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
