Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping yet effortless main dish, this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender, and bursting with sweet-and-savory flavor, this slow cooker ham recipe is a crowd-pleaser for holidays, Sunday suppers, or any time you crave comfort food with minimal fuss. The best part? Your Crock Pot does all the work while your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Set-it-and-forget-it—your slow cooker makes this ham hands-off and easy.
- The sweet pineapple and brown sugar glaze creates a caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any family dinner.
- Leftovers are just as delicious and versatile for sandwiches or breakfast omelets.
- No oven space needed, leaving your kitchen free for other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 (6 to 8 lb) fully-cooked, bone-in spiral ham
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple tidbits in juice, undrained
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any seasoning packet. If needed, trim it slightly to fit into your Crock Pot, but keep the bone in for flavor. Place the ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and the entire can of pineapple tidbits with juice until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Pour the pineapple-brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring some seeps into the slices.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is thickened. Baste with the juices once or twice during cooking for maximum flavor and shine.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and spoon some of the thick, luscious juices over each serving.
Notes
- If your ham is too large to fit, cut off the shank end or slice off a small piece to fit snugly.
- Basting the ham with juices halfway through adds even more moisture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer some leftover liquid on the stovetop until syrupy.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a squirt of Sriracha to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo.
- Maple Version: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deep, rich flavor twist.
- Citrus Ham: Use orange marmalade in place of honey for a refreshing citrus glaze.
Required Equipment
- Large (7 to 8 quart) Crock Pot or slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Sharp carving knife
- Serving platter
Storage Instructions
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven with a splash of reserved juices.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy dinner rolls, or a fresh green salad.
- Classic sides like mac and cheese, roasted carrots, or sweet potato casserole pair beautifully.
- For a festive spread, round out your meal with deviled eggs and cranberry sauce.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Layer some pineapple tidbits between the ham slices for extra bursts of flavor.
- If using a pre-sliced ham, fan out the slices slightly so more glaze seeps in.
- Don’t overcook—4 to 5 hours on LOW is perfect for juicy, tender ham.
FAQ
- Do I need to add water to the Crock Pot?
No, the fruit juice and glaze provide enough moisture to keep the ham juicy without extra water. - Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely! Boneless hams work just as well; adjust cook time if needed depending on size. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients the night before, refrigerate, and start the Crock Pot the next morning for easy entertaining.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4-5 hours
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked boneless ham (about 4-5 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from can)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
-
1Remove ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the surface in a diamond pattern if desired.
-
2Place half of the brown sugar in the bottom of the crock pot. Arrange half the pineapple slices over the sugar.
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3Place the ham on top of the pineapple and brown sugar. Arrange remaining pineapple slices over and around the ham.
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4In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and remaining brown sugar. Pour mixture over the ham.
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5Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, basting with juices occasionally. If you’d like a thicker glaze, transfer liquid to a saucepan, whisk in cornstarch, and simmer until thickened before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
330 caloriescal
Protein:
32 gg
Fat:
10 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
32 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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