Heavenly Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple Recipe

A succulent crock pot brown sugar ham with pineapple sparks memories of Sunday family gatherings and comfort cuisine.

Tender slices of meat absorb sweet caramelized flavors that dance across your palate.

Juicy pineapple chunks infuse the protein with tropical brightness and depth.

Minimal preparation ensures you can craft this impressive centerpiece without hours of kitchen stress.

Weekend meal planning becomes effortless with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Slow cooking transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that impresses everyone around the table.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will have guests requesting seconds.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple

• Ham: The star of the dish, a classic centerpiece with sweet and savory flavors. Best to choose a pre-cooked spiral cut ham for easy preparation.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Provide rich sweetness and help create a caramelized exterior. Brown sugar adds depth, while honey contributes smooth texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy complexity and helps balance the sweet elements of the glaze.
• Cinnamon, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the ham's flavor profile with subtle, aromatic notes.

• Pineapple Slices: Fresh tropical fruit that adds moisture, sweetness, and decorative touch to the ham. Canned pineapple works well.
• Pineapple Juice: Extra liquid that helps keep the ham juicy and infuses additional fruity flavor during cooking.

• Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing pineapple slices to the ham during cooking.

Steps for Cooking Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple

Step 1: Position Ham in Crock Pot

Place ham in the crock pot with flat side facing down. If ham is oversized, trim edges or cover top with aluminum foil, ensuring lid closes securely.

Step 2: Create Delicious Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves

Thoroughly massage glaze across entire ham surface, ensuring coverage between spiral cuts.

Step 3: Decorate with Pineapple

Arrange pineapple slices strategically over ham. Secure slices with toothpicks if needed. Pour reserved pineapple juice across ham for enhanced moisture and flavor profile.

Step 4: Initiate Slow Cooking

• Low setting: Cook for 4-6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

Ensure ham reaches proper internal temperature and absorbs surrounding flavors. Periodically baste ham with collected juices for intensified taste and moisture retention.

Step 5: Prepare for Serving

Remove ham from crock pot. Allow meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Plate ham alongside pineapple slices and drizzle with remaining pot glaze.

Helpful Tips for Juicy Crock Pot Ham

• Select the Perfect Ham: Choose a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham for even cooking and easy slicing in the crock pot.
• Prevent Dryness: Baste the ham every hour with its own juices to keep it moist and flavorful throughout the slow cooking process.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use fresh pineapple rings instead of canned for a more vibrant, natural sweetness and texture in the dish.
• Customize Glaze Intensity: Adjust brown sugar and honey amounts to control the sweetness level according to personal preference.
• Maximize Leftovers: Save the remaining cooking liquid to create a delicious sauce or use as a base for soups and stews with leftover ham.

Storing Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Ease

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap sliced ham tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm ham slices in a covered baking dish at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of pineapple juice to prevent drying out.
• Heat small portions on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.

Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple

• Pair this brown sugar ham with a chilled German Riesling, whose subtle sweetness and fruity notes complement the ham's caramelized glaze and pineapple undertones.
• Select a crisp sparkling rosé that cuts through the ham's richness while enhancing its sweet and tangy flavors, creating a balanced and refreshing dining experience.
• Create a side salad with peppery arugula, toasted almonds, and a light citrus vinaigrette to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the ham's sweet and savory profile.
• Prepare coconut rice as a side dish to echo the pineapple's tropical essence, adding a creamy and aromatic component that harmonizes with the ham's glaze.

Recipe Variations for Brown Sugar Ham Fans

• Low-Sodium Version: Replace Dijon mustard with low-sodium stone-ground mustard and use a salt-free ham. Reduce brown sugar and add fresh herbs like rosemary to enhance flavor without extra sodium.
• Honey-Free Option: Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Use pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor profile that complements the ham.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients, especially Dijon mustard, are certified gluten-free. Check ham packaging to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Replace brown sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol. Use a sugar-free pineapple alternative or reduce pineapple quantity to lower carbohydrate content.

Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham. Just adjust cooking time based on the ham’s weight and whether it’s spiral-cut or whole.

• Is it okay to skip the honey in the glaze?

Absolutely! The honey adds sweetness, but the brown sugar and pineapple juice will still provide plenty of flavor if you omit it.

• What if I don't have Dijon mustard?

No problem. You can substitute with regular yellow mustard or even use a spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham in the morning and let it cook all day. The slow cooker will keep it warm and moist until you’re ready to serve.

What Makes the Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple So Delicious

• Combine ingredients quickly without complex cooking techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Slow cooking method guarantees tender, juicy ham with rich brown sugar and pineapple glaze that penetrates every slice, ensuring maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings and family meals, this recipe allows hosts to spend more time with guests while the crock pot does all the work, delivering a stunning main dish without constant monitoring.
• Suitable for multiple occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Sunday family dinners, this ham appeals to different age groups and provides a satisfying centerpiece that impresses everyone at the table.

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham With Pineapple Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent crock pot brown sugar ham with pineapple brings Southern comfort to your holiday table with minimal effort. Juicy ham glazed in sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple will make guests crave seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 6-8 pounds (2.7–3.6 kilograms) fully cooked spiral-cut ham

Sweet Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) honey
• 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple slices, with juice reserved

Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

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Instructions

1. Position the succulent ham in the slow cooker, ensuring the flat side faces downward. Carefully trim if necessary to accommodate the crock pot’s dimensions, potentially using foil to cover the top if the ham extends beyond the vessel.
2. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking together rich brown sugar, golden honey, zesty Dijon mustard, warming cinnamon, and aromatic cloves in a mixing bowl. Generously massage this fragrant mixture across the entire ham surface, paying special attention to penetrating between spiral-cut sections.
3. Artfully layer vibrant pineapple slices atop the glazed ham, securing with toothpicks if required. Cascade the reserved pineapple juice over the meat to enhance moisture and intensify the tropical flavor profile.
4. Seal the crock pot and initiate the slow-cooking process. For a gentle approach, cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or alternatively on high for 2-3 hours. Periodically baste the ham with accumulated juices to maintain succulence and deepen the flavor complexity.
5. Once cooking completes, carefully extract the ham from the slow cooker. Allow a brief resting period of 10 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Slice and present the ham adorned with caramelized pineapple slices, accompanied by the rich, concentrated glaze from the cooking vessel.

Notes

• Trim ham carefully to ensure it fits perfectly in the crockpot without forcing or damaging the meat.
• Use a spiral-cut ham for easier glaze penetration and more even flavor distribution throughout the meat.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the brown sugar glaze and create unique flavor profiles.
• For a lower sugar option, substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar quantity while maintaining the same glazing technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg