Ham and Pineapple Dinner

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This Ham and Pineapple Dinner is a delightful combination of savory ham steak and sweet pineapple slices, all glazed with a rich brown sugar and Dijon mustard mix. The caramelized pineapple pairs perfectly with the salty ham, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.

Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special family gathering, this dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. The baked ham soaks up the sweet glaze, while the pineapple adds a refreshing burst of tropical flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed any time of year, whether for a holiday meal or a casual dinner.

Full Recipe:

1 1/2 pounds ham steak
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple slices, drained
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the ham steak in a large baking dish. Place pineapple slices on top of the ham.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and butter. Spread the mixture over the ham and pineapple slices.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ham and Pineapple Dinner is a classic recipe that brings together the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish, featuring tender ham steak topped with caramelized pineapple slices and a brown sugar-Dijon mustard glaze, is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The natural sweetness of pineapple balances the salty, savory ham, while the brown sugar glaze adds a touch of richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, with most of the time spent baking.
Versatile for Any Occasion: This dish works just as well for a weekday family dinner as it does for a holiday meal. Its festive flavors make it a great option for Easter, Christmas, or any special gathering.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet pineapple and salty ham is a time-tested favorite. The brown sugar and Dijon mustard glaze elevates the flavor profile, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need five main ingredients to create this dish, many of which are pantry staples like mustard and brown sugar.

Tips for Success:

Choose the Right Ham: A ham steak works perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use a small boneless ham or pre-sliced ham for ease. Make sure it’s fully cooked if you want a quicker cooking time.
Pineapple Options: Canned pineapple works well and is convenient, but you can use fresh pineapple slices for an extra burst of flavor. If you want a more caramelized flavor, lightly sear the pineapple slices before baking.
Glaze Enhancement: Feel free to tweak the glaze according to your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for a hint of warmth or substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve this Ham and Pineapple Dinner with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Some excellent options include:

Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted potatoes, carrots, or green beans are fantastic for balancing out the sweet and savory flavors.
Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter meal, pair it with rice, quinoa, or a grain salad. The neutral base will soak up the delicious juices from the ham and pineapple.
Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the richness of the dish and add some brightness.

Storage and Leftovers:

This dish is great for leftovers! Store any remaining ham and pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. Leftover ham can also be used in sandwiches or added to scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast.

History and Background of Ham and Pineapple Pairing

The combination of ham and pineapple has a long culinary history and is often associated with dishes from the mid-20th century, especially in the United States. The sweet-and-savory pairing became widely popular due to its introduction in various Hawaiian-themed recipes. It’s a fusion of American and Polynesian flavors, with pineapple representing the tropical element while ham offers a rich, hearty protein base. The use of pineapple to add sweetness to meats was inspired by the Hawaiian cuisine’s love for tropical fruits and their integration into savory dishes.

Though frequently seen in dishes like Hawaiian Pizza (which famously sparked debates among food purists), the combination of ham and pineapple is embraced globally for its balanced flavor profile. The tanginess of the pineapple cuts through the richness of the ham, creating a complementary contrast that delights the palate.

Nutritional Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it can also provide nutritional benefits when prepared with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Ham: Ham is an excellent source of protein, providing the necessary amino acids for muscle repair and growth. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins like niacin and thiamin, which help with energy production and cell metabolism. Be mindful of the sodium content in ham, especially if it’s pre-cooked or cured.
Pineapple: Pineapple is not only a juicy, flavorful addition to this dish, but it’s also loaded with nutrients. Rich in vitamin C, pineapple helps support the immune system and promotes healthy skin. It also contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that aids in breaking down proteins and reducing inflammation.
Brown Sugar Glaze: While this adds sweetness, the glaze can be customized. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

How to Customize the Recipe

This Ham and Pineapple Dinner is extremely versatile and can be adapted to suit various preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few customization ideas to make the dish your own:

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: For those looking to eliminate meat, you can replace the ham with thick slices of tofu or seitan, which can also soak up the sweet glaze. You can marinate the tofu in the brown sugar and mustard glaze before baking to infuse it with flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the glaze for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the pineapple. The heat adds complexity and depth to the dish, making it even more exciting.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. Just be sure to check that the mustard and any pre-cooked ham are also certified gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Version: Ham can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium ham options or opt for a fresh, unsmoked ham that you can season to taste. You can also reduce or omit the salt in the glaze.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Presentation plays a huge role in making a dish feel special, even when it’s simple to make. Here are a few ideas to serve and present your Ham and Pineapple Dinner:

On a Platter: Arrange the ham slices on a large serving platter, topped with the caramelized pineapple slices. Drizzle the extra glaze over the top and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Pineapple Rings for Garnish: Use the pineapple rings not only as part of the recipe but also as a decorative element. Place them evenly on the ham or around the edges of the serving dish to create a beautiful presentation.
Sides: Pair this dish with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a light citrus salad to complement the sweet and savory notes of the ham and pineapple. The freshness of a salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy slaw would add a contrasting texture and flavor.
Holiday Appeal: If serving this during the holidays, consider decorating the platter with additional festive elements like orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or even cranberries for a holiday touch. It makes the meal feel celebratory and perfect for the occasion.

Leftover Ideas

If you have leftovers from this meal, don’t let them go to waste! Here are a few creative ways to use the ham and pineapple:

Ham and Pineapple Fried Rice: Dice the leftover ham and pineapple and stir-fry them with cold rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs for a quick, savory fried rice dish.
Hawaiian Pizza: Add the leftover ham and pineapple to a pizza with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a classic Hawaiian-style pizza.
Ham and Pineapple Sandwich: Make a delicious sandwich with leftover ham and pineapple. Toast some bread, add cheese (like Swiss or Cheddar), and finish it with mustard or mayo for a tasty lunch.
Salad Topper: Chop up the ham and pineapple and use them as a topping for a green salad with a light dressing for a fresh, tropical twist.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that pineapple is considered a symbol of hospitality and friendship? This tradition began in colonial America when pineapples were rare and considered a luxury. Hostesses would use pineapples as the centerpiece for a dinner party to symbolize the warm welcome of their guests.

Incorporating pineapple into meals can give your gatherings that extra touch of warmth and hospitality, making it a wonderful ingredient for special family dinners and celebrations.

Conclusion:

The Ham and Pineapple Dinner is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress with its satisfying combination of tender ham and caramelized pineapple. Plus, the leftovers offer endless possibilities for creative meals!