Introduction
When it comes to holiday feasts and family gatherings, one dish that often steals the show is the succulent ham. With its tender texture, savory flavor, and versatility, ham makes a perfect centerpiece for many occasions. But why settle for just any ham when you can elevate the dish with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze that adds layers of flavor and moisture? Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the answer to creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will rave about.
This dish combines the savory richness of ham with the sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of pineapple, creating a flavorful symphony that’s both comforting and indulgent. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a weeknight meal, this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is bound to become your go-to recipe.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this amazing dish, including why it’s such a great choice, a detailed recipe, tips for perfecting it, and ideas for variations. We’ll also share some ways to serve it and pair it with side dishes to create a meal your guests will remember.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: With the Crock Pot doing most of the work, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you are.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The brown sugar and pineapple glaze creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor, making it irresistible to all palates.
- Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking the ham allows it to absorb all the flavors of the glaze, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and fork-tender ham.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to impress your family, this dish is ideal for serving a crowd.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need many ingredients to make this recipe, which means it’s both affordable and easy to prepare.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on the size of the ham)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low in the Crock Pot
- Servings: This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 280, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 9g, Fiber: 1g.
Ingredients
For this recipe, we’ll use a simple list of ingredients that together create a delicious glaze and result in a flavorful ham:
For the Ham:
- 1 (6-8 pound) bone-in ham: A bone-in ham provides great flavor and moisture. You can opt for a spiral-cut ham if you prefer easier carving, but a whole ham will give you a richer result.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy undertone that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Provides a fruity sweetness that infuses the ham with flavor while helping to create the glaze.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup): The crushed pineapple will help create the base of the glaze and add extra sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): The star of the glaze! Brown sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness and caramelizes as the ham cooks.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth to the glaze, perfect for the holiday season.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional): A pinch of cloves can deepen the flavor of the ham and make it more aromatic.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
First Step: PREPARE THE HAM
- Choose the Right Ham: When selecting your ham, you’ll want to look for a bone-in ham, as it provides more flavor and moisture than a boneless version. Spiral-cut hams are an excellent option if you prefer easy slicing, but a whole ham can result in a richer, juicier dish. Make sure the ham fits comfortably into your Crock Pot; you don’t want it to be too large for the slow cooker.
- Trim the Ham (If Necessary): If your ham has a thick layer of fat, you can trim it slightly, but leave some for flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can score the fat to help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Place the Ham in the Crock Pot: Set the ham in the bottom of your slow cooker, fat side up. This will allow the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, ensuring it stays tender and juicy throughout the process.
Second Step: MAKE THE GLAZE
- Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
- Pour the Glaze Over the Ham: Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it covers the entire surface. If you want the glaze to penetrate even further, you can use a small knife or skewer to poke a few holes in the ham before pouring the glaze over it.
- Reserve Some Glaze: If you want to serve extra sauce on the side, reserve a bit of the glaze before it touches the raw ham. You can heat it up separately and serve it with the ham once it’s finished cooking.
Third Step: SLOW COOK THE HAM
- Set the Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. A smaller ham (6-7 pounds) will take closer to 4 hours, while a larger ham (8 pounds or more) may need closer to 6 hours. The ham should be heated through, and the glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.
- Baste the Ham: If you have time, it’s a good idea to baste the ham a few times during the cooking process. Every 1-2 hours, spoon some of the glaze over the top of the ham to keep it moist and ensure the glaze develops a nice, sticky texture.
- Check the Temperature: To ensure the ham is fully cooked, you can check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured at the thickest part of the ham. However, since the ham is already pre-cooked, you’re simply reheating it and allowing it to absorb all the flavor from the glaze.
Fourth Step: FINISH AND SERVE
- Remove the Ham: Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot. Use tongs or two large forks to transfer it onto a serving platter.
- Glaze the Ham: Before serving, pour some of the remaining glaze over the ham to enhance its flavor and give it a glossy finish.
- Garnish and Slice: Garnish the ham with fresh parsley or thyme for a beautiful touch of color. Slice the ham against the grain for tender, easy-to-cut pieces. Serve it alongside your favorite sides.
How to Serve Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This slow-cooked ham is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for how to serve your Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham:
1. For Holiday Gatherings
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is perfect for holiday meals like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. Serve it with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sweet glaze pairs beautifully with savory sides, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
2. As a Family Dinner
This ham makes a great weeknight dinner, too. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare without much fuss, and the leftovers can be used for sandwiches, wraps, or even added to salads. Make sure to prepare some sides like roasted potatoes or steamed green beans to complete the meal.
