Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion—Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake. This recipe combines the sweet, tangy flavors of pineapple, the rich depth of brown sugar, and the savory goodness of ham in a mouthwatering glaze that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

As the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake bakes in the oven, the flavors meld together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and celebratory. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to please.

With its sticky glaze and tender ham, this dish is a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of sweet and savory makes it a standout on any dinner table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a meal that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Quick Benefits

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory ham create a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Can be customized with different fruits, types of ham, and glaze variations to suit personal preferences or ingredient availability.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers can be stored and reheated easily, making it a convenient option for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
• Traditional and Comforting: This dish is deeply rooted in classic American potluck traditions and can evoke feelings of nostalgia and home.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe Recipe

• Family Favorite: Reminiscent of big family gatherings, this dish is sure to bring everyone to the dinner table with its comforting and celebratory flavors.
• Addictive Flavor: The sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory ham create a mouthwatering combination that will have you sneaking extra pineapple chunks out of the pan.
• Versatile: Can be enjoyed throughout the year, not just on Easter, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
• Leftovers Are Delicious: Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with ingredient swaps such as using peaches, turkey ham, honey, or cherries, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preference or what you have on hand.
• Pairs Well with Various Sides: Whether served over rice, with mashed potatoes, on dinner rolls, or alongside salads or roasted vegetables, this dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
• Traditional and Nostalgic: Rooted in classic American potluck traditions and Easter tables across the South and Midwest, this recipe brings a sense of home and tradition to any meal.
• Easy Preparation: Simple to prepare and cook, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal without requiring extensive time or effort in the kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance and baking just before serving, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and stress-free meal with minimal last-minute preparation.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Main Components

• 1 can (570 grams) pineapple chunks, drained, reserve 60 millilitres juice
• 600 grams cooked ham, diced

Sweet and Tangy Glaze

• 110 grams brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 60 millilitres reserved pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pro Tips for Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For an extra flavorful twist, try adding a dash of ground cloves to complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and tanginess of the pineapple. The warm, aromatic notes will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Pro Tip 2: To ensure your ham bake stays juicy when reheating leftovers, add a spoonful of water or extra pineapple juice before heating it up. This will help maintain the dish’s moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Pro Tip 3: Don’t limit yourself to just Easter dinners; this dish is perfect for year-round enjoyment. Experiment with different variations like using turkey ham, canned peaches, or even a honey glaze to suit your taste preferences. Personalize it by adding maraschino cherries for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 190°C and grease a 33×23-centimetre baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

Combine brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Combine Ham and Pineapple

Evenly distribute diced ham and drained pineapple chunks in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Glaze and Toss

Drizzle the prepared glaze over the ham and pineapple, then gently mix to coat evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Caramelised

Bake the dish uncovered in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the ham is heated through and the edges are caramelized and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the dish hot with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad on the side, as desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham, storing leftovers is easy. Simply place any remaining ham bake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, consider adding a spoonful of water or extra pineapple juice to help keep the dish juicy and flavorful. The ham bake also freezes well, so if you have more than you can finish in a few days, portion it out before freezing for convenient future meals.

For serving suggestions, this dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or even served on soft dinner rolls for a sweet and savory slider option. A side of crisp green salad or roasted asparagus can help balance out the richness of the ham bake. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a leftover treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your family gatherings and celebrations throughout the year.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have canned pineapple on hand, fresh pineapple chunks and juice can be used as a substitute. Simply chop the fresh pineapple into pieces and use the fresh juice in place of the canned juice for a similar flavor profile.

For a different twist on the tangy flavor, yellow mustard or honey mustard can be used instead of Dijon mustard. Both will provide a similar tanginess to the dish.

If you prefer a lighter glaze or are out of brown sugar, honey can be swapped in as a substitution. The sweetness will be slightly different, but it will still complement the ham and pineapple beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, consider assembling individual Hawaiian-inspired sliders using soft dinner rolls. Simply pile the brown sugar pineapple ham bake onto the rolls for a sweet and savory handheld treat that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Pair the sliders with a side of crispy green salad or roasted asparagus for a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

To elevate the presentation, serve the brown sugar pineapple ham bake in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a festive and tropical touch. The vibrant colors and flavors of the dish nestled in a pineapple boat will not only impress your guests but also add a touch of whimsy to your table setting. This creative presentation is sure to make a statement and enhance the overall dining experience.

FAQs for Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this recipe?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well. Just chop it into chunks and use fresh juice in place of the canned juice.

Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon or yellow mustard?

Yellow mustard or even honey mustard can be used for a similar tangy flavor profile.

Should I bake the ham bake covered or uncovered?

Bake uncovered but keep an eye toward the end. If the edges caramelize too fast, tent with foil.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate beforehand, then bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and sharing this delicious Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake with your loved ones. The blend of sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and savory ham is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a special holiday meal or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe brings a touch of comfort and celebration to any table.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this dish—try different variations like using fresh pineapple, turkey ham, or a honey glaze for your own twist on the classic recipe. Remember to savor every bite and create lasting memories with each serving of this beloved Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake. Happy cooking!