There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when a savory dish cooks low and slow, and nothing embodies that comforting feeling quite like Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple. Imagine the sweet and savory aroma wafting through the air as the brown sugar and honey melt together, creating a glaze that wraps around succulent slices of ham. It’s a dish that transports me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food shared among loved ones.
This recipe is a treasure for anyone looking to bring joy into their home-cooked meals, especially when the hustle and bustle of daily life can often leave us reaching for fast food. The blend of flavors from the pineapple juice and Dijon mustard gives this dish a delightful twist, while the simplicity of cooking it in a crockpot means you can sit back and enjoy your day. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday gathering or simply craving a hearty meal, this glistening ham will undoubtedly impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive in and make magic happen in your own kitchen!
Why is Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple a must-try?
Irresistible aroma: The scent of brown sugar and pineapple glaze fills your home, making it feel warm and inviting.
Effortless cooking: Just pop the ingredients into your slow cooker and relax! There’s no need for constant monitoring.
Family favorite: This dish brings everyone together, making every occasion feel special.
Flavor explosion: A perfect blend of sweet and savory paired with the freshness of pineapple creates an unforgettable taste.
Gourmet touch: Impress your guests with minimal effort — they’ll think you’re a culinary genius!
Leftovers delight: This ham makes amazing sandwiches and salads, ensuring you enjoy it beyond the initial meal.
For more delicious slow cooker ideas, check out our favorite crockpot recipes!
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple Ingredients
Create a mouthwatering experience with these essential ingredients!
For the Ham
• Fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (6–8 lbs) – This succulent ham serves as the perfect centerpiece for your meal.
For the Glaze
• Brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness that enhances the glaze’s flavor.
• Honey – Provides a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory notes.
• Dijon mustard – Offers a tangy kick that elevates the flavor profile of the glaze.
• Pineapple juice – Infuses a refreshing tropical taste that complements the ham beautifully.
• Maple syrup – Enriches the glaze with a depth of flavor that you won’t want to miss.
• Melted unsalted butter – Ensures a smooth and creamy consistency for your glaze.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall taste.
• Ground cloves – Brings a unique warmth and aromatic quality to the dish.
For the Decoration
• Canned pineapple rings (20 oz) – Use these to crown your ham and infuse additional tropical flavors.
• Whole cloves – Decorate the pineapple and ham for a visually stunning presentation.
Optional for Thickening
• Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the glaze if you prefer a richer consistency.
• Cold water – Used to mix with cornstarch for smooth thickening without lumps.
Get ready to enjoy the unforgettable flavors of Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple!
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple
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Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your 7–8-quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
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Add the ham: Carefully place the fully cooked spiral-cut ham into the crockpot, cut-side down, ensuring it fits securely so all those delicious juices stay inside.
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Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick.
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Glaze the ham: Pour half of the warm glaze over the ham, allowing some of it to seep between the spiral slices for maximum flavor.
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Add the pineapple: Arrange pineapple rings over and around the ham. Insert the 12 whole cloves into selected pineapple rings and the ham for decoration and to infuse the dish with flavor.
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Cook the ham: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Using LOW is preferred to keep the ham juicy.
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Baste the ham: Spoon the cooking juices over the ham once or twice during cooking. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes for a delicious finish.
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Thicken the glaze (optional): Transfer 1 cup of the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until glossy and thickened if you prefer a thicker glaze.
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Broil for crust (optional): For a slightly sticky, browned crust, transfer the ham to a broiler-safe baking dish, brush with the thickened glaze, and broil for 2–4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Serve with style: Return the glazed ham and pineapple to the crockpot for presentation. Spoon extra glaze over the slices and serve warm. Don’t forget to remove the whole cloves before enjoying!
Optional: Serve with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time. You can prepare the glaze ahead of time—just combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a saucepan and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cut the pineapple rings and store them in an airtight container with their juices for extra freshness. On the day of serving, simply place the ham in the crockpot, pour over the chilled glaze, and follow the cooking instructions. This way, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort!
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple Variations
Feel free to explore your culinary creativity with these delightful twists and substitutions to make this dish truly your own!
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Citrus Zest: Add zest from a lemon or orange for a fresh and vibrant burst of flavor that brightens the glaze. Citrus notes can lift the richness of the ham beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a warm, spicy contrast to the sweetness. Just a hint adds a delightful complexity without overwhelming the palate.
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Herbal Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic lift. These earthy flavors can elevate your dish to gourmet status!
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Brown Sugar Alternatives: Substitute muscovado or coconut sugar for a deeper, more complex sweetness. This swap not only changes the flavor but also the texture of the glaze.
