Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Nothing brings a holiday table together like a Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake bubbling hot from the oven This recipe fuses salty ham sweet pineapple and a sticky brown sugar glaze into a centerpiece that has everyone coming back for seconds It is a tried and true favorite handed down from my grandmother who swore by starting with a golden caramelized crust

I have made this for both big family gatherings and quiet Sunday dinners It is always the most requested dish and the leftovers never last long

Ingredients

• Cooked ham diced: gives a hearty base and picks up all the glaze Choose a good quality ham for a meatier texture and richer flavor
• Pineapple chunks in juice: not syrup add bright acidity and keep the dish juicy Fresh pineapple can be subbed but canned saves time
• Brown sugar: creates the signature sticky caramelized crust Use dark brown sugar for extra depth
• Dijon mustard: adds just enough tang to balance the sweetness Go for a bold Dijon for best results
• Soy sauce: deepens the savory note Choose a low sodium version if you prefer less salt
• Reserved pineapple juice: brings moisture and ties the flavors together Be sure to use juice not syrup
• Ground cloves optional: lends a warm spice that feels so festive Freshly ground makes a big difference
• Salt and pepper: season gently to taste Start with a light hand as ham tends to be salty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy

Mix the Glaze:

In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar Dijon mustard soy sauce reserved pineapple juice and cloves Beat until every grain is dissolved so the sauce bakes up luscious not gritty

Assemble the Bake:

Scatter diced ham and pineapple chunks evenly in your baking dish This ensures every scoop includes both elements

Coat Everything:

Pour the glaze evenly over the ham and pineapple Toss gently with clean hands or a spatula so every bite glistens with sweet sticky sauce

Bake to Perfection:

Place uncovered on the middle rack of your oven Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the dish is bubbling You want the edges just browning which means real flavor

Serve:

Enjoy it hot straight from the oven Over fluffy rice or next to simply roasted vegetables this ham bake shines as the main attraction

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One year we served this at Easter and everyone from my toddler niece to my eighty year old aunt had seconds The Dijon is my secret weapon as it pulls all the flavors together without overpowering the sweetness

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days The glaze thickens and gets even more flavorful as it sits For longer storage freeze tightly wrapped portions Thaw and reheat gently in the oven covered with foil

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Dijon mustard try honey mustard for a sweeter touch or even spicy brown if you like extra kick Turkey ham works just as well as regular ham For a deeper flavor swap in blackstrap molasses for some of the brown sugar

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ham bake over simple white rice to soak up every bit of sauce For a lighter option try with steamed green beans or a crisp winter salad Leftovers turn into amazing breakfast hash with fried eggs the next morning

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Cultural and Historical Context

Dishes like this became popular in the mid twentieth century when canned pineapple and precooked ham brought a touch of luxury to the average family table My grandmother remembered saving the dish for Christmas but now we make it whenever we crave soul warming comfort

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of ham works best for this dish?

Diced cooked ham, such as boneless ham steak or leftover spiral ham, works best for absorbing the glaze and baking evenly.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be substituted for canned chunks. Use fresh juice to maintain the sweet and tangy balance.

→ How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Ensure ham is tossed thoroughly in the glaze and baked uncovered for the recommended time to retain moisture and achieve caramelization.

→ What sides pair well with this bake?

This savory-sweet ham works wonderfully over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables.

→ Can the brown sugar be replaced with another sweetener?

Honey or maple syrup are good alternatives for brown sugar, though they will slightly change the flavor profile.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep or leftovers?

Yes, it reheats well and can be enjoyed for several days. Store in an airtight container for the best texture and flavor.