Welcome back to Clara's Recipes! Today, we're diving into a dish that effortlessly blends sweet and savory, creating a symphony of flavors that's perfect for any meal, from a festive holiday gathering to a simple weeknight dinner: the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering tender ham bathed in a rich, caramelized glaze with bright bursts of pineapple.
There's something magical about pairing succulent ham with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. The glaze, a beautiful concoction of brown sugar, mustard, and a hint of soy sauce, transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable experience. It's incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
This dish isn't just delicious; it's also incredibly versatile and convenient. Whether you're looking to repurpose leftover ham or need a straightforward main course, this bake delivers. The natural acidity of pineapple complements the richness of the ham, while the brown sugar glaze creates a delightful sticky, golden crust that everyone will adore.
Beyond its fantastic taste, pineapple brings more to the table than just sweetness. Did you know that natural enzymes found in pineapple, like bromelain, can actually help tenderize meat and enhance flavors? It’s a scientific secret to why ham and pineapple are such a classic pairing!
Gather Your Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already! We're focusing on quality ingredients that contribute to that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
Key Components:
- Cooked Ham: The star of our show. Diced, pre-cooked ham makes this recipe quick and easy.
- Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly, providing juicy sweetness. Remember to reserve some juice for the glaze!
- Brown Sugar: The foundation of our irresistible, caramelized glaze.
- Dijon or Yellow Mustard: Adds a tangy depth that cuts through the sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: A touch of umami that elevates the flavor profile.
- Ground Cloves (Optional): For a warm, aromatic spice note that's particularly lovely during cooler months.
These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend that's both comforting and exciting. It's similar to how simple ingredients create a fantastic meal like Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes for Juicy, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Results – Clara's Recipes, showcasing how fundamental elements can build incredible flavor.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Here's how to do it in a few simple steps. You'll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
The full, detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish.
- Whisk together the rich, flavorful glaze.
- Combine the ham and pineapple in the dish.
- Pour the glaze over everything and stir to coat.
- Bake until golden and bubbly!
It's truly that straightforward! For another hearty and satisfying meal, you might also enjoy The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy – Clara's Recipes.
Tips for a Perfectly Caramelized Glaze
The secret to this dish is the beautifully caramelized glaze. Here are a few pointers to ensure yours turns out perfectly:
- Don't skimp on brown sugar: It's what gives the glaze its rich, sticky texture.
- Bake uncovered: This allows the glaze to reduce and caramelize, creating those delicious crispy bits around the edges.
- Watch it closely: Towards the end of baking, keep an eye on the dish to prevent the sugar from burning. A slightly darkened, bubbly glaze is what you're aiming for.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Fluffy Rice: White or jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all that glorious glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or asparagus complement the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Dinner Rolls: For scooping up any remaining delicious sauce!
Enjoy this delightful ham bake as a comforting family dinner, a standout holiday dish, or a fantastic potluck contribution. It's a recipe that promises flavor and ease in every bite!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but remember to save some of its juice for the glaze. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple can be more acidic, so you might need to adjust the glaze's sweetness slightly.
What type of ham works best for the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake?
Pre-cooked ham is ideal for this recipe. Leftover holiday ham, pre-diced ham from the grocery store, or even thick-cut deli ham can all work wonderfully. Avoid very thin slices, as they tend to dry out.
How long can I store leftovers of the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can this ham bake be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead of time. Cover it with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Pork
Description
A delightful oven-baked dish featuring savory ham, sweet pineapple, and a rich brown sugar glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked ham, diced
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (reserve ¼ cup juice)
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
¼ cup reserved pineapple juice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon or yellow mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves (if using) until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Place the diced cooked ham and drained pineapple chunks into the prepared baking dish. Pour the whisked glaze evenly over the ham and pineapple. Gently stir to ensure everything is well coated.
Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the ham is thoroughly heated through and the glaze has thickened and caramelized beautifully around the edges. Serve hot.
Notes
For an extra zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the glaze. This dish is also fantastic with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before serving for added color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Leave a Reply