This Hawaiian Dip instantly takes me back to Maui. The creamy, slightly sweet mixture of chopped ham and juicy pineapple tastes like a little island escape.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients Needed for this Recipe
- Add-In Ideas
- How to Make Hawaiian Dip
- Expert Tips
- Storage
- Recipe FAQs
- Do you love appetizer recipes? Try these…
- Hawaiian Ham Dip Recipe
I first tasted a version of this Hawaiian Dip on a trip to Hawaii in 1994 and have been making it ever since. It’s a favorite at summer gatherings and is easy to prepare year-round thanks to canned pineapple.
Simple, quick, and crowd-pleasing, it’s the kind of appetizer you’ll be asked to bring again and again.
Ingredients Needed for this Recipe
- Ham – Leftover diced ham works great. A ham steak, lunch meat, or even chopped bacon are good alternatives.
- Pineapple – Use pineapple tidbits, crushed pineapple, or chop pineapple rings so the pieces are similar in size to the ham. Fresh pineapple is excellent in summer.
- Cream Cheese – The base of the dip; softened cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture.
- Green Onion – Adds a mild savory bite when mixed into the dip and sprinkled on top. Chives are a fine substitute.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and additional details.
Add-In Ideas
This dip echoes the flavors of Hawaiian pizza, and you can easily customize it. Try adding 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, diced bell pepper, chopped celery, or other ingredients you have on hand for texture and extra flavor.
How to Make Hawaiian Dip
Step 1 – In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pineapple juice and the spices. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 2 – Fold in the chopped ham, pineapple and sliced green onion until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3 – Stir until pineapple, green onion and ham are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
Step 4 – Garnish if desired and serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Expert Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and best texture.
- This is an excellent make-ahead dip — chilling improves the flavors. It’s often best on day two or three.
- Serve creatively: it’s delicious with crackers, on tortillas, or even spread on sandwiches.
Storage
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Recipe FAQs
Freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of the cream cheese and pineapple changes after freezing, so this dip is best enjoyed within a few days.
Do you love appetizer recipes? Try these…
Appetizers
Easy Hawaiian Dip Recipe {with ham}
Sandwiches/Burgers
The Best Brown Sugar Ham and Cheese Sliders
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Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball
Appetizers
Easy Bruschetta Dip with Creamy Ricotta Recipe
Did you make this? Leave a review and share your experience!
Hawaiian Ham Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons pineapple juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup ham, chopped
- ¼ cup pineapple, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, pineapple juice and spices. Use the back of a spoon or a hand mixer to blend until smooth.
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Fold in the chopped ham and pineapple, stirring until evenly incorporated. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with crackers. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Use pineapple tidbits to skip chopping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used as a guide.