If you’re looking for a quick, sweet-and-savory dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough to make on a Tuesday, this Pineapple Ham Steaks recipe is it.
You get that caramelized pineapple goodness, smoky ham, and a sticky brown sugar glaze—all ready in under 20 minutes.
It’s one of those meals that smells incredible while cooking and looks like you put way more effort into it than you actually did.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for nights when I want something satisfying and flavorful but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen. I grew up eating ham steaks with canned pineapple, and it still makes me feel like home. The sweet glaze balances the saltiness of the ham, and when the pineapple starts to caramelize, it’s just magic.
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- Great for using leftover ham
- Feels tropical and cozy at the same time
- Pairs well with rice, potatoes, or even just a salad
What You’ll Need
- 2 boneless ham steaks (about ½ inch thick, approx. 1.5 lb total)
- 4 pineapple rings (canned or fresh, about ¼-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from can or fresh)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Servings & Time
Serves: 4
Total Time: 20 minutes
Pro Tips
- Let the ham steaks come to room temp for 10 minutes before cooking for even searing
- Use canned pineapple rings if you’re short on time—just make sure they’re well-drained
- Don’t skip the Dijon mustard—it gives the glaze a little tang that balances the sweetness
- If the glaze thickens too quickly, just lower the heat and stir constantly
- Wipe out the pan between batches if needed so the glaze doesn’t burn
Tools You’ll Need
- Large non-stick or cast iron skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl for glaze
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cutting board (for parsley, optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- No pineapple juice? Use orange juice or apple juice
- No brown sugar? Maple syrup or honey works too
- Want it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze
- Using fresh pineapple? Just slice it into ¼-inch rounds and core out the middle
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the glaze a few days ahead—just mix the brown sugar, butter, pineapple juice, mustard, and pepper in a small saucepan and refrigerate. Reheat gently before using.
How to Make Pineapple Ham Steaks
Step 1: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Sear the Ham Steaks
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 2 ham steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and heated through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Caramelize the Pineapple
In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon butter. Add 4 pineapple rings and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized.
Step 4: Add Glaze
Pour the glaze into the skillet with the pineapple. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Return Ham to Pan
Add the ham steaks back to the skillet. Spoon the glaze and pineapple over the top. Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes more until coated and hot.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to a round white dinner plate, spoon pineapple and glaze over the top, and garnish with chopped parsley if using. Serve hot.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts
- Great sliced up in sandwiches or with eggs the next day
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Ham is already cooked, so we’re just searing it for flavor and color. The sugar in the glaze caramelizes quickly in the butter, giving it that rich, sticky texture. Pineapple contains bromelain, which naturally tenderizes meat and also adds that bright acidity to cut through the saltiness of the ham.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much heat – The sugar can burn quickly. Medium heat is perfect
- Not draining the pineapple – Extra juice will water down the glaze
- Crowding the pan – Work in batches if needed so you get good caramelization
- Skipping the rest time – Let the ham sit for a minute after cooking so juices settle
What to Serve With
- Steamed white rice or coconut rice
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Cornbread
- Simple arugula salad
FAQ
Can I use bone-in ham steaks?
Yes, just make sure they fit in your skillet and adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe sweet?
Yes, it has a sweet glaze, but the mustard and pepper balance it nicely.
Can I grill the ham instead?
Totally. Just make the glaze separately and brush it on while grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple Ham Steaks recipe is the kind of meal that makes a regular night feel a little special. It’s quick, tastes amazing, and looks beautiful on the plate. If you give this one a try, let me know how it went in the comments. I’d love to hear what you served it with or if you made any fun twists!