Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple Recipe

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is a sweet, savory, and incredibly tender holiday classic that practically cooks itself! Slow-cooked to perfection, the juicy ham is coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze and topped with pineapple rings for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any special family gathering, this easy-to-make recipe frees up your oven and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender
• Made in the crock pot for easy, hands-off cooking
• Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep
• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Frees up oven space for other holiday dishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6-8 lb fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral cut or whole)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice (reserve juice)
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice note)
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the ham:
   • Place the ham in the crock pot, flat side down. If the ham is too large, trim it to fit, or cover the top with foil and close the lid as much as possible.
2. Add the glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey (if using), Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Rub this mixture all over the ham, making sure to get into the slices if it’s spiral cut.
3. Add the pineapple:
   • Arrange pineapple slices over the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Pour the reserved pineapple juice over the ham for added moisture and flavor.
4. Slow cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the ham is heated through and the flavors are absorbed. Baste occasionally with the juices for extra flavor and moisture.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the ham from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with pineapple slices and drizzle with extra glaze from the pot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4-6 hours (on low)
• Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy-Sweet Ham: Add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Maple-Glazed Ham: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
• Apple-Cider Glazed Ham: Replace pineapple juice with apple cider for a fall-inspired twist.
• Bourbon-Glazed Ham: Add ¼ cup bourbon for a smoky, grown-up flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual slices until heated through.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Yes, a boneless ham works just as well—adjust the cooking time slightly as boneless hams usually heat through faster.

Do I need to score the ham?

Scoring is not necessary for spiral-cut hams but helps whole hams absorb more flavor if you’re using an uncut variety.

Can I cook this ham without pineapple?

Yes, the pineapple adds sweetness and moisture, but you can use apple cider or orange juice as an alternative.

How do I keep the ham from drying out?

Cook on low and baste the ham with juices every hour to keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, cook the ham a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

What sides go well with brown sugar ham?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, green beans, and cornbread are all great sides for this dish.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to add extra liquid (water or juice) since canned pineapple provides both fruit and juice.

How do I thicken the glaze?

Simmer the leftover juices in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

What’s the best type of ham for this recipe?

A fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham works best for even flavor distribution and easy slicing.

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?

Yes, but dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor, which complements the ham beautifully.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is an effortless yet show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday or family gathering. With tender, juicy meat coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, this dish offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!

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