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This brown sugar pineapple ham bake is an absolute weeknight lifesaver. The smell alone gets my family running to the kitchen every time. Sweet pineapple, hearty chunks of ham, and a sticky glaze all come together in a way that’s both easy and super satisfying—awesome for using up leftover ham or just when you want something full of flavor but simple.
This became a go-to after Easter one year and now my kids beg for it every holiday. It’s almost too easy not to make again and again.
Tasty Ingredients
- Salt and pepper: finish off the flavors and boost everything Taste as you go so it's just right
- Ground cloves: sprinkle in for a warm hint of spice Skip them if you want, but they add awesome depth
- Reserved pineapple juice: ties all the parts together and lifts the sauce
- Soy sauce: brings out an extra savory layer If you want to steer clear of too much salt, pick the low-sodium one
- Dijon or yellow mustard: tangy and full of zip Dijon brings a kick, yellow keeps it mellow
- Brown sugar: turns gooey and sweet Use the soft kind for best results
- Pineapple chunks canned and drained: make it juicy and give a tropical vibe Choose those in juice, not syrup, for best balance
- Cooked ham diced: makes this dish hearty and savory Go for ham with a bit of fat for best flavor
Pick a juicy ham for best results and check your pineapple isn’t packed in heavy syrup so things don’t get too sweet.
Simple Directions
- Dive In and Enjoy:
- Ladle the ham and pineapple mix onto some rice, roasted veggies, or throw it onto greens for a quick, tasty salad It's yummy warm or even after it cools
- Pop In the Oven:
- Put the baking dish in, uncovered Bake for 30 to 35 minutes Watch the glaze bubble and thicken while the ham edges crisp up
- Get Your Ham and Pineapple Ready:
- Dump the pineapple and ham into your greased baking dish Pour the glaze over everything Stir gently so all the pieces get some sauce
- Whip Up the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl mix brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, the saved pineapple juice, and cloves Whisk it until you’ve got a shiny smooth sauce
- Start with Oven and Pan:
- Crank the oven up to 375°F and mist a 9 x 13-inch dish with butter or spray That makes cleaning up way easier
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Pineapple’s bold flavor always reminds me of my grandma’s Sunday feasts She’d quietly toss in a bit of clove for extra zing Every bite takes me right back to her old kitchen
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool off first Move them into a container with a tight lid and stash in the fridge—they’ll keep for four days Max out storage by freezing single servings and warming them up gently in the microwave or oven when you need a quick bite
Switch Things Up
No pineapple in the cupboard Try canned peaches or fresh mango instead Out of brown sugar Some honey with a splash of molasses works great too For gluten-free, swap in tamari for soy sauce and you’re all set
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How to Serve It
Dollop the ham and pineapple over coconut rice, plain rice, or pile it into a soft bun Roasted sweet potatoes on the side also work I’ve even thrown leftovers in salads or scrambled into eggs for a sweet-savory breakfast twist
Where It Came From
Pineapple-and-ham casseroles became big in the 1950s when canned food was huge Holiday hams and sweet fruit turned into a must-have at parties and family get-togethers—and it’s stuck around ever since
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Is it okay to swap in fresh pineapple for canned?
Absolutely! Just chop some fresh pineapple into small pieces. Feel free to drizzle in a bit of juice from the fruit if you want extra flavor.
- → How should I warm up leftovers?
Pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot, or just microwave a single serving if you’re in a hurry.
- → Will this keep well in the freezer?
For sure! Let it cool, then tuck it into an airtight box. Freeze for about a month, then thaw and warm it up before you eat.
- → Can I switch out the mustard for something else?
Go ahead and use spicy brown, honey, or even whole-grain mustard if that’s what you’ve got—they all work great!
- → Is this a good make-ahead meal?
Yep, it keeps in the fridge up to three days, so it’s super handy if you want easy lunches or dinners ready to go.
- → What sides go with this ham bake?
It’s awesome with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or some fluffy rice to soak up all the flavors.