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Soy Sauce Boost: For a savory twist, add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the glaze. It complements the ham well by enhancing umami, creating a well-rounded profile.
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Maple Syrup Variation: Using dark maple syrup instead of regular can transform the glaze into something uniquely rich and irresistibly sweet. It pairs wonderfully with ham!
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Fruit Medley: Replace pineapple with other fruits like peaches or apricots for a unique take. These alternatives will infuse different sweet and tangy notes into your dish.
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Non-Alcoholic Upgrade: For a fruitier glaze, try adding apple cider instead of pineapple juice. It introduces a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Each of these variations can turn your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple into a new family favorite. Happy cooking!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Make sure the ham is completely cooled before sealing to maintain its flavor and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen ham in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm slices in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or use the microwave for quick heating—just add a splash of pineapple juice to keep it moist.
Glaze: Store any extra glaze in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving with your leftovers.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
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Choose Wisely: Select a quality fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham. This type retains moisture better, yielding a deliciously tender result.
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Perfect Glaze: Ensure the glaze is warm before pouring it over the ham. This allows it to seep between the slices, enhancing flavor even further.
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Cook Time Matters: For best results, stick to the LOW setting for 4–5 hours. Cooking on HIGH, while quicker, may lead to a drier ham.
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Baste Regularly: Remember to spoon the cooking juices over the ham occasionally. This keeps it moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
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Thickening Trick: If opting for a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch and cold water smoothly before adding it to the cooking liquid; this prevents clumping.
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Presentation Counts: After broiling, return the ham to the crockpot for serving. This keeps it warm and looks stunning with the pineapple and glaze.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple?
Creating a delightful meal around your succulent ham is easy and fun! Pair it with these delicious side dishes to enhance every bite.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze, adding a comforting element to your plate.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies sautéed until caramelized brings a pop of color and earthy flavors that perfectly balances the ham’s sweetness.
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Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites of that rich, glazed ham.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Their sweetness echoes the pineapple, while the tender crunch of the carrots adds textural contrast, making every bite enjoyable.
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Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy pasta is a nostalgic favorite that complements the savory elements of the dish. Who can resist the gooey goodness of mac and cheese alongside?
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Cornbread: Slightly sweet and buttery cornbread serves as a perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious ham glaze, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Sparkling Cider: For a festive touch, pair your meal with a glass of sparkling cider. Its bubbly sweetness will elevate the meal and make it feel extra special.
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Chocolate Raspberry Cake: Finish off your feast with a slice of rich chocolate cake, where tart raspberries contrast beautifully against the sweet and savory ham.
Let your imagination run wild, and mix and match these accompaniments to create a cherished family meal!
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select a ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing a ham, look for a fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut option weighing between 6-8 lbs. This type holds moisture well and provides wonderful flavor and tenderness that’s ideal for this slow cooker dish. Also, check for any dark spots or off-odors to ensure freshness.
How should I store leftovers from the Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple?
You can store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to let the ham cool completely before sealing it to retain its moisture and flavor. For optimal storage, slice the ham into portions to make reheating easier and mess-free!
Can I freeze the ham, and if so, how?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will keep it fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed to preserve its juicy goodness!
What should I do if my glaze does not thicken properly?
Sometimes, getting the glaze just right can be tricky! If it doesn’t thicken as desired, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Warm up about 1 cup of the cooking liquid until it simmers, then whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until it reaches the perfect glossy, thick consistency!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that this recipe contains honey, which may not be suitable for strict vegans. Additionally, those with allergies should verify that all ingredients, especially the glaze components (like mustard and butter), are safe for their consumption. Always feel free to customize the glaze to accommodate various dietary needs.
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Pineapple Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly grease the inside of your 7–8-quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Carefully place the fully cooked spiral-cut ham into the crockpot, cut-side down.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick.
- Pour half of the warm glaze over the ham, allowing some to seep between the spiral slices.
- Arrange pineapple rings over and around the ham. Insert whole cloves into selected pineapple rings and the ham for decoration.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Spoon the cooking juices over the ham once or twice during cooking. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes.
- Transfer 1 cup of the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch mixed with cold water. Cook for 2–3 minutes until glossy and thickened if you prefer a thicker glaze.
- For a slightly sticky, browned crust, transfer the ham to a broiler-safe baking dish, brush with the thickened glaze, and broil for 2–4 minutes.
- Return the glazed ham and pineapple to the crockpot for presentation. Spoon extra glaze over the slices and serve warm.
