Sweet Glazed Ham Delight

This sweet and savory Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake transforms leftover ham into a delicious weeknight dinner that my family requests constantly. The caramelized brown sugar glaze combined with juicy pineapple creates an irresistible combination that elevates simple ham into something special.

I first created this recipe after Easter when we had mountains of leftover ham and needed something different than sandwiches. My husband, who typically avoids sweet main dishes, went back for seconds and now specifically asks for this dish whenever ham goes on sale.

Ingredients

• Cooked ham provides the hearty protein base use leftover holiday ham or purchase pre-diced ham for convenience
• Canned pineapple chunks bring tropical sweetness and natural juice for the glaze select fruit packed in juice rather than syrup for best flavor
• Brown sugar creates the caramelized glaze dark brown sugar offers more molasses flavor if available
• Dijon mustard adds tangy depth whole grain mustard works beautifully too for added texture
• Soy sauce brings umami richness and balances the sweetness use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Ground cloves provide warm aromatic notes that complement both ham and pineapple a little goes a long way
• Reserved pineapple juice amplifies the fruit flavor and creates the perfect glaze consistency

How To Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 190°C and lightly grease a 33x23 centimeter baking dish. This size allows the ham and pineapple to spread out enough to caramelize properly rather than steam.

Create the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves until completely smooth. Take your time here to ensure the brown sugar fully dissolves for a silky glaze.

Arrange Ingredients

Distribute the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks evenly across the prepared baking dish. Try to create a single layer so each piece gets maximum glaze contact and caramelization.

Apply the Glaze

Pour the prepared glaze over the ham and pineapple mixture, then gently stir to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. The glaze will seem thin at this point but will thicken beautifully during baking.

Bake to Perfection

Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for caramelized edges and a bubbling glaze. The corners may darken first this adds delicious flavor.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the corners of the baking dish, where the glaze caramelizes into an almost candy like texture. My children have been known to fight over these prized bites, and I've started making a separate small dish just for these crispy edges when company comes over.

Make Ahead Magic

This dish shines as a make ahead meal. Prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply bake for about 40 minutes instead of the standard 30 to account for the chilled temperature. The flavors actually develop beautifully during their time in the refrigerator, making this perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

Versatile Serving Options

While delicious on its own, this ham bake truly shines when paired with complementary sides. Serve over steamed white rice which soaks up the sweet glaze beautifully. For a complete meal, add a crisp green vegetable like steamed broccoli or green beans to balance the sweetness. It also works wonderfully alongside buttery mashed potatoes or even stuffed into warm Hawaiian rolls for unique sliders. During summer months, I love serving this with a bright coleslaw for textural contrast.

Simple Substitutions

No ham on hand? This recipe works beautifully with cooked chicken or pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian version, try using firm tofu or hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots. If pineapple isn't your favorite, peaches or mango chunks make excellent substitutions while maintaining that tropical sweetness. The mustard can be replaced with apple cider vinegar if needed, though you might want to reduce the amount slightly.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh pineapple. Cut about 2 cups of fresh pineapple into chunks and make your own juice by blending some additional pieces with a tablespoon of water. The fresh flavor works wonderfully, though canned provides convenience and consistent sweetness.

→ What type of ham works best for this dish?

Pre-cooked ham steaks or leftover holiday ham work perfectly. For the best texture and flavor, choose ham that isn't too thinly sliced and has some fat for moisture. Both smoked and non-smoked varieties work well, depending on your preference.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes since you're starting with cold ingredients. The flavors actually develop nicely with some time to marinate.

→ Is there a substitute for brown sugar?

Honey or maple syrup make excellent substitutes for brown sugar in this dish. Use about 3/4 cup of either, as they're slightly sweeter. Coconut sugar is another option that will provide a similar caramel-like flavor with a lower glycemic impact.

→ What sides pair well with this ham bake?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious glaze. For vegetables, consider green beans almondine, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette.

→ Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-1.5 hours. The slow cooker version will be slightly saucier than the baked version, as less liquid evaporates during cooking.