Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a sweet and savory ham slow-cooking all day, filling your home with mouthwatering goodness. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish to serve during the holidays, at family gatherings, or for a simple Sunday dinner, this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the perfect choice. Not only is it incredibly tender and flavorful, but it’s also a hands-off recipe that lets your slow cooker do all the work.
With just a few simple ingredients—ham, brown sugar, pineapple, and some spices—you can create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into why this crock pot ham is a must-try and how to make it perfectly every time.
Why Choose a Crock Pot for Ham?
If you’ve never cooked ham in a slow cooker before, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why using a crock pot is the best method:
✅ Convenience: Simply set it and forget it! No need to monitor the oven.
✅ Even Cooking: The slow and steady heat ensures that the ham stays juicy and tender.
✅ More Oven Space: During big meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas, your oven is often packed—this frees up space!
✅ Enhanced Flavor: The low heat allows the brown sugar and pineapple glaze to fully soak into the meat.
A crock pot is a game-changer when it comes to cooking ham, making it a fuss-free, stress-free dish with guaranteed delicious results.
Key Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
To achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, you’ll need:
🟢 Ham – A fully cooked spiral-cut or bone-in ham works best.
🟢 Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness.
🟢 Pineapple – Both juice and chunks enhance the ham’s moisture and tangy sweetness.
🟢 Ground Cloves – Provides a warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
🟢 Honey (Optional) – For an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
🟢 Dijon Mustard (Optional) – Adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.
These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, mouthwatering glaze that turns a simple ham into a show-stopping main course.
How to Choose the Best Ham for This Recipe
Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right ham:
🔹 Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in ham tends to be juicier and more flavorful, while boneless ham is easier to slice.
🔹 Spiral-Cut vs. Whole Ham: Spiral-cut ham allows for better glaze penetration and easier serving.
🔹 Smoked vs. Unsmoked: Smoked ham has a rich, deep flavor, while unsmoked ham is milder and allows the glaze to shine.
🔹 Size Matters: Make sure the ham fits in your crock pot! Typically, a 6- to 8-pound ham is ideal for most slow cookers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering ham that will impress your guests:
1. Prepare the Ham
- Remove any packaging, including the plastic covering on the bone (if present).
- Place the ham flat-side down in the crock pot.
- If using a spiral-cut ham, separate the slices slightly so the glaze seeps in.
2. Make the Glaze
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of pineapple juice, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ cup of honey (if using).
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Coat the Ham
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it gets into the slices.
- Arrange pineapple chunks or rings on top of the ham for extra flavor.
4. Slow Cook the Ham
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until heated through.
- Baste the ham with the juices every hour for extra moisture.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once done, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
The Secret to a Perfect Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
The glaze is what makes this ham so incredibly delicious. It adds a rich caramelized sweetness that perfectly balances the savory flavor of the ham. Here’s what makes the glaze perfect:
✔ Brown Sugar-to-Liquid Ratio – Using one cup of brown sugar per half cup of pineapple juice ensures a thick, flavorful glaze.
✔ Pineapple for Tenderness – Pineapple juice naturally tenderizes the meat while adding a hint of tropical sweetness.
✔ Optional Additions: Add honey, Dijon mustard, or a splash of maple syrup for more depth.
For the best results, apply half the glaze at the start and the rest halfway through cooking. This ensures a deeply flavorful ham with a slightly caramelized crust.
How Long to Cook Ham in a Crock Pot
Cooking time varies depending on the size of the ham and whether you use the LOW or HIGH setting. Use this guide for reference:
| Ham Weight | LOW Setting | HIGH Setting |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 lbs | 3-4 hours | 1.5-2 hours |
| 5-6 lbs | 4-5 hours | 2.5-3 hours |
| 7-8 lbs | 5-6 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
Tips:
✔ Always use a meat thermometer – ham should reach 140°F internally.
✔ Avoid overcooking! This can dry out the meat.
✔ If your ham is not spiral-cut, allow extra time for the glaze to soak in.
Tips for Keeping Your Ham Moist and Flavorful
Nobody likes dry ham! Follow these simple tricks to keep it juicy and delicious:
✔ Baste Frequently – Use a spoon or turkey baster to drizzle juices over the ham every hour.
✔ Cook on LOW if Possible – Slow, gentle heat prevents the ham from drying out.
✔ Use Foil or a Crock Pot Liner – This traps in extra moisture and makes cleanup easier.
✔ Let It Rest Before Slicing – Letting the ham sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This ham pairs wonderfully with both classic holiday sides and light, fresh dishes. Here are some favorites:
🍽 Classic Side Dishes:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Macaroni and cheese
- Buttery dinner rolls
🍍 Sweet & Savory Complements:
- Cranberry sauce
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
🥗 Lighter Options:
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed asparagus
- Quinoa with roasted veggies
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later.
✔ Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Store ham in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Keep some of the cooking juices to reheat with.
✔ Freezing for Later:
- Slice ham and store in freezer bags with a bit of glaze.
- Keeps well for up to 3 months.
✔ Best Way to Reheat:
- Oven: Wrap slices in foil and heat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet with a little pineapple juice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Crock Pot Ham
Even though this recipe is simple, a few mistakes can affect the final result:
❌ Overcooking – More time doesn’t always mean better. Stick to the cooking times for juicy ham.
❌ Skipping the Basting – Basting helps the ham absorb more flavor and stay moist.
❌ Using a Dry Ham – Make sure your ham still has some natural juices before cooking.
Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Here’s how to prepare it in advance:
✔ Prepping the Night Before:
- Place ham and glaze in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking.
✔ Reheating a Fully Cooked Ham:
- If making it a day ahead, let the ham cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat it the next day in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes with some cooking juices.
Variations and Customizations for Different Flavors
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
✔ Honey & Dijon Twist – Replace half the brown sugar with honey and add 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard.
✔ Maple Glazed Ham – Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon.
✔ Spicy Kick – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper for a sweet-spicy balance.
✔ Apple Cider Glaze – Use ½ cup apple cider instead of pineapple juice for a fall-inspired twist.