A sweet and savory ham bake featuring juicy pineapple chunks, rich brown sugar glaze, and a touch of Dijon mustard — an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort dish that comes together in one pan.
Description
Elevate your next dinner with this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake, a deliciously easy dish that combines diced ham and pineapple in a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze. The mixture of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and pineapple juice caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, creating irresistible golden edges and sticky-sweet flavor. Perfect served over rice or alongside roasted vegetables, this one-pan wonder is both comforting and elegant — ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick and simple – Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep.
- 🍍 Sweet & savory perfection – Balanced flavors of ham, pineapple, and caramelized glaze.
- 🍽️ Versatile – Works as a main dish or a hearty side.
- 🧡 Family favorite – Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home.
Every time this dish bakes, the aroma of caramelized pineapple and brown sugar fills the kitchen — a nostalgic comfort that feels like home.
Ingredients
Main Components
- 600 g cooked ham, diced (leftover roast or thick deli slices)
- 1 can (570 g) pineapple chunks, drained — reserve 60 ml pineapple juice
Sweet and Tangy Glaze
- 110 g brown sugar (dark for rich flavor, light for milder sweetness)
- 2 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 60 ml reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, adds warm spice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 33×23 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and cloves until smooth and glossy.
3. Combine Ingredients
Spread diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze over and toss gently to coat each piece.
4. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized and bubbling.
5. Serve
Serve warm over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Spoon extra glaze over each portion for maximum flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- 🍯 For deeper caramelization, bake until the edges turn slightly crisp.
- 🍑 No pineapple? Try canned peaches for a fun twist.
- 💡 Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet-and-spicy variation.
- 🧂 Go easy on salt — ham and soy sauce already bring plenty of savory flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: In the oven or skillet with a splash of pineapple juice or water to maintain moisture.
- Freeze: Store in portions for easy reheating — perfect for meal prep!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes.
- Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
- For parties, scoop into slider buns for a sweet-savory sandwich option.
Cultural Inspiration
This recipe draws from classic American holiday cooking, where baked ham with pineapple symbolizes warmth and celebration. The combination of sweet fruit and savory meat echoes both Southern comfort food traditions and mid-century potluck favorites, giving every bite a nostalgic, homey feel.
Pro Tips
- Toss well before baking to ensure even glaze coverage.
- Don’t rush the caramelization — that golden, sticky finish is worth it!
- Always use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup for the perfect flavor balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes! Just chop it into chunks and use the fresh juice in place of canned juice.
→ What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
Yellow or honey mustard works beautifully for a milder flavor.
→ How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
If the edges darken too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare everything ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Recipe Card
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Sweet, tangy, and savory ham baked with pineapple and brown sugar glaze — a simple one-dish meal that’s perfect for holidays or any night of the week.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 35 min
Total Time: 45 min
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Dairy-Free