Sweet Pineapple Ham Bake has been a staple at my family’s holiday gatherings for as long as I can remember. The moment that sweet, sticky glaze starts to caramelize in the oven, the whole house fills with an irresistible aroma that just screams “celebration.” It’s that comforting, familiar scent that brings everyone to the kitchen, eager for a taste of that perfectly sweet pineapple glazed ham. This year, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for a pineapple ham bake with brown sugar that’s both incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pineapple Ham Bake

The flavor is an incredible balance of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser.
It boasts a super quick prep time of just 10 minutes, perfect for busy days.
This easy pineapple ham bake is surprisingly light and fits into many dietary preferences.
It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on deliciousness for your family gatherings.
The sweet aroma and glistening glaze make it a visually appealing centerpiece.
Kids and adults alike adore the comforting taste of this brown sugar pineapple ham.
It’s incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with almost any side dish.

Ingredients for Your Pineapple Ham Casserole Recipe

Gathering the ingredients for this pineapple ham casserole recipe is simple, and the results are truly spectacular. The star of the show is, of course, the ham, but it’s the glaze that makes it shine. We’ll use 2 lbs of diced cooked ham, which makes prep a breeze. For the sweet and tangy glaze, you’ll need 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – this is key for that beautiful caramelized crust. I also love using 1 can (20 oz) of pineapple chunks, drained but saving that precious juice! These pineapple chunks add bursts of tropical sweetness. You’ll also need 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard for a little zing, 2 tablespoons soy sauce for depth of flavor, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice to thin the glaze. A pinch of ground cloves (optional) adds a warm, aromatic note, and of course, we’ll season with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Make Pineapple Ham Bake with Brown Sugar

Let’s get this delicious dish in the oven! Making a sweet pineapple ham bake is incredibly straightforward. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This little step helps prevent any sticking, ensuring your beautiful bake comes out perfectly. These pineapple baked ham instructions are designed for ease, so don’t worry if you’re new to this!

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and the 1/4 cup of reserved pineapple juice. If you’re using the optional ground cloves, add them now. Stir until you have a smooth, lump-free glaze. The aroma of the brown sugar and spices starting to meld is wonderful!
Step 2: Place the 2 lbs of diced cooked ham and the drained 1 can (20 oz) of pineapple chunks into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly so everything gets nicely coated in the glaze. This is where your simple pineapple ham bake recipe starts to take shape visually.

Step 3: Drizzle all of that glorious glaze over the ham and pineapple. Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir everything together until both the ham and pineapple are well-coated. You want every bite to be infused with that sweet and savory goodness.
Step 4: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the glaze to become bubbly and slightly caramelized around the edges. The kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes, a true testament to the deliciousness of this pineapple baked ham recipe.
Step 5: Once it’s bubbly and caramelized, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting, and flavorful dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Juicy Pineapple Glazed Ham

I’ve made this dish countless times, and a few tricks really elevate it to the best juicy pineapple glazed ham possible. Trust me, these tips make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Use a good quality cooked ham, like a spiral-cut or honey-glazed one, as the base flavor really shines.
Don’t skip draining the pineapple; saving that juice is crucial for the glaze.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Make sure your brown sugar is fresh and soft – hard brown sugar won’t dissolve as easily into the glaze.
Allowing the moist pineapple glazed ham bake to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, making it even more tender.

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Pineapple Ham Bake?

The secret is the glaze! Using fresh, soft brown sugar and a good quality Dijon mustard creates a rich, flavorful coating. The reserved pineapple juice is also key for that authentic sweet and tangy taste that makes this the best pineapple ham bake recipe.

Can I make Pineapple Ham Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the glaze and combine the ham and pineapple in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply pour the glaze over and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the mixture is cold. It’s a fantastic way to get a head start on your pineapple and ham dinner recipe.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Pineapple Ham Bake?

The most common mistake is using dry ham, which can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always opt for a moist, pre-cooked ham. Another pitfall is over-baking, which can dry out the ham and caramelize the glaze too much. Watch for bubbling and slight caramelization, not a burnt crust.

Best Ways to Serve Your Sweet Ham with Pineapple Glaze

This delicious sweet ham with pineapple glaze is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be paired with your favorite sides. For a classic holiday feel, I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a vibrant green bean casserole. The rich, savory ham complements the creamy potatoes perfectly, while the casserole adds a touch of earthy flavor. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, try pairing it with fluffy white rice and a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The rice soaks up any extra glaze, and the salad adds a refreshing crunch.

Nutrition Facts for Sweet Pineapple Ham Bake

This sweet and savory pineapple ham dish is a delightful main course. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, to help you understand what you’re enjoying.

Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Pineapple Baked Ham Recipe

One of the best things about this easy pineapple baked ham recipe is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious sweet pineapple ham bake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, to prevent freezer burn. Reheating is simple! For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm them in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This ensures your leftover pineapple ham bake is just as tasty as when it was first made!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Pineapple Ham Bake

How to make pineapple ham bake?

Making a sweet pineapple ham bake is wonderfully simple! You’ll preheat your oven to 375°F, grease a baking dish, and then mix a sweet glaze with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice. Combine your diced ham and drained pineapple chunks in the dish, pour the glaze over, stir gently, and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. It’s a straightforward process that yields fantastic results.

What is sweet pineapple ham?

Sweet pineapple ham refers to a ham dish where the meat is coated or baked with a glaze that prominently features pineapple, often complemented by sweet ingredients like brown sugar. The pineapple contributes a tropical sweetness and a touch of acidity that tenderizes the ham and creates a delicious, sticky glaze when baked. It’s a popular dish because of this delightful sweet and savory flavor profile.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! While canned pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple works beautifully. If you use fresh pineapple, you’ll need to dice it yourself and reserve about 1/4 cup of its juice for the glaze. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can break down proteins. While this helps tenderize the ham, be mindful not to marinate the ham in fresh pineapple juice for too long before baking, as it could make the texture a bit too soft. For more information on working with fresh fruit, you can check out resources on fruit preservation.

What can I serve with this ham bake?

This sweet pineapple ham bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, consider creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice pilaf, or roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans also provides a nice contrast to the richness of the ham. Many people also enjoy it with mac and cheese for a truly comforting meal. If you’re looking for more comforting side dishes, you might enjoy our Zucchini Cornbread Casserole.

Variations of Sweet Pineapple Ham Bake You Can Try

This sweet pineapple ham bake is fantastic as is, but I love getting creative with it! For a super simple and quick option, using pineapple ham bake with canned pineapple is my go-to. The pre-cut chunks and reserved juice make assembly a breeze, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal. If you’re planning for a special occasion like a ham pineapple bake for holidays, you might want to elevate it by adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before baking for a delightful crunch. Another fun twist is to experiment with different spices; a pinch of ginger or a dash of cinnamon can add a lovely warmth that complements the pineapple and brown sugar beautifully. For a slightly different texture, you could even try using pineapple tidbits instead of chunks! You might also enjoy our Irresistible Peach Upside-Down Mini Cakes for a fruity dessert. For a different holiday flavor, consider our Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.