Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple Recipe

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, creating a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth holiday dish or special dinner. With minimal effort required, the slow cooker does all the work for you. The brown sugar and pineapple create a rich, caramelized glaze that’s simply irresistible on tender ham. It’s a hassle-free way to prepare a memorable meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is a fuss-free recipe that yields incredible results. The slow cooking process infuses the ham with flavor, while the brown sugar and pineapple create a sweet, tangy glaze that coats the meat perfectly. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, yet it’s impressive enough for a holiday dinner or a weeknight feast. You can sit back, relax, and let the slow cooker work its magic while your home fills with the mouthwatering aroma of this dish.

Ingredients

this recipe

• 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in ham (fully cooked)
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the ham: Start by placing the ham in the slow cooker. If the ham is large, you may need to trim off a small portion to fit it properly.
2. Make the glaze: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, crushed pineapple (with juice), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Pour the glaze: Pour the glaze over the ham in the slow cooker, making sure to coat it evenly. If necessary, spoon some of the glaze over the ham periodically while it cooks.
4. Cook the ham: Cover and cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is thick and bubbly. If your ham is particularly large, you may need to extend the cooking time. If using a precooked ham, be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.
5. Baste and glaze: Every hour or so, spoon some of the glaze over the top of the ham to ensure it stays moist and well-coated in the sauce.
6. Serve: Once the ham is heated through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized, remove the ham from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the pineapple glaze drizzled over the top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Use Ham Steaks: If you’re serving a smaller group or want individual portions, you can use bone-in ham steaks instead of a whole ham. Just adjust the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low.
• Add Brown Sugar Pineapple Rings: For extra flavor and presentation, add some pineapple rings on top of the ham before cooking. The pineapple will caramelize and become even sweeter during cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy twist on the classic sweet and savory flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze leftover ham for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag, along with some of the glaze. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover ham in a covered dish in the oven, adding some of the glaze to keep it moist. Heat at 325°F (165°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until the ham is heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless ham, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Boneless ham tends to cook faster, so keep an eye on it after about 3-4 hours.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh pineapple, you can chop it into small chunks and use it in place of the canned pineapple. Be sure to add some juice or water to help create the glaze.

3. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the ham in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and cook the ham for about 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze until heated through and caramelized.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and coat the ham in it a day ahead. Store the ham and glaze in the refrigerator, and cook it in the slow cooker the next day.

5. Can I make this recipe with a spiral-cut ham?

Yes, a spiral-cut ham works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to baste the ham frequently with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Can I use a honey glaze instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute honey for some or all of the brown sugar. This will give the ham a different kind of sweetness and a more pronounced honey flavor.

7. How do I know when the ham is done?

Since you’re using a fully cooked ham, you’re just heating it through and allowing the glaze to caramelize. When the ham is heated to your desired temperature (typically 140°F for reheated ham), it’s ready to serve.

8. Can I cook this ham on high heat in the slow cooker?

It’s best to cook this ham on low heat to prevent it from drying out. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but low heat is preferred for the most tender results.

9. Can I make this recipe without pineapple?

If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you can substitute it with apple juice or another fruit juice, or simply make a savory brown sugar glaze with mustard, vinegar, and spices.

10. Can I add other spices to the glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice, nutmeg, or even a touch of smoked paprika for a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is a simple, yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple creates a delicious glaze that infuses the ham with moisture and flavor. The slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this ham will surely be a hit!

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