This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the perfect dish for a holiday gathering or any special dinner. The savory ham is slowly cooked in a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze that infuses every bite with delicious flavor. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is sure to impress your family and guests with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste. Perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something extraordinary without the stress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham (6-8 pounds)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. Pour the pineapple and sugar mixture over the ham, making sure to coat the entire surface.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the ham with the sauce from the slow cooker, spooning some of the pineapple mixture over the slices.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 350 per serving
Servings: 8-10
Recipe Background & History
Ham has been a popular dish for centuries, often associated with holidays, feasts, and family gatherings. The combination of brown sugar and pineapple has its roots in traditional American holiday cooking, where the sweetness of the sugar complements the savory, smoky flavor of the ham. Using a slow cooker to prepare this dish is a modern twist that allows for hands-off cooking while still delivering rich, flavorful results.
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham recipe is ideal for anyone looking to simplify their cooking process without compromising on flavor. The slow cooker method ensures that the ham remains tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors from the brown sugar and pineapple glaze. The slow simmering also caramelizes the glaze, creating a sweet and savory crust on the outside of the ham.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Using a crockpot makes this recipe incredibly easy. Just combine the ingredients, set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work for you.
- Flavorful: The combination of pineapple, brown sugar, and spices creates a glaze that’s both tangy and sweet. It complements the savory ham perfectly, making each bite a burst of flavor.
- Perfect for Holidays or Family Dinners: This recipe is not only delicious but also looks impressive. It’s a showstopper on the dinner table, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any family gathering.
- Leftover Potential: The leftover ham is great for sandwiches, soups, or even added to casseroles. It’s a versatile dish that keeps on giving after the meal is over.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Ham
- Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in ham works best for this recipe, as it provides both flavor and moisture. However, you can also use a boneless ham if that’s what you have on hand.
- Don’t Overcook: Ham is already cooked before you begin the process, so you really just want to heat it through and allow it to soak in the glaze. Overcooking it could lead to dryness, so be sure to check the ham after 4 hours.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the crockpot. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your ham remains moist and flavorful when sliced.
- Customize the Glaze: While this recipe uses a brown sugar and pineapple glaze, you can get creative with the ingredients. For example, add a splash of bourbon for a richer flavor or incorporate some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an added depth of flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
This ham pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich, sweet ham.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes add a healthy balance to the meal.
- Green Beans Almondine: The crunchy texture of the almonds with tender green beans provides a nice contrast to the soft, juicy ham.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the ham.
You can also serve this ham with a simple bread basket to help soak up the delicious pineapple glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe with a boneless ham? Yes, a boneless ham will work for this recipe. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking it.
- How long can I store the leftovers? Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and moisture.
- Can I freeze the ham? Yes, you can freeze leftover ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Fresh pineapple can be used, but canned pineapple is more convenient and provides a more consistent level of sweetness. If using fresh, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
Ingredient Breakdown
This recipe uses a few simple, easily accessible ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish:
- Bone-In Ham: The star of the dish. A bone-in ham adds moisture and flavor, and it also makes for a more impressive presentation. The bone helps to keep the ham juicy throughout the slow cooking process.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness to the glaze, which helps balance the savory notes of the ham. The caramelization process during slow cooking enhances its sweetness, creating a delicious, sticky coating.
- Pineapple: The pineapple not only adds sweetness but also provides a slight tanginess that balances the richness of the ham. The pineapple’s natural acidity helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a subtle sharpness and tang to the glaze, cutting through the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple. It provides a lovely depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon & Cloves: These warm spices bring an aromatic complexity to the dish, complementing both the sweetness of the glaze and the savory ham. They add a festive note that’s perfect for holiday meals.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla extract brings an extra layer of warmth to the flavor profile, making the glaze feel even more decadent.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A small amount of vinegar helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the glaze, ensuring it’s not overly sugary.
Step-by-Step Process
The beauty of this Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham lies in its simplicity. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:
- Preparation: The first step is mixing the ingredients for the glaze. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, crushed pineapple, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well-mixed. This glaze is what infuses the ham with its sweet, tangy, and spiced flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cooker Setup: Place the ham in your slow cooker, fat side up. The fat on top helps baste the ham during the slow cooking process, keeping it juicy and tender. Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, making sure it’s evenly coated. The glaze will seep into the crevices of the meat and create a flavorful crust as it cooks.
- Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low for 4-5 hours. The key here is low and slow cooking to ensure the ham doesn’t dry out. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the ham to become tender, soaking up all the flavors of the pineapple and brown sugar.
- Serving: Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting the meat helps redistribute the juices, keeping the ham moist. Serve it with the delicious sauce from the crockpot, spooning some of the pineapple glaze over the slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Make It Your Own
While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
- Add More Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Try Different Fruits: While pineapple is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Glaze Variations: For a twist on the glaze, try adding a bit of bourbon or rum to the mix for a more robust flavor, or swap in maple syrup for an added layer of sweetness.
- Leftover Ideas: Leftover ham from this dish can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even tossed into soups like split pea or potato soup. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be repurposed in many ways.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The glaze will continue to infuse the ham as it sits, making leftovers even more flavorful.
- Reheating: To reheat the ham, place slices in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quicker option.
Perfect Pairings
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a perfect choice for holiday meals or Sunday dinners:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sweet, savory flavors of the ham perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes provide a savory contrast to the sweetness of the ham.
- Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans with a bit of garlic and lemon add freshness to balance the richness of the ham.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any of the extra glaze.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a hassle-free, flavor-packed dish that will elevate your holiday or family meal. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants a delicious, tender ham without the stress. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just enjoying a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The sweet and savory combination of brown sugar and pineapple, infused with warm spices, creates a dish that’s both comforting and festive. Try it out, and you’ll have a dish that will become a family favorite for years to come!