Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, delivering a tender, juicy ham glazed in a rich, caramelized brown sugar and pineapple sauce. The slow-cooking process ensures the ham absorbs all the flavors, resulting in an easy, no-fuss dish that’s ideal for holiday dinners, special occasions, or a comforting family meal. This recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other parts of your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a showstopper dish that will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. The ham turns out incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the slow-cooking method, and the brown sugar and pineapple glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s so easy to make in a Crock Pot, freeing up your oven for other dishes, and it’s a great option when feeding a crowd. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in ham
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, with juice
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

1. Place the ham in the bottom of your Crock Pot, flat side down.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple (with juice), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
3. Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham, making sure to coat it well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender. If your ham is already cooked (pre-cooked ham), it will just need to be warmed through.
5. Occasionally baste the ham with the glaze during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Once the ham is done, remove it from the Crock Pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
7. Serve with the pineapple-brown sugar glaze from the Crock Pot spooned over the slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Use a different glaze: If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add a touch of hot sauce or ground cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Substitute the ham: While this recipe is designed for bone-in ham, you can use a boneless ham if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Add other fruits: For added depth of flavor, try adding sliced apples or oranges along with the pineapple for a unique twist on the glaze.
• Maple syrup: If you like a maple-flavored glaze, you can substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it gently in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil. You can also reheat the leftover glaze and drizzle it over the ham for added flavor.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use a boneless ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless hams usually cook faster than bone-in ones.

2. Can I cook this ham on high in the Crock Pot?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the ham on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

3. Can I use canned pineapple chunks for the glaze?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks (with juice) work perfectly for this recipe. The juice helps create the sweet glaze that infuses the ham with flavor.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze and place it over the ham the night before. Just cover the Crock Pot and refrigerate it. In the morning, set it to cook on low, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready by dinner time.

5. Can I use a smaller ham?

Absolutely! If you’re using a smaller ham, just reduce the cooking time accordingly. A 4-5 lb ham will take around 4-5 hours on low.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftover ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice the ham and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

7. Can I make the glaze without mustard?

If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can omit it, or substitute it with honey or a bit of balsamic vinegar for a different flavor.

8. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot with the ham?

While this recipe focuses on the ham, you could add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a complete one-pot meal. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

9. How can I make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, remove the ham once it’s cooked and simmer the liquid in the Crock Pot on high for about 15 minutes, uncovered, until it reaches your desired consistency.

10. Can I use a spiral ham?

Yes, spiral hams work great in this recipe. Just be careful when slicing after it’s cooked, as the slices will already be pre-cut.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is an incredibly easy, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow-cooking method ensures the ham is tender and juicy, while the brown sugar and pineapple glaze adds the perfect sweet and tangy balance. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just enjoying a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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