Some recipes aren’t just meals—they’re memories.
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is one of those dishes that instantly transports you back to cozy Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and the comforting smell of something warm and sweet caramelizing in the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that was passed around in handwritten notebooks, brought to potlucks, and lovingly reheated the next day because it somehow tastes even better leftover. The magic of this dish lies in its balance: salty ham, buttery brown sugar glaze, and juicy pineapple that caramelizes beautifully while baking. Every bite carries the perfect blend of sweet and savory—a harmony that feels both nostalgic and timeless. And the best part? It’s unbelievably easy to prepare, making it ideal for holidays like Easter and Christmas, but just as comforting on a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you grew up eating pineapple-topped ham roasts or this flavor combination is new to you, this recipe has a way of winning hearts instantly. It’s family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from the table.
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients: Most are pantry staples.
- Quick prep: Only 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Perfectly balanced: Sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar, tanginess from mustard, depth from soy sauce.
- Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
📝 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked ham, diced (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
Sweet & Tangy Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but adds incredible warmth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
👨🍳 How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. - Mix the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and ground cloves. The mixture should be smooth, glossy, and slightly syrupy. - Assemble the Bake
Add the diced ham and pineapple chunks to the baking dish. Pour the glaze over them, then stir gently so everything is well coated. - Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and the ham edges start to caramelize. - Optional—but amazing—broil finish:
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for deeper color and a sticky glaze. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or enjoy as a standalone dish.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Over steamed jasmine rice for a quick weekday dinner
- Paired with roasted sweet potatoes for a cozy fall meal
- Served alongside green beans or asparagus
- Stuffed into Hawaiian rolls for party sliders
- Added to omelets the next morning—unbelievably good!
💡 Tips for the Best Results
- Use low-sodium ham to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Prefer a thicker glaze? Add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to the mixture before baking.
- Want more depth? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Love spice? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.