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Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish made with tender diced ham and pineapple chunks glazed in a sweet, tangy sauce. Baked to perfection in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. Serve it over rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

🔹 Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked ham, diced (low-sodium preferred)

  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)

🔹 Sweet and Tangy Glaze

  • ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but recommended)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

  • Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and ground cloves. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

  • Combine ingredients: Place the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks in the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze evenly over the top. Gently stir to ensure everything is fully coated.

  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and the edges begin to caramelize.

  • Optional: For extra caramelization, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.

  • Serve hot, over rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Ham options: Use leftover holiday ham, deli-style ham, or spiral ham. Avoid overly thin or heavily processed ham.

  • Pineapple: Canned pineapple is convenient, but you can substitute fresh pineapple and pineapple juice if preferred.

  • Spice it up: Add red chili flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy variation.

  • Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy version.

  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezes for up to 2 months in airtight containers.

  • Reheat tips: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave with a splash of juice to maintain moisture.