Hawaiian Ham And Rice Casserole
A sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired casserole combining ham, rice, fruits, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or potlucks with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine, melted ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz to 15 1/2 oz) small can apricots, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4-slice) small can pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup diced green pepper ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked ham, cut up ⓘ
- 1 cup raw rice, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine honey, melted margarine, prepared mustard, soy sauce, and diced green pepper.
- Mix well; add drained apricots, pineapple chunks, sliced water chestnuts, cooked ham, and cooked rice.
- Toss lightly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Turn the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Serve hot, and leftovers can be enjoyed cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding some crushed red pepper for heat or substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. You can also replace the green pepper with sautéed onions for a richer flavor. Ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the mix, as this will help maintain the right texture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside some Avocado Deviled Eggs as an appetizer. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Ham And Rice Casserole contains roughly 821 calories, with 12g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2271mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to cook it separately until tender before adding it to the casserole, as the cooking time in the oven may not be sufficient for brown rice.
What can I substitute for the ham?
If you want a lighter option, consider using turkey or chicken instead of ham. You could also skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version and add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure all canned ingredients, like the water chestnuts, are also gluten-free by checking the labels.
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).