3. For Sandwiches and Leftovers
Leftover ham from this recipe makes excellent sandwiches. Layer slices of the ham on soft rolls, add a bit of the remaining pineapple glaze or mustard, and you have a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
4. For Special Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a potluck or a family reunion, this ham is sure to impress. You can serve it as the main dish, and people will love carving their own slices of tender, flavorful ham right at the table.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
- Choose the Right Ham: Bone-in hams are the best for this recipe. Spiral-cut hams work as well but may not be as juicy as a whole bone-in ham.
- Don’t Overcook: Since the ham is pre-cooked, you don’t need to worry about it being undercooked. Overcooking can cause the ham to dry out, so be sure to check it after 4 hours.
- Make It Your Own: Add your own twist to the glaze by experimenting with other fruit juices like orange juice, or add spices like nutmeg or allspice.
- Baste Often: Basting the ham throughout the cooking process ensures the glaze sticks and enhances the flavor.
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham: The Ultimate Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
Description
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together the rich flavors of savory ham and the sweet, tropical notes of pineapple and brown sugar. The ham is slow-cooked in the Crock Pot, allowing the juices from the pineapple to soak into the meat, making it tender and flavorful. Brown sugar and a touch of mustard or vinegar create a perfect glaze that caramelizes as it cooks, giving the ham a beautiful, sweet crust. This dish is ideal for holidays or special occasions, offering a sweet and savory centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (6-8 pound) bone-in ham: A bone-in ham provides great flavor and moisture. You can opt for a spiral-cut ham if you prefer easier carving, but a whole ham will give you a richer result.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy undertone that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Provides a fruity sweetness that infuses the ham with flavor while helping to create the glaze.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (in juice, not syrup): The crushed pineapple will help create the base of the glaze and add extra sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): The star of the glaze! Brown sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness and caramelizes as the ham cooks.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth to the glaze, perfect for the holiday season.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional): A pinch of cloves can deepen the flavor of the ham and make it more aromatic.
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
Instructions
Step 1: PREPARE THE HAM
- Choose the Right Ham: When selecting your ham, you’ll want to look for a bone-in ham, as it provides more flavor and moisture than a boneless version. Spiral-cut hams are an excellent option if you prefer easy slicing, but a whole ham can result in a richer, juicier dish. Make sure the ham fits comfortably into your Crock Pot; you don’t want it to be too large for the slow cooker.
- Trim the Ham (If Necessary): If your ham has a thick layer of fat, you can trim it slightly, but leave some for flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can score the fat to help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Place the Ham in the Crock Pot: Set the ham in the bottom of your slow cooker, fat side up. This will allow the fat to render and baste the meat as it cooks, ensuring it stays tender and juicy throughout the process.
Step 2: MAKE THE GLAZE
- Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
- Pour the Glaze Over the Ham: Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it covers the entire surface. If you want the glaze to penetrate even further, you can use a small knife or skewer to poke a few holes in the ham before pouring the glaze over it.
- Reserve Some Glaze: If you want to serve extra sauce on the side, reserve a bit of the glaze before it touches the raw ham. You can heat it up separately and serve it with the ham once it’s finished cooking.
Step 3: SLOW COOK THE HAM
- Set the Crock Pot: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. A smaller ham (6-7 pounds) will take closer to 4 hours, while a larger ham (8 pounds or more) may need closer to 6 hours. The ham should be heated through, and the glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.
- Baste the Ham: If you have time, it’s a good idea to baste the ham a few times during the cooking process. Every 1-2 hours, spoon some of the glaze over the top of the ham to keep it moist and ensure the glaze develops a nice, sticky texture.
- Check the Temperature: To ensure the ham is fully cooked, you can check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured at the thickest part of the ham. However, since the ham is already pre-cooked, you’re simply reheating it and allowing it to absorb all the flavor from the glaze.
Step 4: FINISH AND SERVE
- Remove the Ham: Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot. Use tongs or two large forks to transfer it onto a serving platter.
- Glaze the Ham: Before serving, pour some of the remaining glaze over the ham to enhance its flavor and give it a glossy finish.
- Garnish and Slice: Garnish the ham with fresh parsley or thyme for a beautiful touch of color. Slice the ham against the grain for tender, easy-to-cut pieces. Serve it alongside your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: a 4-6 hours on low in the Crock Pot
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g
Conclusion
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. The ease of preparation and the convenience of using a Crock Pot makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants a hassle-free, delicious meal. So, give this recipe a try and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors that will make every bite a true delight!
