Smoked Pineapple-Ham Sliders with Chipotle Mayo
Tender, smoky pulled ham topped with a sweet pineapple glaze and a smoky chipotle mayo, served on mini brioche buns for a perfect summer sandwich. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 105 minutes turns pineapple juice, brown sugar, smoked paprika into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, bone-in, cut into 1-inch cubes smoked ham
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
- 4, split mini brioche buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 2 slices tomato
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb smoked ham cubes, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 90 minutes until ham is very tender.
- Step 2: Remove ham from pot and shred with two forks, then stir shredded ham back into the pot with cooking liquid until it forms a thick glaze. Set aside to cool.
- Step 3: Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1/2 tsp chipotle powder until smooth. Spread 1 tablespoon of chipotle mayo on each bun bottom.
- Step 4: Place 1/4 cup of pulled ham on each bun, top with 1/4 cup shredded lettuce and 2 tomato slices, then cover with bun top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Pineapple-Ham Sliders with Chipotle Mayo take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smoked Pineapple-Ham Sliders with Chipotle Mayo?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Pineapple-Ham Sliders with Chipotle Mayo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smoked Pineapple-Ham Sliders with Chipotle Mayo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smoked Pineapple-Ham Sliders with Chipotle Mayo?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
