How to Make Delicious Pineapple Sauce for Ham

Pineapple sauce is a classic accompaniment for baked ham The sweet and tangy flavor perfectly complements the salty, smoky ham While you can buy canned pineapple sauce, making it from scratch is simple and allows you to control the consistency and flavor.

This easy homemade pineapple sauce strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity to glaze a ham. It comes together in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. You can also customize it to your tastes with spices herbs or other add-ins.

Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to make flavorful pineapple sauce for ham at home.

Benefits of Homemade Pineapple Sauce

Making your own pineapple sauce offers several advantages:

• Control the flavor – Adjust sweetness, tanginess and spices to your taste

• Control the texture – Make it as thick or thin as you prefer

• Use fresh ingredients – Start with quality canned pineapple

• Make just what you need – No leftovers going to waste

• Save money – Costs a fraction of store-bought

• Fun add-ins – Personalize with unique ingredients

• Complements ham – Sweet, tangy flavor balances salty ham

With just a few basic ingredients and 10 minutes, you can make the perfect pineapple sauce.

Tips for Making Pineapple Sauce

Follow these tips for best results when making homemade pineapple sauce:

• Use canned crushed pineapple in juice for texture and flavor. Drain and reserve juice.

• Cook over medium-low heat to avoid scorching or boiling over.

• Stir frequently as sauce thickens to prevent sticking or burning.

• Add pineapple tidbits at the end for sweet bursts of flavor.

• Thin with reserved pineapple juice to reach desired consistency.

• Season with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger or cloves.

• For tang, add lime juice, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

• Stir in a pat of butter at the end for richness.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice
• 1⁄2 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
• Pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Drain pineapple in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl to catch juice. Reserve juice.

2. Add drained pineapple, brown sugar and spices (if using) to a saucepan.

3. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.

4. Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in butter (if using) and vinegar or lime juice.

5. Thin to desired consistency with reserved pineapple juice.

6. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve sauce warm over sliced ham.

That’s all there is to it! Let the pineapple sauce cool completely before storing any leftovers in the fridge.

Customizing Your Pineapple Sauce

Once you master the basic recipe, try these variations:

• Add minced ginger, garlic, jalapeño or shallots.

• Use orange, apple or pineapple juices for thinning.

• Splash in rum, whiskey, wine or fruit liqueur.

• Swap brown sugar for honey, maple syrup or agave.

• Garnish with fresh mint, cilantro or shredded coconut.

• Stir in mustard, curry powder, five-spice or cayenne pepper.

• Mix in chopped pineapple, mango, berries or citrus zest.

The possibilities are endless for crafting your own unique pineapple sauce to complement baked ham or other dishes. Get creative with ingredients you have on hand to put your own stamp on this versatile condiment.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Sauce

While pineapple sauce is best known as a topping for ham, don’t stop there. Try serving it with:

• Baked or grilled chicken

• Coconut shrimp

• Pork chops or tenderloin

• Meatballs

• Sweet potato fries

• Cheesecake

• Pound cake

• Ice cream

• Angel food cake

Drizzle or dollop the sweet and tangy sauce over both savory and sweet foods for a burst of tropical flavor.

Answers to Common Pineapple Sauce Questions

How long does it take to make pineapple sauce?

This easy homemade sauce takes just 10 minutes to prepare on the stovetop. Simply simmer until thickened and season to taste.

Can you use fresh pineapple?

It’s best to use canned crushed pineapple since the enzyme in fresh pineapple can make meat mushy.

How do you thicken pineapple sauce?

Simmer to reduce liquid and thicken. For an extra-thick sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with reserved juice before adding.

How long does pineapple sauce last?

Store homemade pineapple sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Enjoy the Best Homemade Pineapple Sauce

With this simple recipe, you can quickly make fresh, flavorful pineapple sauce from scratch any time. The sweet and tangy sauce is the ideal complement for a beautiful baked ham. But it also gives a tropical twist to everything from chicken to cheesecake.

Customize the sauce to your tastes and enjoy it all season long. You may never go back to plain ham again after tasting how amazing it is with homemade pineapple sauce!