If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is an absolute winner. The slow cooker gently infuses the ham with a luscious pineapple and brown sugar glaze, creating a tender, juicy centerpiece that’s perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner. The combination of brown sugar and pineapple perfectly balances sweetness and acidity, while subtle hints of mustard and cloves elevate the glaze to something truly unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen for holidays and everyday meals alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, from lending sweetness and depth to providing that signature tang and spice that makes this dish so memorable.
- 5-pound fully cooked boneless ham: Avoid pre-sliced to keep the meat moist and juicy during slow cooking.
- 20-ounce can crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the ham as it cooks.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: The backbone of the glaze, creating that rich caramelized flavor.
- 3 tablespoons orange juice: Brings a fresh citrus brightness that lifts the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with mild acidity for complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze to a glossy finish.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from being cloying.
- Pinch of ground cloves or whole cloves: Optional, but provides a warm spice note that makes the dish extra special.
How to Make Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by placing your fully cooked boneless ham into a lightly greased 5-6 quart slow cooker. This ensures the ham won’t stick and makes cleaning up afterward much easier. Choosing a ham that is not pre-sliced is crucial because it locks in moisture while slow cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender final product.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and cloves (if using). Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps and to help the cornstarch thicken the glaze. You’ll want the glaze to become bubbly and glossy—this is what will give your ham that irresistible sticky finish.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfect
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the ham to absorb all that wonderful glaze. Check the internal temperature to make sure it reaches at least 145°F for safety and optimal juiciness. Once done, transfer the ham to a chopping board and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—it lets the juices redistribute, so every bite is tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe even more festive and eye-catching, try garnishing with fresh pineapple rings or maraschino cherries placed on top of the slices. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of earthiness that complements the sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a light coleslaw to balance the sweetness. For a vibrant option, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad with a citrus vinaigrette that echoes the orange notes in the glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, carve the ham into thick slices and fan them out on a large platter, drizzling extra glaze on top. Surround the ham with grilled pineapple slices or roasted vegetables for a beautiful presentation. Alternatively, serve in warm buns for a sweet ham slider that’s perfect for casual gatherings or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keeping it sealed well ensures that the ham retains moisture and flavor for your next delicious meal.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover ham by placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham will keep well for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so slowly in the refrigerator for the best texture after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 275°F covered with foil to maintain moisture, or warm in a skillet with a bit of leftover glaze for added flavor. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent drying out the ham. Slow and steady reheating preserves that tender, juicy texture everyone loves in this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-sliced ham in this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe?
While you can, it’s best to avoid pre-sliced ham for this recipe because the slices tend to dry out in the slow cooker. Using a whole boneless ham ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
Do I need to bake the ham after slow cooking?
No additional baking is necessary. The slow cooker gently heats the ham to the perfect temperature while infusing it with the glaze, leaving it tender and fully cooked.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh crushed pineapple can be substituted, but be sure to include enough juice to keep that luscious glaze consistency. Fresh pineapple will add a brighter, slightly different flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free cornstarch or thickener, and verify that mustard and cider vinegar brands you choose are gluten-free too. This recipe is naturally gluten-free aside from those considerations.
How long does leftover ham stay good after cooking?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover ham will stay fresh for about 4 days. Always check for any off smells or textures before consuming.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is an absolute delight that marries ease and flavor in the most satisfying way. From the first savory-sweet bite to the beautiful glistening glaze, it’s a recipe that promises comfort and joy every time you make it. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how effortlessly impressive a slow cooker and a few thoughtful ingredients can be!
Print
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 tender, flavorful ham slow-cooked to perfection with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. The brown sugar and pineapple juice create a deliciously sticky glaze while orange juice, cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard add a bright balance of flavors. Perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, this ham is effortlessly cooked in the slow cooker for a moist and juicy result with minimal hands-on time.
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 the Ham: Lightly grease a 5-6 quart slow cooker and place the fully cooked boneless ham inside. Ensure the ham is not pre-sliced to prevent drying out while cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, brown sugar, orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, salt, and optional cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until bubbly and slightly thickened. Once ready, pour this glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Check that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145°F to ensure it is fully heated through. Note that older slow cookers might require additional time due to lower heat levels.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest on a chopping board for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice the ham and serve it topped with the flavorful pineapple glaze from the slow cooker.
Notes
- Do not use pre-sliced ham as it tends to become dry when slow-cooked.
- The slow cooker size should be between 5-6 quarts to comfortably fit a 5-pound ham.
- Optional cloves add a warm, aromatic depth to the glaze but can be omitted if preferred.
- Internal temperature of 145°F is the minimum safe reheating temperature for pre-cooked ham.
- Resting the ham after cooking helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
