Easy Hawaiian Ham and Rice Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly more complex flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the rice.

These aromatics complement the pineapple and soy sauce beautifully, adding depth to the overall profile of the dish without complicating the preparation process.

If the top of the rice appears to be drying out before the bottom is fully cooked, you can cover the dish with a piece of aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. This helps trap the steam and ensures the rice on the surface cooks at the same rate as the rice submerged in the sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Hawaiian Bake: Add one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the rice. This provides a gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Incorporate one cup of frozen peas and carrots into the dish when adding the ham. The vegetables cook perfectly alongside the rice, adding color, texture, and additional nutrients to the final meal without requiring any extra cooking steps.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering and refrigerating.

Freezer

This dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to the rice to help restore its fluffy texture and prevent it from sticking together.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can assemble the base of rice and ham in the baking dish ahead of time. Keep the sauce mixture in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, pour the sauce over the rice, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold ingredients, and proceed as directed.

Serving ideas

Serve this Hawaiian ham and rice bake directly from the baking dish for a casual, comforting presentation.

Because it is a complete meal, it pairs well with a simple side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to add a fresh, crunchy element that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the ham.

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the top with an extra sprinkling of fresh green onions or even a few toasted sesame seeds just before bringing it to the table.

The vibrant green color of the onions against the amber-hued rice makes the dish look as good as it tastes, perfect for a family-style dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Hawaiian Ham and Rice Bake

Prep 10 minCook 40 minRest 5 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice, dry
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup pineapple tidbits, drained
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large rectangular ceramic baking dish, spread the dry long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom. Scatter the diced cooked ham over the layer of dry rice, ensuring it is distributed well throughout the dish to provide flavor in every bite.
2. In a glass pitcher, combine the chicken broth, drained pineapple tidbits, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture well until the brown sugar has dissolved into the liquid. Pour this sauce mixture carefully over the rice and ham in the baking dish, ensuring all the rice is submerged in the liquid.
3. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Once removed from the oven, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top of the hot dish. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

12 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

6.5 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.