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If your schedule's packed, this sweet brown sugar pineapple ham bake is here to rescue dinner. Its sugary glaze gets all gooey and melts into juicy pineapple and tasty ham. The smell alone brings my crew rushing into the kitchen. Got extra ham lying around? Or just want something quick and big on flavor? This mix of sweet, tangy, and savory always feels like the comfiest meal.
After Easter, I pulled this together for the first time. It was a hit right away with my family. The kids ask for it every holiday, but honestly, it's so easy I make it whenever they want.
Tasty Ingredients
- Diced cooked ham: brings hearty texture. Look for ham that’s got some fat marbling for juicy bites
- Canned pineapple chunks, drained: add a pop of sweetness and make the ham melt in your mouth. Pineapple packed in juice works best
- Brown sugar: makes a yummy, sticky glaze—fresh sugar brings the strongest toffee flavors
- Mustard (yellow or Dijon): adds some zip and depth. Dijon is a bit punchier
- Soy sauce: brings salty goodness and a touch of umami. Pick low-salt if you want to watch your sodium
- Pineapple juice you set aside: brightens the whole glaze and mixes all the tastes together
- Ground cloves (optional): give cozy spice and add more layers of flavor
- Salt and pepper: perfects the taste—try a bit then change it up as you like
Go for flavorful, well-marbled ham. Use pineapple in juice, not syrup, for richer taste and a nice sweet-tart balance.
Simple Steps
- Get Everything Set:
- Before you start, preheat your oven to 375°F and swipe some butter or spray into a 9x13 dish. It makes cleanup so much easier when you’re done
- Craft the Glaze:
- Mix up brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice (the saved stuff), mustard, and a little ground cloves in a bowl. Whisk until it’s silky and the sugar’s all gone
- Pile in the Ham and Pineapple:
- Drop the ham and pineapple chunks into your greased dish. Drizzle every bit of glaze over them. Give it all a gentle stir to coat everything
- Pop it in the Oven:
- Slide the dish uncovered into the hot oven. Thirty to thirty-five minutes will get the glaze bubbly and shiny. The sides should get just a little caramel crust
- Time to Dig In:
- Serve it warm over rice, next to roasted veggies, or over a quick salad. This is one of those rare dishes that’s awesome hot or once it’s cooled off
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That fruity bright pineapple taste always reminds me of my grandma's kitchen. She always tossed in a touch of cloves for a little extra spark. One bite and I’m right there with her again.
How to Store Leftovers
Let everything cool all the way before you stash it. Pop it into a tight-sealing container. It’ll keep in the fridge about four days. Want to keep it longer? Freeze in single servings then warm up gently in the oven or microwave
Swaps and Options
No pineapple? Try some fresh mango or canned peaches for a new twist. If you're missing brown sugar, honey plus a drop of molasses works too. Want it gluten free? Tamari is a great swap for soy sauce
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How to Serve It
It’s perfect spooned over steamy coconut rice or just plain white rice. You can stuff it into soft buns, lay it next to roasted sweet potatoes, or even toss cold chunks into salad. One morning I mixed leftovers into scrambled eggs—delicious
Fun Backstory
Dishes like this got big in the 1950s, when folks found fun ways to use canned pineapple. Pairing it with ham turned it into a favorite for celebrations and every kind of potluck get together
Common Recipe Questions
- → Is it fine to swap in fresh pineapple if I don’t have canned?
Totally! Cut up fresh pineapple and go for a juicy result. If you have extra juice from it, splash that in too for even more flavor.
- → What’s the easiest way to warm up leftovers?
Either pop everything in the oven at 350°F till hot, or zap a serving in the microwave to save time. Both work great.
- → Will this stay good if I store it in the freezer?
For sure! Let cool, stash it airtight, and freeze up to a month. Thaw and heat up again whenever you want it.
- → I’m not into Dijon—can I use another mustard?
Swap in any kind you like, such as whole-grain, honey mustard, or spicy brown for a fresh twist on the taste.
- → Could I get this ready ahead of time for meal prep?
Yep! It'll keep just fine in your fridge for about 3 days, making lunch or dinner a snap to grab later.
- → Which sides go great with this ham bake?
Soft, fluffy rice, oven-roasted veggies, or a cool green salad are all awesome partners here—the sweet and savory notes work with just about anything.