cooked ham diced: the juicy base of the dish choose a good quality ham for the richest flavor and texture
• Pineapple chunks canned and drained: add a burst of natural sweetness while keeping the ham moist pick a can packed in juice not syrup and reserve some juice for the sauce
• Brown sugar: brings a molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven use light or dark based on your taste preference
• Dijon or yellow mustard: provides zing and tang use Dijon for more heat or yellow for a classic flavor
• Soy sauce: brings umami depth opt for low sodium if watching salt intake and choose real brewed for richest taste
• Reserved pineapple juice: gives the glaze brightness and enhances the pineapple note in every bite
• Ground cloves optional: a little goes a long way in adding warm spice aroma use fresh ground for best results
• Salt and pepper to taste: round out the flavors and help balance the sweetness

Instructions

Preheat The Oven:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. This prepares the pan for easy serving and cleanup.

Mix The Glaze:

Whisk together brown sugar mustard soy sauce and reserved pineapple juice in a medium bowl. Add ground cloves if using. Stir briskly until smooth and all the brown sugar dissolves fully creating a shiny sauce.

Combine Ham And Pineapple:

Spread diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly in the greased baking dish. Drizzle the prepared glaze over everything then gently toss so every bit is coated ensuring maximum flavor in each bite.

Bake Until Caramelized:

Place the dish uncovered into the oven. Bake for thirty to thirty five minutes or until the glaze bubbles thickens and begins to caramelize. Watch for golden edges and the ham becoming glossy. This is where the sauce transforms and the aroma fills the kitchen.

Serve And Enjoy:

Dish out hot over steamed rice or with fresh vegetables as a vibrant side. The sweet tangy glaze seeps into each ham cube and pineapple bite giving your plate both comfort and celebration.

My favorite part is definitely catching that caramelized edge where the glaze goes just a shade darker. It always reminds me of my grandmother’s family brunches when everyone grabbed the crispiest bits first and those disappearing bites meant everyone left the table smiling.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish holds its flavors and texture for up to four days. For longer keeping freeze portions in heavy duty freezer bags pressing out excess air to prevent crystals. Reheat gently covered in the oven to preserve caramelization and moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try yellow mustard if you want a more familiar and mellow flavor or spicy brown for a kick. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten free alternative. Swap canned pineapple for fresh if you want extra texture just cut and drain well before adding.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over jasmine rice to soak up every drop of glaze. Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate. For brunch serve with cheesy scalloped potatoes or a crunchy green salad for contrast.

Cultural Touch

Sweet glazed ham is a celebratory classic in many American homes particularly around Easter and Christmas. The addition of pineapple nods to mid century retro dishes when fruit and meat combinations were the stars of special dinners. This modern take brightens the nostalgic dish without fuss.

Seasonal Adaptations

For spring add fresh asparagus as a side for a pop of green. In winter spoon the ham mixture over baked sweet potatoes. In summer try it cool with a crisp cucumber tomato salad for refreshing balance.

Helpful Notes

Always taste the glaze before pouring over ham so you can adjust tang to your liking. Use fresh pineapple if in season for the brightest fruit flavor. Dice ham and pineapple evenly so everything bakes at the same rate.

Success Stories

This bake is my secret trick for transforming leftover ham after a big holiday meal. Friends have started requests for it whenever I offer to bring a dish for a potluck. Kids gobble it up even when they usually turn up noses at ham.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the dish and let cool before freezing. When you want to serve simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a covered dish at three hundred fifty degrees until hot. The flavors get even deeper after freezing.

This ham bake is a sure crowd pleaser. The sweet and tangy notes turn leftovers into something unforgettable.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of ham works best for this dish?

Both leftover baked ham and quality deli ham are suitable. Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and flavor absorption.

→ Can I substitute canned pineapple with fresh pineapple?

Yes, fresh pineapple offers a bright flavor. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the glaze.

→ How does adding ground cloves affect the taste?

Ground cloves impart a gentle warmth and aromatic depth, enhancing the overall sweet and tangy profile of the dish.

→ Why reserve pineapple juice for the glaze?

Reserved pineapple juice intensifies the fruity sweetness of the glaze and helps meld all the flavors together.

→ How do I know when it’s finished baking?

Once the ham is heated through and edges caramelize to golden brown, it's ready. The aroma should be inviting and sweet.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or crisp salad all complement the sweet-savory glaze beautifully.