Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Say aloha to a burst of sweet and savory flavor with Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers! This colorful, crowd-pleasing dish marries juicy pineapple with tender ham and a glossy teriyaki-honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. Whether you’re throwing a backyard barbecue, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or just chasing the flavors of the islands, these skewers deliver summer-in-a-bite every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers is just how fun and effortless their ingredient list is. Every item adds something crucial—whether it’s a pop of color, an irresistible sweetness, or a savory bite that makes every skewer feel special.

• Cooked ham, cubed: Pick a firm, flavorful ham—thick-cut works best for perfect bites that hold up on the skewer.
• Fresh pineapple, cubed: Nothing compares to the juicy bite and natural sweetness of fresh pineapple (canned works in a pinch, but fresh is brighter and more colorful).
• Teriyaki sauce: This savory, tangy glaze is what ties everything together—choose a thick, robust sauce that clings to the ham and pineapple.
• Honey: This boosts sweetness and helps the edges caramelize for those dreamy golden grill marks.
• Wooden skewers: Always soak these in water before grilling to keep them from burning and splintering.

How to Make Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for preventing them from scorching, especially if you’re using a hot grill or broiler. The water works as a shield, letting you focus on achieving those perfect caramelized edges on the ham and pineapple.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce and honey until fully combined. This glossy, thick glaze is the secret flavor booster for your Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers. Don’t be shy about taste-testing: the balance of salty-sweet should make you want to use a spoon on its own!

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

Now comes the fun part—building your skewers! Alternate chunks of ham and pineapple, pushing them close together so the flavors meld as they grill. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give each piece a little room so they cook evenly and caramelize. Get creative with the pattern for a dazzling presentation.

Step 4: Brush with Glaze

Generously brush the teriyaki-honey mixture over every inch of the skewers. Don’t forget the sides. This first glazing creates a sticky surface that will char beautifully once it hits the grill, locking in all those sweet-and-savory flavors.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to medium heat. Lay the skewers down and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, turning occasionally. You’re looking for those irresistible caramelized grill marks and juicy edges. The ham should sizzle while the pineapple sweetens and gets golden. Brush with more glaze as they cook for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once your Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers are perfectly caramelized, transfer them to a platter and serve while still sizzling. The aroma will draw everyone to the table before you can even shout “Dinner’s ready!”

How to Serve Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Garnishes

Pile your skewers high and scatter some thinly sliced green onions or freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal lift. Sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and just a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce gives that glossy, party-ready finish.

Side Dishes

These dreamy skewers pair perfectly with coconut rice, a tangy Asian slaw, or a vibrant salad of cucumbers and red bell peppers for crunch. Sweet potato fries or even simple buttered corn on the cob will round things out for a truly tropical meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping platter, arrange the Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers on a bed of lettuce leaves, and serve with mini bowls of extra dipping sauce. Or, pop the skewers upright in a hollowed-out pineapple half for a true luau presentation guaranteed to wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers (rare, but possible!), simply slide the ham and pineapple chunks off the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, ready for a quick snack or salad topper.

Freezing

Both the ham and pineapple freeze well! Arrange the cooled skewer ingredients on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy a spontaneous Hawaiian-inspired meal any time.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the pieces on a baking sheet and pop into a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Or, give them a quick zap in the microwave for lunches on the go. If you have some extra teriyaki sauce, drizzle it on just before serving to freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh pineapple creates a firmer, juicier bite, canned pineapple chunks are super convenient and will still deliver tasty Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before threading onto skewers.

What’s the best ham for this recipe?

Opt for a fully cooked, thick-cut ham steak or leftover holiday ham. Anything that holds its shape in cubes works beautifully. Smoky, honey-glazed, or even black forest varieties all complement the pineapple perfectly.

Do I need an outdoor grill?

No grill, no problem! A stovetop grill pan or even the broiler setting on your oven can get you those delicious caramelized edges. Just watch closely, as the sugars in the glaze can brown quickly indoors.

Can I make Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap in firm tofu or large mushroom chunks in place of the ham. Marinate them in a bit of teriyaki sauce before threading for even more flavor. The rest of the steps stay exactly the same.

How should I keep my skewers from sticking to the grill?

Lightly oil your grill grates just before cooking, and let your skewers sit at room temperature for a minute before placing them on. This, paired with the sticky teriyaki glaze, should ensure those Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers lift off with those beautiful grill marks intact!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving big, playful flavors and an irresistible mix of juicy, salty, and sweet, you simply can’t go wrong with Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers. They’re a breeze to make and even more fun to eat, so break out the grill and let your tastebuds take a vacation! Give them a try and watch them disappear—this is one recipe you’ll want to share again and again.

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