Description
This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a tender, sweet, and irresistibly juicy holiday-style dish made easy in the slow cooker. With caramelized pineapple, warm spices, and a rich brown sugar glaze, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or any special family meal.
Introduction
Slow cooker ham is one of the easiest and most reliable recipes you can make. Just place everything in the crock pot, cover, and let the slow cooking process create a beautifully glazed ham with almost no effort. The combination of pineapple, honey, and brown sugar ensures every slice is flavorful, moist, and perfectly caramelized.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. It uses simple ingredients, cooks itself, and fills your home with the aroma of sweet pineapple and savory ham. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a festive dinner, this ham turns any meal into something special.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked spiral-cut ham: 1 (6–8 lb)
- Brown sugar: 1 cup
- Pineapple slices with juice: 1 (20 oz) can
- Honey: ½ cup
- Ground cloves (optional): ¼ teaspoon
Instructions Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Arrange the Ham
Place the ham flat-side down inside the slow cooker. This helps it stay moist while cooking.
Step 3: Add Pineapple
Open the can of pineapple and pour the juice directly over the ham. Lay the pineapple slices over the top and around the sides of the ham.
Step 4: Add Sweet Glaze
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the ham. Drizzle the honey on top. If you want a warm, holiday spice flavor, sprinkle a small amount of ground cloves over the ham.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized. Every hour, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom for the best flavor and moisture.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove the ham from the crock pot, slice if needed, and spoon the sweet pineapple glaze over the top before serving.
Tips for the Best Ham
Use spiral-cut ham for easy serving and maximum flavor absorption. Basting the ham every hour helps it stay juicy and flavorful. For a thicker glaze, simmer the juices in a small pot for a few minutes until reduced.
Variations
If you prefer a deeper flavor, replace half the honey with maple syrup. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. For a tangy twist, mix in a splash of orange juice with the pineapple juice.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
This ham pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, mac and cheese, or a fresh holiday salad. Serve warm with extra pineapple glaze spooned over each slice.
FAQs
Can I cook the ham on HIGH?
Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for 2–3 hours, but LOW is best for keeping the ham tender and preventing it from drying out.
Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely. Boneless or bone-in both work well. Cooking times stay almost the same.
Should I cover the ham fully with glaze?
Not necessary. The steam inside the crock pot will circulate the flavors, and basting will help coat the ham evenly.
Can I thicken the glaze?
Yes. Transfer the juices to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a foolproof, delicious main dish that transforms simple ingredients into a beautifully glazed, sweet, savory centerpiece. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, it delivers impressive flavor with minimal work.