These brown sugar ham bites are versatile enough to serve in several ways. As an appetizer, I like to pile them into a shallow bowl or small cast-iron skillet and set out toothpicks alongside a platter of sliced sharp cheddar, pickles, and crackers. For something more substantial, serve the ham bites over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles so the sweet-savory sauce has something to soak into. They also work well tucked into soft slider buns with a bit of coleslaw for crunch. On the side, think simple and bright: a vinegar-based slaw, roasted green beans, or a crisp green salad with a mustardy dressing to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Ingredients

2 to 2 1/2 pounds fully cooked boneless ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup pineapple juice (or apple juice)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard, if preferred)

Directions

Prepare the ham: Trim any excess fat from the ham if desired, then cut the ham into roughly 1-inch cubes. Aim for fairly even pieces so they heat and glaze at the same rate.