The Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is a game-changer for any get-together or holiday feast. Imagine a tender, juicy ham slowly cooked to perfection, bathed in a luscious glaze made from brown sugar and tangy pineapple. The combination of sweet and savory melds beautifully, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece that practically melts in your mouth. This recipe delivers all the flavor with minimal fuss, letting your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting while your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas. If you want a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, this slow-cooked ham is sure to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe shine. Each one plays a key role in building a rich, flavorful glaze and ensuring your ham stays moist and tender all day long.
- Fully cooked boneless ham (about 5 pounds): Choosing an unsliced ham keeps it juicy during slow cooking and yields perfect slices.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz, undrained): Adds bright, tropical sweetness and moisture to the glaze.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings deep caramel notes and balances the acidity with sweetness.
- Orange juice (3 tablespoons): Infuses fresh citrus flavor and brightens the glaze.
- Cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang to cut through the sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Provides mild heat and complexity to the glaze.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the glaze to perfection for clingy, luscious coverage.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the ham’s natural taste.
- Ground cloves (a pinch) or whole cloves (5-10): Optional warm spice that adds depth and a hint of festive aroma.
How to Make Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ham
Start by placing your boneless ham in a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker that has been lightly greased. This step ensures the ham won’t stick to the sides and retains all those wonderful juices as it cooks. Make sure your ham is unsliced for the best tenderness throughout the process.
Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and the optional ground or whole cloves. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally until it’s bubbly and thickened. This glaze is what elevates your ham, infusing it with sweet and tangy layers of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the luscious glaze evenly over your ham in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat is what makes the ham incredibly tender. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F to guarantee it’s perfectly cooked. When done, remove the ham and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in all those juicy flavors.
How to Serve Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh pineapple slices or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can make your Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe visually stunning and add a nice freshness that complements the rich glaze. A few whole cloves stuck into the slices also offer a charming, rustic touch.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, pair your ham with classic comfort sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or buttery green beans. For a tropical twist, coconut rice or a fresh mango salsa can brighten the plate and echo the pineapple flavors in the glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your ham on a wooden cutting board surrounded by roasted vegetables creates an inviting, family-style vibe. For parties, slice the ham thin and arrange it on a platter for easy serving. Consider drizzling some reserved glaze over the slices for an elegant finishing touch that keeps the flavor front and center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover ham tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy delicious ham sandwiches or add to salads throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover ham slices by layering them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, the ham will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm ham slices gently in the microwave or cover and heat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Adding a spoonful of leftover glaze or a splash of water helps prevent the meat from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-sliced ham for this recipe?
It’s best to avoid pre-sliced hams because they tend to dry out in the slow cooker. Using a whole boneless ham ensures it stays juicy and tender throughout the long cooking process.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the glaze?
You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or flour to thicken the glaze, though cornstarch tends to give the best glossy finish and thickness.
Can I prepare this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the ham and glaze in the slow cooker insert the night before, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just set your slow cooker to low and let it do its magic.
What if I don’t have slow cooker settings labeled LOW or HIGH?
Most slow cookers have two or three heat settings; if you don’t see LOW, choose a setting that simmers gently or is the lowest temperature option to cook for the full 6 to 8 hours.
Is it necessary to let the ham rest before slicing?
Yes, resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moist, tender slices instead of dry or tough pieces.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an effortless yet crowd-pleasing dish, the Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is an absolute must-try. It pairs that unforgettable sweet and tangy glaze with the convenience of a slow cooker, delivering tender, flavorful ham every single time. Give it a go for your next meal and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire.
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Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a delicious and easy-to-make holiday or family meal. Featuring a fully cooked boneless ham slowly cooked to juicy perfection in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze, it delivers tender, flavorful slices with minimal effort. The brown sugar, pineapple, orange juice, and Dijon mustard combine for a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully cooked boneless ham (about 5 pounds; preferably NOT pre-sliced)
Glaze
- 1 (20-oz) can crushed pineapple packed in juice (undrained)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground cloves (optional; and/or 5–10 whole cloves)
Instructions
- Prep: Place the ham in a lightly greased 5-6 quart slow cooker to prepare it for cooking.
- Make glaze: In a saucepan, mix the crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and cloves. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally until it becomes bubbly and slightly thickened. Then pour the glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook the ham on LOW for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F. Note that older slow cookers may require additional cooking time as they sometimes run cooler. Once done, transfer the ham to a chopping board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the slices topped with the flavorful pineapple glaze.
Notes
- Do not use pre-sliced ham as it tends to dry out during slow cooking.
- Adjust cooking time depending on your slow cooker’s heat settings to ensure the ham reaches safe internal temperature.
- Ground cloves and whole cloves can be used according to your preference for spice intensity.
- The glaze can be thickened further by simmering longer if desired before pouring over the ham.
- Letting the ham rest before slicing helps retain juices for a moister serving.
