This sweet and tangy Pineapple Sauce for Ham is a condiment fit for any holiday menu. It’s made with a handful of ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes. Serve it with roast and spiral cut ham, or other pork and chicken dishes. Family and friends will love how the salty-sweet combo takes the main dish to the next level.
In this article you'll learn:
- How to make a quick pineapple sauce for ham with balanced sweet, tangy, and savory flavor that complements smoky holiday ham.
- That 15-minutes on the stove, using pantry ingredients, makes a delicious sauce, with make-ahead tips for keeping it in the refrigerator for several days.
- Serving ideas beyond roast ham, including pork, chicken, and rice bowls, making this a versatile sauce to use year-round.
- Practical tips on ingredient swaps, spice variations, and texture choices so the sauce fits different meals, preferences, and holiday tables.
Generated with AI and experts from the Tara Teaspoon team.
This was a sleeper hit!
My family DEVOURED it! We had to make another batch to serve with the ham leftovers, and that was gone in minutes as well!
When it comes to the holidays (especially Easter and Christmas!), ham is an obvious choice for the main dish. I wanted to create a new sauce for my roast ham, but wanted it quick and easy, and not overly sweet like some brown sugar glazes. And this pineapple sauce is now a MUST-HAVE at the table.
Ham makes a gorgeous presentation, and it also pairs well with sweet and fruity condiments, like this Cranberry BBQ Sauce. You just can't go wrong with classics like Roast Ham with Spiced Honey Glaze, Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Brown Sugar Glaze, or traditional pineapple roast ham.
Classic pineapple ham sauce, reinvented
In the spirit of keeping things sweet and fruity, I was inspired to put a new twist on a classic pineapple ham with this easy holiday pineapple sauce recipe.
You might be more familiar with pureed pineapple sauce that is more like gravy or smooth sauce. This recipe uses larger slices of pineapple for delicious bursts of flavor and pretty presentation.
You'll come back to this sauce for ham year after year and here's why:
- Quick and easy: This beginner-friendly recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is made from common ingredients.
- Make-ahead recipe: Plus, it's an ideal choice for busy weeknight and holiday meal prepping. You can make it up to 5 days in advance!
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: This sauce is perfectly balanced with both sweet and savory flavors that naturally enhance the rich, smoky flavor of ham.
If you love sweet condiments with savory meats, try the sauces used in the following recipes: Brisket With Fruit And Wine Sauce, Lamb Meatballs With Apricot Glaze, and Baby Lamb Chops with Two Dipping Sauces.
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Ingredients and substitutions
If you are ready to get started, check out these tips to help you gather your ingredients. See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
- Pineapple rings: Make sure to reserve the juice! YES, you can use pineapple chunks, or even pineapple tidbits, but I love that the rings let you cut any size you want, and they make a great presentation.
- Brown sugar: Use dark or light brown sugar. The caramelized flavor really brings out the sweetness of the pineapple and is a must for both the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: You can also use red wine vinegar.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat to the sauce. Omit if sensitive to spice.
How to make pineapple sauce for ham
This recipe is very easy to put together. Check out this step-by-step tutorial to get familiar with the process. See recipe card for comprehensive directions.
- Step 1: Drain the pineapple juice into a measuring cup, and set it aside for later.
- Step 2: Chop the pineapple rings into halves or smaller pieces, and set them aside as well.
- Step 3: Add all of the sauce ingredients (except the cut pineapple) to a skillet and mix until combined.
- Step 4: Add the cut pineapple.
- Step 5: Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Step 6: Keep boiling for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce has thickened a little.
Hint: Don't be afraid of the red pepper flakes. Adding ⅛ teaspoon doesn’t add much, if any, heat. It adds just enough lovely sweet and spicy taste!
Tara's top tips
I use garlic powder and red pepper flakes in this sauce. They both add a little savory pep without overpowering the pineapple.
You can try adding other spices to make this sauce your own. Try a dash of cinnamon or ground ginger, or savory additions like ground coriander or even smoked paprika to enhance the smokiness of the ham.
Leave the pineapple rings whole for a different presentation! I love them cut into halves or thirds because I think it looks pretty to serve, but the beauty of using pineapple rings is you can style this sauce any way you like.
Serving pineapple sauce
I love serving this sauce with a shank cut roast ham. I can carve juicy pieces off the bone before taking it to the table with the pineapple sauce.
However, this sauce is fantastic with any ham! Get an easy-to-cook spiral cut ham, or your favorite cuts of roast ham from the deli to heat in your slow cooker. Whatever ham recipe you choose this sauce should be quite complimentary!
It's also amazing served over grilled or baked chicken or pork tenderloin. Or, serve it with sautéed chicken and vegetables over rice for a fun variation of sweet and sour chicken.
Use the pineapple sauce for dipping or as a replacement for the sauces in the recipes below:
Storage and make-ahead
Fridge: Leftover sauce should be placed in an airtight container and kept refrigerated (up to 5 days). It can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make-ahead: Feel free to make your sauce in advance. It will keep chilled for up to 5 days. Simply reheat before serving with your meal. This sauce does not fare well in the freezer.
FAQ
From a flavor standpoint, pineapple brings a sweet, acidic contrast to rich, salty ham. It can also help to tenderize the meat when it's cooked on the outside of the ham.
Ham is naturally salty and smoky. It's best to pair it with a glaze or sauce that will bring a little sweetness to the meat. I like to use a Spiced Honey Glaze, Pomegranate Brown Sugar Glaze, and of course, this pineapple sauce!
You can use fresh pineapple! If you do you will need to purchase canned pineapple juice since you won't be getting any from the can of pineapple rings. Note that the fresh pineapple will have more bite and texture since it hasn't been cooked and canned.
I don't recommend reducing the sugar in this recipe. I added just enough to sweeten the sauce and help create the viscosity (texture) of the sauce. If you need to go sugar-free, simply serve chopped fresh pineapple over your ham. This sauce needs the brown sugar!
More holiday main dish recipes
Make your celebration extra special! Try these classic main dishes paired with sweet or fruity condiments:
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📖 Full Recipe
Pineapple Sauce for Ham
Ingredients
- 1 can (20-ounces) pineapple rings (juice reserved)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (your preference)
Instructions
- Drain the juice from the canned pineapple into a bowl or large glass measuring cup. You will have almost 1 cup of juice. Set aside.
- Leave pineapple rings whole, cut in half, or into various sized pieces (your preference!); set aside.
- In a nonstick skillet or large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the reserved pineapple juice, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, Dijon, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic powder and red pepper flakes and whisk to mix.
- Add the cut pineapple. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened and the pineapple is heated through.
- If using immediately, transfer to a serving dish. If you are waiting for the ham to roast, cover the pan and set aside for up to 2 hours. Gently reheat before serving.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat to serve.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!
Mia says
We LOVED this recipe when Tara was here developing it! It has just a tiny kick mixed with the glorious sweetness of the pineapple and sugar! FANTASTIC!
Tara Teaspoon Admin says
Thanks for commenting! It's that tiny kick that really takes it over the top. So yummy!