Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

 

🍍 Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake — A Sweet & Savory Delight

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Introduction

The Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is a classic casserole-style dish that beautifully combines savory, smoky ham with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the caramelized richness of brown sugar. This hearty, comforting casserole brings together layers of flavor, from tender ham chunks to gooey melted cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection with a crisp, golden topping.

This recipe is ideal for holidays like Easter or Christmas, family brunches, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both sweet and savory. The pineapple adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham and cheese, balancing the flavors perfectly.

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Origins & Background

Ham bakes and casseroles have been a staple in American home cooking for decades, especially in regions where ham is a traditional centerpiece for holiday meals. The sweet-savory combo of ham and pineapple likely gained popularity through mid-20th-century American recipes, inspired by Hawaiian cuisine’s use of pineapple and the rise of canned pineapple products.

This dish takes those influences and combines them in an easy, one-dish meal. The use of brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor that enhances the sweetness of pineapple while complementing the smoky notes of the ham.

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Ingredients

Protein & Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked ham, diced or cubed (about 1 lb) — use leftover ham or fully cooked deli ham

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown) or cooked pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple or fresh)

• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, adds umami and saltiness)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed buttery crackers)

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Medium bowl for mixing sauce

• 9x13-inch baking dish

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from block)

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Step-By-Step Preparation & Cooking

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

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Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

• Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover ham, this is perfect; if not, use fully cooked ham from the deli.

• Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice for the sauce.

• Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.

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Step 3: Cook Onion and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil or butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.

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Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Heavy cream

• Pineapple juice

• Brown sugar

• Dijon mustard

• Soy sauce (optional)

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.

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Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooked rice or pasta

• Sautéed onions and garlic

• Diced ham

• Pineapple chunks

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the ham and pineapple mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.

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Step 7: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix:

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Melted butter

• Dried thyme or Italian seasoning (if using)

Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish. This topping will add a crunchy, golden crust.

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Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until:

• The topping is golden brown and crispy

• The cheese is melted and bubbly

• The casserole is heated through

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Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness.

Serve warm as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides.

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Serving Suggestions

This brown sugar pineapple ham bake pairs well with:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables (green beans, asparagus, or broccoli)

• Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette

• Cranberry sauce or chutney for a tart contrast

• Dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up sauce

• Mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes for a hearty meal

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

• Use good quality ham: The better the ham, the better your dish will taste. Leftover ham works perfectly.

• Cook the rice or pasta al dente: It will cook further in the oven, so avoid overcooking.

• Reserve pineapple juice: Don’t throw away the juice; it adds essential flavor and sweetness to the sauce.

• Make it creamy: Use heavy cream or half-and-half for richness. For a lighter version, use milk but expect a thinner sauce.

• Balance sweetness: Taste the sauce before assembling; adjust brown sugar or mustard for your preferred sweetness and tang.

• Add a smoky kick: Smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper adds subtle warmth.

• Crunchy topping: The buttered breadcrumbs add a lovely texture contrast. For more crunch, add crushed nuts like pecans.

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Variations & Customizations

Hawaiian Twist

Add sliced cooked ham steak and use fresh pineapple chunks. Top with sliced green onions and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce before serving.

Cheesy Deluxe

Mix in cream cheese or shredded mozzarella with the cheddar for extra gooeyness.

Veggie Boost

Add diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, or mushrooms sautéed with onions.

Spicy Pineapple Ham Bake

Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy-sweet kick.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 8 servings)

• Calories: 450-500

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 2-3g

• Sugar: 15g (mostly from pineapple and brown sugar)

• Sodium: High — adjust salt and ham choice accordingly

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How to Store & Reheat

Storage

• Cover and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• You can freeze leftover casserole portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

• Reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Use fresh pineapple chunks and add a bit of pineapple juice or water to the sauce for flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it the day before, cover, refrigerate, and bake the next day. You might need to add 5-10 extra minutes baking time if baking cold.

Q: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
A: Regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes work well as a topping.

Q: Can I substitute the ham with turkey or chicken?
A: Yes, leftover roasted turkey or chicken works well; just note the flavor difference.

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Final Thoughts

The Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is a cozy, flavorful dish that offers a fantastic blend of sweet and savory. It’s easy to prepare, great for leftovers, and sure to impress at any meal. Its layered flavors of smoky ham, tangy pineapple, creamy cheese, and crunchy topping make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks, this bake brings a touch of tropical sweetness to your comfort food rotation. Enjoy!