Indulge in the delightful harmony of sweet and savory with this Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze. The ham is slow-cooked to tender perfection, absorbing the aromatic flavors of pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves, creating a caramelized glaze that’s utterly irresistible.
This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holidays and special occasions, offering a stress-free way to prepare a show-stopping centerpiece. Whether served alongside classic sides like scalloped potatoes or roasted vegetables, this ham is bound to be the highlight of your celebration, making every bite a cherished memory.
Full Recipe:
- 7 lb bone-in cured half ham (or spiral ham)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 8 oz pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Directions:
- Unwrap the ham and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Place the ham, cut side down, in an 8-quart oval slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Pour the glaze over the ham and cover with the slow cooker lid.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker, transfer to a platter, and cover with foil to rest for 15 minutes.
- Pour the remaining glaze into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes until reduced and thickened.
- Brush the glaze over the ham before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 553 kcal | Servings: 14 servings
The Perfect Holiday Main Dish: Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
When it comes to holiday meals, the main dish is often the centerpiece that sets the tone for the entire celebration. The Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze is a recipe that checks all the boxes for a perfect holiday feast. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to complement a variety of side dishes. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a special family gathering, this dish ensures a memorable dining experience.
Why Choose a Crock Pot Ham?
Preparing a ham can feel intimidating, especially if you’re hosting a large crowd. Using a crock pot simplifies the process, making it accessible even for beginners. This slow-cooking method allows the ham to soak up the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors of the pineapple brown sugar glaze while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Plus, cooking the ham in a crock pot frees up your oven for preparing side dishes, making it a practical choice for busy holiday kitchens.
The slow cooker not only ensures an evenly cooked ham but also enhances the flavors, as the glaze has time to infuse every bite. This method is ideal for spiral hams or bone-in options, as it helps maintain their natural moisture and prevents them from drying out during the cooking process.
The Magic of Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor lies in the glaze. A combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice creates a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The pineapple juice adds a tropical tang, while the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy coating that enhances the presentation.
The glaze also has a versatile flavor profile that pairs well with a wide range of holiday sides. From savory roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, the sweet and tangy notes of the glaze bring out the best in every dish on your table.
Hosting Made Easy
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep time, you can focus on other aspects of hosting, whether it’s setting the table, preparing desserts, or simply enjoying time with your guests. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle other tasks or relax with a cup of coffee.
This recipe is also a lifesaver when hosting large gatherings. The crock pot accommodates a generously sized ham, ensuring there’s enough to feed a crowd. It’s an excellent choice for potlucks, where you need a dish that’s both portable and impressive.
Tips for Selecting the Right Ham
The type of ham you choose significantly impacts the final result. For this recipe, a bone-in cured half ham or spiral ham is highly recommended. These cuts are flavorful and fit perfectly in most 8-quart oval slow cookers. If you’re working with a smaller crock pot, a boneless ham is a great alternative, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
When purchasing ham, consider the number of guests you’re serving. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about ¾ pound of ham per person. However, if you want leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, or soups, opting for one pound per person is a safe bet.
A Feast for the Senses
The Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. As it cooks, the aroma of caramelized brown sugar and warming spices fills your kitchen, creating a festive atmosphere. The final presentation, with its glistening glaze and tender slices, is sure to impress your guests before they even take their first bite.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with an array of classic holiday sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: Their rich texture complements the sweet and savory flavors of the ham.
- Honey Roasted Carrots: The natural sweetness of the carrots mirrors the glaze, creating harmony on the plate.
- Green Bean Almondine: A fresh and crunchy side that balances the richness of the ham.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra glaze on your plate.
For a touch of elegance, serve the ham with a cranberry relish or a light salad featuring arugula and citrus segments.
Perfect for Leftovers
One of the joys of preparing a large ham is the leftover potential. This recipe ensures you’ll have plenty of delicious ham to repurpose. Some creative ideas include:
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole: A hearty way to start the day after a holiday feast.
- Split Pea Soup with Ham: A comforting classic that makes the most of leftover ham and its bone.
- Ham and Swiss Sliders: Perfect for a quick lunch or an easy appetizer.
The versatility of ham makes it a staple not just for the main meal but for days to come.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate advanced preparation. You can assemble the ham and glaze in the slow cooker a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of your event, simply start the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. This make-ahead approach reduces stress and allows you to enjoy the festivities without spending all day in the kitchen.
Conclusion
The Crock Pot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and convenience. Its effortless preparation, crowd-pleasing taste, and versatility make it a must-have for any holiday menu. Whether you’re hosting an intimate family gathering or a large festive dinner, this dish is sure to shine as the star of the meal. With its irresistible glaze and tender texture, it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year, creating cherished memories with every bite.