Easy Hawaiian Ham and Rice Bake

Discover the effortless way to make a hearty, sweet, and savory Hawaiian-style dinner that the whole family will love.

This one-pan rice bake relies on simple pantry staples to create a comforting meal with minimal effort, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with very little cleanup required.

The beauty of this Hawaiian ham and rice bake lies in its simplicity and the harmonious balance of flavors. By combining the saltiness of cooked ham with the natural sweetness of pineapple and the savory depth of soy sauce, this dish creates a delicious amber-colored sauce that infuses the rice as it cooks.

It is an ideal recipe for those who appreciate a straightforward cooking method that delivers consistent, satisfying results every single time.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The method of baking the rice directly in the sauce ensures that every grain absorbs the savory and sweet flavors of the broth, soy sauce, and pineapple. This absorption technique eliminates the need for precooking the rice, which significantly reduces total preparation time and keeps the kitchen workflow efficient.

Using a single baking dish for the entire process simplifies both the cooking and the cleaning stages. The ingredients are layered in a specific order to ensure the rice cooks evenly while the ham and pineapple become tender and caramelized, creating a cohesive dish that is ready to serve straight from the oven.

Notes and substitutions

For the best results, use a long-grain white rice variety, as it maintains a nice texture and does not become overly mushy during the extended baking time.

If using a different type of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, the cooking time and liquid ratio may need slight adjustments to ensure the final dish has the desired consistency.

A standard 9x13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. Ensure the dish is deep enough to accommodate the rice and liquid without spilling over.

If the sauce does not fully cover the rice, lightly stir the ingredients once more before placing the dish into the oven to achieve a uniform cook.

• chicken broth: vegetable broth or even a light beef broth for a deeper flavor profile
• diced ham: cooked diced pork loin or leftover roasted pork shoulder

Equipment

• 9x13 inch rectangular baking dish
• glass pitcher
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• serving spoon