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This brown sugar pineapple ham bake is the ultimate comfort dish for gatherings with family or friends and fills your kitchen with rich sweet-savory aromas. Its sticky glaze and juicy chunks of pineapple make every forkful a celebration. I relied on this recipe after one hectic Easter dinner and it instantly became a must-make favorite whenever ham leftovers appear in the fridge.
My crowd always comes back for seconds. The combination of caramelized edges and tangy pineapple brings me back to the potluck parties at my grandma’s house where this ham disappeared fast.
Ingredients
- Cooked beef ham: diced because it holds its shape and brings savory richness
- Pineapple chunks in juice: for a pop of tart sweetness and extra juiciness avoid pineapple in syrup for best flavor
- Brown sugar: brings caramel notes and stickiness dark brown gives deeper flavor if you can find it
- Dijon or yellow mustard: adds a subtle tang that perks up the glaze use whatever you have
- Low sodium soy sauce: keeps salt in check while balancing the sweetness look for brands with short clean ingredient lists
- Pineapple juice: reserved from the can to boost the tropical flavor instead of water
- Ground cloves (optional): but give a hint of warmth perfect for holidays check freshness for best aroma
- Salt and pepper: adjust to taste and season just before baking for balanced flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a standard 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to fully preheat while you assemble everything.
- Mix the Sweet Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl combine brown sugar mustard soy sauce pineapple juice and ground cloves if using. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well mixed so the sugar starts dissolving.
- Layer the Ham and Pineapple:
- Spread diced beef ham evenly in the baking dish. Scatter pineapple chunks over the top distributing them so every bite collects both ham and fruit.
- Glaze and Toss:
- Pour the glaze evenly all over the ham and pineapple in the dish. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together making sure every piece is coated.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Caramelized:
- Place the uncovered dish in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden around the edges and the sauce is bubbling. For more caramelized bits extend the bake time by five minutes but watch closely.
- Serve With Sides:
- Spoon generous helpings over steamed white rice or plate up with roasted vegetables. Serve hot for best texture and flavor.
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My favorite touch is always the cloves and brown sugar since those remind me of the sticky glazed hams my mom used to make. I remember sneaking spoonfuls of the sweet sauce while the kitchen was still warm and crowded with hungry relatives.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want the ham to stay moist reheat in the oven with a splash of extra pineapple juice.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have beef ham use regular cooked ham or even turkey ham for a lighter version. Maple syrup can stand in for brown sugar in a pinch but reduce the quantity slightly since it is sweeter.
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Serving Suggestions
This dish shines over fluffy rice but it also pairs with mashed potatoes or tucked into a soft roll for a quick sandwich. I sometimes spoon extra glaze over roasted sweet potatoes too.
A Bit of History
Pineapple glazed ham is a classic in American holiday cooking. The pairing of sweet fruit and rich ham likely arrived with the explosion of canned pineapple in the early twentieth century and now remains a centerpiece for festive tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works wonderfully. Just cut into bite-sized pieces and use juice from the fruit if desired.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for convenience.
- → Does this dish freeze well?
Absolutely! Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- → Can I substitute the mustard?
You can use whole-grain, spicy brown, or even honey mustard for a twist on the flavor profile.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for easy lunches or dinners.
- → What sides pair best with this bake?
Steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad make perfect accompaniments to balance the sweet and savory flavors.