🍬 Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Serves 4–6 | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20–25 min | Total: ~30 min
🛒 Ingredients
→ Main Players
3 cups cooked ham, diced (leftover baked ham, deli ham, or spiral-sliced scraps work great!)
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice for glaze)
→ Sweet & Tangy Glaze
½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark — dark adds deeper molasses flavor)
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds zing and helps emulsify glaze)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (brightens the sweetness)
Optional boosts:
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
1 tsp cornstarch (if you want a thicker glaze)
→ For Baking
1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for richness and non-stick magic)
Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2️⃣ Make the Glaze
In a small bowl or saucepan, whisk together:
Brown sugar
Pineapple juice
Dijon mustard
Vinegar
Any optional spices
If using cornstarch, mix it with the cold juice first to prevent clumps.
Warm gently over low heat (or microwave 30 sec) until smooth and slightly thickened. Set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: Taste and adjust! Want more tang? Add a splash of lemon. More kick? Extra mustard!
3️⃣ Assemble the Bake
Spread diced ham evenly in the baking dish.
Scatter drained pineapple chunks over the top.
Pour the warm glaze evenly over everything, making sure each piece gets coated.
4️⃣ Bake Until Bubbly & Golden
Bake 20–25 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling around the edges and lightly caramelized on top.
5️⃣ Serve Warm & Glistening
Let cool 2–3 minutes (the glaze will thicken slightly).
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Serve hot alongside:
Steamed rice or coconut rice 🍚
Mashed sweet potatoes 🍠
Green beans or roasted carrots 🥕
Or even on a croissant for a fancy sandwich!
🍍 Bonus Move: Spoon extra glaze from the pan over each serving — don’t waste that golden goodness!
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🍯 Maple Twist: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup (reduce juice slightly)
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze
🍍 Fresh Pineapple? Yes! Use 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks — just reserve juice from blending or cooking
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle with sharp cheddar or Swiss during the last 5 minutes of baking
🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble unbaked, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed (+5 mins)
❄️ Freezer Option: Cool completely, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in oven at 325°F
🧠 Why This Glaze Works So Well
The magic is in the balance:
Brown sugar = deep sweetness + caramelization
Pineapple juice = natural fruit sugars + mild acidity
Dijon mustard = tangy depth without overpowering
Vinegar = cuts through richness so it doesn’t feel heavy
Together, they create a glossy, restaurant-quality glaze — no basting required.
❤️ Final Thought: Simple Comfort, Big Smiles
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake isn’t trying to be fancy. It’s here to do one thing: bring people together with a dish that tastes like love, nostalgia, and “Can I have seconds?” all rolled into one.
Whether you're cleaning out the fridge post-Easter, hosting a quick family dinner, or craving something sweet-savory and soul-soothing…
This one’s got you covered. And trust me — someone will say, “This should be served every Sunday.”