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.
3 cups cooked ham, diced (low-sodium preferred)
1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
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
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.
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.
Find it online: https://claradelish.com/brown-sugar-pineapple-ham-bake/