Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham: A Sweet, Savory, and Tender Holiday Delight

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the perfect recipe for those who want a flavorful, tender, and easy-to-make ham without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines the savory goodness of ham with the sweetness of brown sugar and the tropical zing of pineapple, creating a deliciously rich glaze that infuses the meat as it slow-cooks.

The best part about this recipe is that it uses a Crock Pot (slow cooker), which means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together while you focus on preparing the rest of your meal. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering, family dinner, or simply want a comforting, flavorful meal, this slow-cooked ham is sure to impress.

Let’s dive into why Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is so popular, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to make it from scratch!

Why Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is So Popular

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it combines sweet and savory flavors that complement the richness of the ham. The brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a sticky, slightly crispy exterior to the tender ham.

Second, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With the use of a Crock Pot, you simply add the ingredients, set the slow cooker to cook, and let the magic happen. The slow cooking process helps the flavors infuse deeply into the ham, making it incredibly flavorful and moist.

Lastly, this recipe is versatile enough to be served for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, but also simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner. It’s a great dish to prepare when you want something delicious without the hassle of constant attention.

Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

To make this delicious ham, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the perfect glaze and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Bone-In Ham: The Star of the Dish

A bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe as it offers more flavor and is generally more affordable than boneless hams. It’s also perfect for slow cooking, as it becomes incredibly tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.

Measurement for Ham:

• 6-8 pounds bone-in ham (pre-cooked or semi-boneless)

2. Brown Sugar: For Sweetness

Brown sugar creates a deliciously sweet glaze that helps caramelize the ham as it cooks. The molasses in the brown sugar adds a rich, deep sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory ham.

Measurement for Brown Sugar:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

3. Pineapple Juice: For a Tropical Twist

Pineapple juice adds sweetness and a subtle tanginess to the glaze, balancing out the richness of the ham. The acidity of the pineapple juice also helps tenderize the meat.

Measurement for Pineapple Juice:

• 1 cup pineapple juice (or use the juice from canned pineapple)

4. Pineapple Chunks: For Flavor and Garnish

Pineapple chunks bring texture and additional sweetness to the dish. They also make a great garnish for serving. You can use canned pineapple chunks, but fresh pineapple will add an extra layer of flavor.

Measurement for Pineapple Chunks:

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (drained)

5. Dijon Mustard: For Depth of Flavor

A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a hint of tang and complexity to the glaze, balancing out the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple juice.

Measurement for Dijon Mustard:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

6. Ground Cloves: For Warmth and Aromatics

Ground cloves are a classic spice for ham, adding warmth and a subtle aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste. A little goes a long way!

Measurement for Ground Cloves:

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

7. Butter: For Richness

Butter helps create a smooth, glossy glaze and adds richness to the sauce. It also helps prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky or crystallized.

Measurement for Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

8. Salt and Pepper: For Seasoning

Basic seasonings like salt and pepper help balance the sweetness of the glaze and enhance the natural flavors of the ham.

Measurement for Salt and Pepper:

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

How to Make Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Making Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is incredibly simple and requires minimal hands-on time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish:

1. Prepare the Ham

• Start by placing the ham in the Crock Pot. If your ham has a layer of skin or fat, score it in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife. This will help the glaze seep into the meat and allow the fat to render as it cooks.
• If your ham is precooked (most hams are), you’re essentially reheating it and infusing it with flavor. If it’s not precooked, you’ll need to cook it thoroughly, but the slow cooking method still works for both types.

2. Make the Glaze

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, salt, and pepper.
• Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Add the Pineapple Chunks

• Once the glaze has thickened, add the drained pineapple chunks into the glaze and stir gently. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pineapple to absorb some of the flavors.

4. Pour the Glaze Over the Ham

• Pour the glaze mixture over the ham in the Crock Pot. Use a spoon to baste the ham with some of the glaze, ensuring that it’s coated evenly.

5. Slow Cook the Ham

• Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours, or until it’s heated through and tender. If you want a slightly caramelized glaze, you can baste the ham with the glaze halfway through the cooking time.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the ham moist.
• Serve the ham slices with the pineapple chunks and plenty of the rich, sweet glaze. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Why Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Meals: Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a fantastic dish for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd, and the sweet and savory flavors are sure to please everyone.
• Family Dinners: If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal for a family gathering, this dish fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.
• Special Occasions: This ham makes a beautiful and impressive centerpiece for dinner parties, anniversaries, or any special event.
• Leftovers: Ham leftovers are great for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles, making this dish a versatile option that keeps giving.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a simple, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s perfect for holiday meals, special occasions, or family dinners. The smoky, tender ham combined with the sweet brown sugar and pineapple glaze creates a mouthwatering combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that everyone will love. Best of all, it’s made in the Crock Pot, making it easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.

Give this recipe a try for your next meal, and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham!

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FAQs

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

Yes, you can use a boneless ham for this recipe. Boneless hams cook faster and are easier to slice, but the flavor will be equally delicious.

2. Can I make this recipe without a Crock Pot?

Yes, you can cook the ham in the oven. Roast the ham at 325°F (165°C) for about 1.5-2 hours, basting it with the glaze every 20 minutes.

3. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, canned pineapple works great for this recipe. Be sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, and drain it before using.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover ham. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm it in the oven or microwave with the leftover glaze.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze and store it in the refrigerator, then cook the ham in the Crock Pot the day of. Leftover ham can be reheated and served with the glaze.

6. Can I substitute the brown sugar with something else?

If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

7. Can I use a different type of juice instead of pineapple juice?

You can substitute pineapple juice with apple juice or orange juice, but it will change the flavor slightly. Pineapple juice gives the gravy a unique tanginess.

8. How do I know when the ham is done?

The ham should be heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if it’s pre-cooked. If using an uncooked ham, it should reach 145°F (63°C).

9. Can I make this ham spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze to add a kick of spice.

10. Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use honey as a substitute for brown sugar for a different flavor. It will create a slightly different glaze, but it will still be delicious.