If you’re looking for a show-stopping side or main dish that screams sweet & savory, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is it. With juicy chunks of ham glazed in a sticky brown sugar caramel and studded with golden pineapple, this dish is comfort food at its finest—yet incredibly simple to make.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holiday buffets, or just when you’re craving a bite of that classic sweet-and-savory combo.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 3 main ingredients: Ham, pineapple, and brown sugar.
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Sticky, caramelized glaze: Sweet, savory, and so addictive.
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Crowd-pleasing classic: Familiar flavors everyone loves.
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Great use of leftovers: Perfect for leftover holiday ham.
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Simple bake method: Minimal prep, hands-off cooking.
📝 Ingredients (6 Servings)
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3 cups diced cooked ham (use leftover ham or store-bought cubes)
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1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
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1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
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Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or 1 tsp ground cloves for depth
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Optional garnish: fresh parsley for color
⏱ Prep & Bake Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
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Total Time: 40–45 minutes
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Yield: 6 servings
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, toss diced ham and drained pineapple chunks with brown sugar until well coated. If using, add Dijon mustard or ground cloves for extra flavor.
Step 3: Bake to Caramelized Perfection
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce is bubbly and ham edges are caramelized.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🌞 Why It’s a Summer Favorite
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Tropical vibes: Pineapple brings a bright, summery twist.
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Perfect with grilled dishes: Pairs well with BBQ, burgers, or ribs.
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Great for picnics & potlucks: Simple to bake and serve.
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No-fuss recipe: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for sweet heat.
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Use fresh pineapple: For an even juicier, fresher bite.
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Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory note.
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Try honey mustard: Swap Dijon for a honey mustard glaze twist.
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Turn it into sliders: Use as a sweet-savory filling for Hawaiian rolls.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly, or microwave individual portions.
Great for sandwiches, omelets, or as a topping for baked potatoes!
🍍 The Magic of Ham + Pineapple
Sweet pineapple caramelized with brown sugar balances the smoky saltiness of ham perfectly.
This combo is a staple in American comfort food—think glazed hams at holidays, Hawaiian pizzas, and summer BBQs. Simple ingredients, but layers of rich, tangy, and sweet flavors.