Ham-Potato-Pineapple Bake
A hearty baked dish featuring tender ham layered with sweet potatoes and pineapple, infused with a tangy apple cider vinegar glaze and warm spices. This flavorful casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the ham steak.
- Place the ham in an 11 x 7 x 1/2-inch baking pan coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Arrange the drained and sliced sweet potatoes and pineapple over the ham.
- Combine the apple cider vinegar, dry mustard, and ground cloves in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until hot, then pour the mixture over the ham and vegetables.
- Cover the pan and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the sweet potatoes with canned pumpkin for a different flavor profile. You can also use honey or maple syrup in place of apple cider vinegar for added sweetness. Make sure to trim any excess fat from the ham steak to keep it lean, and if you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the vinegar mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Oven Roasted 'New' Potatoes for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the ham and sweet potatoes. For a festive touch, cranberry-orange salad can complement the flavors perfectly and brighten up the plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the bake in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions covered for a quick meal, but the oven method helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Potato-Pineapple Bake contains roughly 374 calories, with 9g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (139% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 39g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh sweet potatoes! Simply peel, slice, and pre-cook them until tender before layering them over the ham. This will enhance the dish's texture and flavor, making it even more delightful.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn't contain any wheat products. Just be sure to check the labels of your canned sweet potatoes and any cooking sprays to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What kind of ham is best for this recipe?
A lean, reduced-sodium center-cut ham steak works best for this recipe to keep it healthier. However, you can also use a spiral-cut ham for more flavor and ease of serving, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).