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Everyone gathers around when a Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake comes out of the oven Hot, bubbling, and sweet-smelling, this dish turns salty ham, juicy pineapple, and a sticky glaze into something folks can’t resist My grandma swore by starting with a deeply caramelized finish on top, and her trick never let us down
This ham dish always disappears fast at our house Doesn’t matter if it’s just a few of us or a whole crowd—everybody asks for seconds and there’s never anything left to pack up
Irresistible Ingredients
- Salt and pepper: go light at first since ham packs lots of salt already, then add more to taste
- Ground cloves (optional): brings in those warm, festive flavors—freshly ground if you can swing it
- Reserved pineapple juice: keeps everything juicy and ties the flavors together Just make sure it’s juice, not syrup
- Soy sauce: gives the dish a shot of umami Use low sodium if you like your food less salty
- Dijon mustard: throws in a gentle tang without stealing the show Go bold with your mustard for max flavor
- Brown sugar: gives the whole thing that signature sweet sticky top Dark brown sugar brings more depth
- Pineapple chunks in juice: not syrup Adds a bright twist and keeps things tender Canned saves time but fresh tastes great too
- Ham, cooked and diced: creates that meaty backbone You’ll taste the difference if you pick a thick-cut, good-quality ham
Simple How-To Guide
- Dish it Up:
- Grab your diced ham and pineapple, drop them into your baking dish, and mix them up a bit That way every scoop gets a little of everything
- Finish and Enjoy:
- Spoon it out while it’s still hot Nothing’s better—try it with some veggies or pile it over rice
- Coat It All:
- Pour your glaze over all the ham and pineapple bits Use clean hands or a spatula to give it a good mix The more coated, the better
- Bake It Up:
- Toss that dish, uncovered, into the middle of your oven Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly and sticky with deeply browned edges
- Get Prepped:
- Crank your oven to 375°F Grease a big 9x13-inch dish so washing up is easy later
- Whip Up the Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together brown sugar, Dijon, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cloves Mix really well so your glaze comes out smooth, not gritty
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We served this at Easter one year and even the pickiest kids went back for more Dijon is my secret add-in It pulls the whole dish together and just brightens all the flavors up
Smart Storage Advice
Just stash any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge and they’ll keep for four days The glaze gets even tastier as it sits Need to store it longer? Wrap and freeze chunks—then warm, covered, in the oven when you’re hungry again
Swap Options
No Dijon? Try honey mustard for a sweeter vibe or spicy brown for some kick Turkey ham tastes great too Want deeper flavor? Mix in a splash of blackstrap molasses with your brown sugar
Creative Serving Ideas
Spoon it over fluffy rice so nothing goes to waste Lighter side? Pair with green beans or toss with a crunchy salad Leftovers make a killer breakfast hash—toss pieces in a skillet and crack in an egg
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A Little Backstory
This classic really took off in the mid-1900s when canned pineapple and ready-made ham were big upgrades for weeknight dinners My grandma used to save it for the holidays, but these days we whip it up whenever we’re craving a little extra comfort
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of ham is best for this bake?
Cooked and diced ham, like a boneless ham steak or leftover spiral-cut ham, works well to soak up the glaze and bake evenly.
- → Can fresh pineapple be swapped for canned?
Absolutely! Fresh chunks work great, and fresh juice is excellent to keep that balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- → How can I keep the ham juicy?
Coat all the ham well with the glaze and bake it uncovered to keep the moisture while caramelizing the surface.
- → What are some good pairings for this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- → Can I swap out the brown sugar for something else?
Sure! Honey or maple syrup is a good choice, though the flavor will be a little different.
- → Is this dish good for leftovers or meal prep?
Yes, it reheats easily and is great for the next few days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain flavor and texture.