Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham – Sweet, Savory, and Effortless

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Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a simple, tender, and juicy dish with sweet and savory flavors perfect for holidays or any family gathering!

Introduction

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a fantastic dish that combines tender, slow-cooked ham with a sweet and savory brown sugar pineapple glaze. This delicious meal is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the Crock Pot. Ideal for holidays or a special family dinner, this ham recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The sweet brown sugar and pineapple not only flavor the ham perfectly but also keep it juicy and tender as it cooks slowly over several hours.

Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a Sunday family meal, this ham is a winning choice. The best part? It’s hands-off! Set it, forget it, and let the Crock Pot do all the work. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dishes for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (about 7-8 pounds)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 can pineapple slices (reserve juice)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the ham: If your ham has a rind or skin, remove it, but keep the fat layer intact. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, making shallow cuts across the surface.
  2. Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves (if using). Whisk until well combined.
  3. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Place the ham in the Crock Pot, flat side down. Pour half of the glaze over the ham. Arrange the pineapple slices on top, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. Pour any remaining pineapple juice over the ham.
  4. Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, basting with the glaze occasionally. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
  5. Add cherries (optional): About 30 minutes before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries on top of each pineapple slice if desired. This adds a lovely festive touch.
  6. Serve: Carefully remove the ham from the Crock Pot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with any remaining glaze from the pot drizzled over the slices.

How to Prepare

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham requires minimal preparation. Simply prepare the glaze, pour it over the ham, and place it in the Crock Pot. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to seep into the ham, keeping it tender and juicy. Basting occasionally helps the glaze develop a delicious caramelized coating. Once ready, this ham can be served right from the Crock Pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 4-5 hours on Low
  • Total time: Approximately 5 hours

Servings

This recipe serves about 10-12 people, making it perfect for gatherings and holiday feasts.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
    Yes, but be cautious with cooking time, as spiral-cut hams may cook faster. Reduce the cooking time by 30-45 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  2. Can I make this ham ahead of time?
    Absolutely. You can cook the ham a day in advance and reheat it in the oven or Crock Pot before serving.
  3. Do I need to add extra liquid?
    No, the ham will release juices as it cooks, and combined with the pineapple juice, it will provide enough moisture to keep it tender.
  4. Can I use fresh pineapple?
    Yes, but canned pineapple is easier to arrange and has a sweeter flavor, complementing the brown sugar glaze perfectly.
  5. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a flavorful, tender, and impressively simple dish that’s perfect for any gathering. With minimal prep and an effortless cooking process, you can have a juicy, sweet ham that everyone will love. Serve it alongside classic holiday sides or a simple salad and rolls for a complete meal. This ham is bound to be a favorite on your table and a recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Enjoy the ease of the Crock Pot and the delicious results!

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