If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that practically cooks itself and bursts with sweet, tangy goodness, the Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish takes a fully cooked ham and transforms it into a tender, flavorful marvel by slow-cooking it in a luscious pineapple and brown sugar glaze. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with hints of citrus and spice that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe delivers big on simplicity and taste, making it a beloved classic you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack incredible flavor into every bite. Each component is carefully chosen to complement the salty richness of the ham and create a beautifully balanced glaze that caramelizes as it cooks.
- Fully cooked boneless ham (about 5 pounds; preferably NOT pre-sliced): Using a whole ham instead of pre-sliced helps retain moisture and texture during slow cooking.
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in juice (undrained): Provides natural sweetness and a tangy tropical flavor that brightens the dish beautifully.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel notes that blend perfectly with the pineapple’s acidity.
- 3 tablespoons orange juice: Brings a fresh citrus kick to cut through the richness of the ham.
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with a gentle vinegar bite for complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle sharpness that enhances the glaze’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze into a luscious syrup that clings beautifully to the ham.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Ground cloves (optional): A dash adds warm spice notes, or you can stud the ham with 5-10 whole cloves for traditional aroma and presentation.
How to Make Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker and Ham
Start by lightly greasing your 5-6 quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. Then place the fully cooked, boneless ham inside, making sure it fits comfortably. Choosing a whole ham that isn’t pre-sliced really helps it stay juicy and tender after hours of slow cooking.
Step 2: Create the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and optional cloves. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it reaches a bubbly boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and thicken slightly. This glaze is where all the magic happens — sweet, tangy, and sticky enough to coat the ham beautifully.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Ham with Glaze
Pour the hot glaze over the ham in the slow cooker, allowing all that delicious liquid to surround the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The slow cooker’s gentle heat tenderizes the ham while letting the glaze seep into every corner. Your goal is an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it’s perfectly heated through. Once done, transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this locks in the juices and makes carving easier.
How to Serve Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the beauty and flavor of your Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe. Try sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color or adding extra pineapple rings for an eye-catching presentation. A light dusting of ground cloves or cinnamon can also add a lovely aromatic touch.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up that irresistible glaze. For a lighter note, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the ham’s sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the traditional platter? Arrange slices of the ham layered with pineapple chunks on a wooden serving board for a rustic vibe. Or, serve the ham sliced thin in slider buns with a smear of the glaze and crunchy coleslaw for a fun, casual twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze soaks into the meat, making your next meal just as flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save ham for longer, slice it and freeze with some glaze in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen ham maintains its quality up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel or warm in a skillet with a splash of water to keep moist. You can also reheat in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, until warmed through—just be sure not to overcook.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-sliced ham for this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe?
While pre-sliced ham is convenient, it tends to dry out during slow cooking. Using a whole boneless ham that’s not pre-sliced helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
What if my slow cooker runs hotter or cooler than average?
Older or smaller slow cookers might have different heating patterns. Check the internal temperature after 6 hours and adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it reaches at least 145°F.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before pouring over the ham to maintain its perfect consistency.
Is it necessary to use cloves in the glaze?
Cloves add a warm, aromatic dimension but are optional. If you don’t like the flavor, you can simply omit them without losing the core taste of the dish.
How thick should the glaze be before pouring over the ham?
The glaze should be bubbly and slightly thickened so it coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken more as it cooks, creating a delicious sticky coating on the ham.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels special yet effortless, the Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is a beautiful choice. Its sweet and tangy layers, tender texture, and easy preparation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish with your loved ones!
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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 recipe features a tender, fully cooked boneless ham slow-cooked with a sweet and tangy glaze made from crushed pineapple, brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and spices. The slow cooking method ensures a moist, flavorful ham perfect for gatherings or holiday meals.
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)
- 5–10 whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Place the fully cooked boneless ham into a lightly greased 5-6 quart slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.
- Make glaze: In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with juice, brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, pinch of salt, and optionally ground cloves or whole cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally until bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Slow cook: Pour the prepared pineapple glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145°F. Note that older crockpots may require slightly longer cooking times. Once done, remove the ham and let it rest on a chopping board for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices topped generously with the pineapple glaze.
Notes
- Use a fully cooked, boneless ham preferably not pre-sliced to prevent drying out.
- Whole cloves add a nice aroma but are optional; ground cloves can also be used.
- Resting the ham before slicing helps retain juices for moist servings.
- Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker’s heat intensity.
