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Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is a timeless treasure, conjuring up memories of sunny family gatherings and the joy of a simple, yet incredibly satisfying meal. It delivers big on flavor without demanding hours of your precious time, balancing sweet and tangy notes with tender ham and juicy pineapple soaking up a gorgeous, caramelized glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Holiday, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 600 grams cooked ham diced, about 1.3 lbs
  • 1 can pineapple chunks 570 grams, or about 20 oz; drained, reserve 60 milliliters (about 1/4 cup) juice
Sweet and Tangy Glaze
  • 110 grams brown sugar about 1/2 cup, lightly packed
  • 2 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 60 milliliters reserved pineapple juice about 1/4 cup
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 33x23-centimeter (9x13-inch) baking dish
  • Medium-sized Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 33x23-centimeter (9x13-inch) baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Step 2: Whip Up That Glorious Glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves (if using). Whisk until super smooth and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Arrange Your Stars: Spread the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks evenly in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Bathe in Glaze: Pour the glaze all over the ham and pineapple. Gently stir it around in the dish, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
  5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Pop the uncovered dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the edges have started to caramelize and become golden-brown.
  6. Step 6: Serve It Up: Serve hot. This dish is fantastic alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp, fresh salad.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Use sliced ham or small pieces of pork loin instead of diced ham. Crushed pineapple or pineapple rings can be used. Add a pinch of ginger powder, red pepper flakes, or cinnamon to the glaze for extra zing. Toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, or thinly sliced carrots with the ham and pineapple before baking. Experiment with maple syrup or honey as sweetener alternatives. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro after baking can add color and freshness.
Tips for Success: Don't overcrowd the baking dish; ensure ham and pineapple are in a single layer to caramelize, not steam. Whisk the glaze well until smooth for even coating. Taste test the glaze before pouring to adjust seasoning. Don't overbake, as ham is already cooked. Prep ahead by dicing ham and pineapple and mixing the glaze a day or two in advance. For extra caramelization, broil for a minute or two at the very end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
How to Store: Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 160°C (325°F) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.