Sweet Savory Pineapple Ham Bake

Leftover ham never looked so good. This sweet and savory pineapple ham bake turns last night’s roast into a brand new meal the entire family asks for again and again. In just under an hour, you get sticky caramelized edges, bursts of juicy pineapple and the kind of crave-worthy brown sugar glaze that will have everyone cleaning their plates.

I first made this after a holiday dinner and immediately knew it would be a new post-holiday tradition. The sweet glaze bubbling up around the ham and pineapple always has us sneaking bites straight from the pan.

Ingredients

• Diced cooked ham: makes this dish a breeze to assemble and soaks up the glaze beautifully. Choose a ham with a touch of smoke for extra depth
• Canned pineapple chunks in juice: give the best combo of tart and sweet. Check for fruit packed in juice rather than syrup for a natural taste
• Brown sugar: brings deep molasses flavor and helps the glaze caramelize. Go for dark brown if you love an extra toasty note
• Reserved pineapple juice: keeps things bright and balances the richness. Taste before adding extra for a lighter glaze
• Dijon mustard: adds a punchy tang that cuts through the sweetness. Look for smooth Dijon with a taste you enjoy
• Soy sauce: provides subtle savory depth and rounds out all the sweetness. I like to use a low sodium soy sauce here
• Ground cloves: add a warm background spice that’s classic with ham. Use sparingly or leave out if you want a milder flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and help with clean up afterward

Mix the Glaze:

In a medium bowl combine brown sugar reserved pineapple juice Dijon mustard soy sauce and ground cloves if using. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely and the glaze looks silky

Layer the Ham and Pineapple:

Add diced ham and well drained pineapple chunks to the prepared baking dish. Scatter evenly so each bite will have a bit of both

Coat with Glaze:

Pour the glaze all over the ham and pineapple. Use a large spoon to stir gently and make sure every piece gets coated. Smooth into an even layer

Bake to Caramelize:

Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until the glaze is bubbling and you see caramelized edges around the pineapple and ham

Rest and Serve:

Set the pan on a cooling rack and let it rest five minutes before serving so the glaze can thicken up just a bit and each bite comes out perfectly sticky

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The sweet tang of pineapple always reminds me of the first time I had this dish at my grandmother’s table. She would let us fight over the extra caramelized bits clinging to the corners of the dish and it is still my favorite part.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage freeze cooled portions in freezer safe bags for up to two months. To reheat warm it gently in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees until hot and bubbling or microwave single servings for quick lunches.

Ingredient Substitutions

No pineapple in the pantry Try canned peaches or even apricots for a different twist. Maple syrup can stand in for part of the brown sugar if you want a slightly woodsy sweetness. Swap Dijon for spicy brown mustard for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pile this sticky ham and pineapple over steamed rice for a comforting meal. It also pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. For parties spoon it onto Hawaiian rolls for an instant crowd pleasing slider.

Cultural Context

Ham baked with pineapple is a classic throughout American family tables especially around Easter and Christmas. The combo comes from midcentury recipes that celebrated canned fruit and glazed meats for gatherings. Today it’s still a symbol of homemade comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well—just chop into chunks and use about 2.5 cups. In place of reserved juice, use a splash of orange juice or water.

→ How do I achieve extra caramelization on top?

Place the bake under the broiler during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to encourage a golden, caramelized finish. Watch closely to avoid burning.

→ What sides work best with this dish?

Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or spoon onto slider buns for a party-friendly option.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Absolutely. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Prepare ahead and bake when ready to serve, or cook fully and reheat portions as needed for quick weeknight meals.

→ Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Try mixing in diced jalapeños for heat, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Substitute ham with turkey or chicken if preferred.