Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

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🥩 Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

📖 Description

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is tender, juicy, and infused with sweet tropical flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ham absorbs a rich glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, and warm spices. It’s an effortless centerpiece for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal prep.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 3–5 hours

  • Total Time: 3–5 hours

🍽️ Servings

8–10 servings

🧾 Ingredients

  • 1 spiral-cut ham (6–8 lbs, fully cooked)

  • 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices or chunks (with juice)

  • ½ cup pineapple juice (from can or bottled)

  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening glaze)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crock Pot
    Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray.

  2. Add the Ham
    Place the ham flat-side down inside the crock pot. If needed, trim slightly to fit.

  3. Make the Glaze
    In a bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey (if using), cinnamon, and cloves.

  4. Layer Pineapple
    Arrange pineapple slices or chunks over and around the ham.

  5. Pour & Coat
    Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it seeps into the slices.

  6. Cook Low & Slow
    Cover and cook:

    • Low: 4–5 hours (best flavor)

    • High: 3–4 hours
      Baste once or twice if possible.

  7. Optional Glaze Thickening
    Remove liquid from crock pot, heat in a saucepan, whisk in cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened.

  8. Serve
    Slice and drizzle with extra glaze before serving.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • ✔ Use a spiral-cut ham so the glaze penetrates deeply

  • ✔ Cook on LOW for maximum tenderness

  • ✔ Add a splash of orange juice for extra citrus flavor

  • ✔ Line crock pot with foil for easy cleanup

  • ✔ Don’t add salt—ham is already salty

🌟 Benefits

  • Hands-off cooking: Perfect for busy days or holidays

  • Juicy & tender: Slow cooking prevents drying

  • Crowd-friendly: Feeds a large group easily

  • Sweet & savory balance: Appeals to kids and adults

  • Versatile leftovers: Great for sandwiches, casseroles, or breakfast

🧪 Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

(Based on 10 servings; values may vary)

  • Calories: 420

  • Protein: 29g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Sugar: 28g

  • Sodium: 1,150mg

  • Fiber: 1g

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, but add extra pineapple juice so the ham stays moist.

Q: Do I need to add liquid?

Yes—pineapple juice prevents drying and helps form the glaze.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Reheat on LOW with extra juice or glaze.

Q: Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 1 hour.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.

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