Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers Recipe

Juicy, salty, and sweet, Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers bring together the irresistible flavors of tropical fruit and savory ham in every bite. These colorful skewers are perfect for backyard barbecues, quick weeknight meals, or whenever you crave a sunny burst of island flavor. The char from the grill, sticky teriyaki glaze, and vibrant pineapples just sing together, making this dish one you’ll return to all summer long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about simple ingredients coming together to create an unforgettable dish. Each element in this recipe adds its own special touch—flavor, color, and texture—that make these skewers stand out at any gathering.

• Cooked ham, cubed: Use high-quality ham for the perfect balance of smoky flavor and meaty texture.
• Fresh pineapple, cubed: Fresh pineapple adds juicy sweetness and stunning color—skip the canned variety if possible for best results.
• Teriyaki sauce: This brings a bold, sweet-and-savory punch that instantly elevates the skewers and helps caramelize everything on the grill.
• Honey: Just a touch makes the glaze sticky and glossy, and helps the edges of the ham and pineapple caramelize beautifully.
• Wooden skewers: Soaking them prevents burning and makes assembling Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers a snap.

How to Make Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Begin by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. Don’t skip this step—soaked skewers resist burning on the grill, keeping everything intact as your Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers cook to juicy perfection.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce and honey. This two-ingredient glaze couldn’t be easier, and it packs so much flavor into every bite. The honey helps the sauce cling to the ham and pineapple and creates delicious caramelized edges on the grill.

Step 3: Skewer the Ingredients

Alternate threading cubes of ham and pineapple onto your soaked wooden skewers. Don’t worry about being too precise—a little variety on each skewer makes every bite fun and delicious. Make sure to leave a bit of space in between pieces so the grill heat can work its magic on all sides.

Step 4: Brush with Teriyaki Mixture

Generously brush your assembled Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers with the teriyaki and honey glaze. This step adds flavor and helps everything get beautifully sticky and golden as it cooks.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on a preheated grill over medium-high heat. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even caramelization. Watch as the pineapple chars at the edges and the glaze bubbles—these are the hallmarks of truly mouthwatering skewers!

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Remove the finished skewers from the grill and serve them right away while they’re hot, sticky, and irresistibly tender. The combination of caramelized fruit, savory ham, and that teriyaki sweetness is genuinely unbeatable.

How to Serve Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers

Garnishes

Brighten things up even more by finishing your plate with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds. For a spicy kick, add a light drizzle of sriracha—each garnish brings a new dimension to your Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with simple coconut rice, a crisp green salad, or even grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. They also shine alongside classic barbecue sides like coleslaw or potato salad. Balance is key—let these savory-sweet skewers be the star while the sides provide freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful, island-inspired party tray, serve Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers on a bed of leafy greens with wedges of lime. Or, try mini skewers as festive appetizer bites—your guests will love the color and flavor in one easy grab-and-go snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to three days and make a delicious quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked (and completely cooled) skewers. Lay them in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll retain their texture and flavor for up to two months. Be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers in the oven or on a grill at medium heat until thoroughly warmed and the glaze is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible—the grill or oven keeps everything juicy and prevents the pineapple from turning mushy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Fresh pineapple is best for both texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, drained canned pineapple chunks work too—just blot them dry so they char and caramelize instead of steaming.

Are there good alternatives to ham for the skewers?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cooked chicken, turkey, or even extra-firm tofu if you’d like a different protein. The teriyaki-honey glaze brings everything together just as deliciously.

Is it possible to bake rather than grill Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers?

Yes, you can bake them in a 425°F oven on a lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, turning once and brushing with more glaze halfway through. You’ll miss a bit of that smoky char, but the flavor is still fantastic!

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Definitely—assemble the skewers up to a day in advance, brush with glaze, and cover tightly in the fridge. Grill them just before serving for the freshest results.

How do I keep the skewers from sticking to the grill?

Start with a clean, well-oiled grill and let it preheat thoroughly before adding the skewers. This, along with that sticky glaze, helps everything release easily while charring beautifully.

Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—vividly colorful, insanely flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Bring them to your next cookout, or throw them together for a quick weeknight dinner, and enjoy a tropical escape any time of year!

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