Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, caramelized ham that fills the house with a sweet and savory aroma. Crock pot brown sugar pineapple ham takes that traditional flavor and turns it into an effortless, melt-in-your-mouth dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a tender ham coated in a golden glaze of brown sugar and pineapple that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even simple weekend gatherings.
Why This Dish Works So Well
Cooking ham in a crock pot ensures that every slice stays moist, tender, and flavorful. The slow heat allows the brown sugar and pineapple to meld into a glaze that soaks through the meat, adding layers of sweetness and tang. The pineapple juice helps to balance the richness of the ham, while the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky glaze that coats each piece. It’s one of those dishes that looks elegant yet requires almost no effort.
Ingredients
1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 7 to 8 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices, with juice
½ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup Dijon or yellow mustard (optional, for a mild tang)
½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Preparation
Start by placing the ham flat side down in your crock pot. If the ham is too large to fit, you can trim a small piece off the bottom or sides to make it fit snugly. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar over the top and sides of the ham. Then layer the pineapple slices over the ham, tucking them between slices when possible. Pour the pineapple juice from the can over everything, followed by honey and mustard if you’re using them. Finish by sprinkling the remaining brown sugar over the top.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze has thickened. Since the ham is already pre-cooked, your goal is to warm it gently and let the flavors soak in. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the edges.
About 30 minutes before serving, you can baste the ham with the juices in the pot. This helps build a glossy glaze and enhances the flavor. If you want an extra caramelized finish, transfer the ham to a baking dish, spoon some of the glaze over the top, and broil it in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until it starts to bubble and brown.
Serving Suggestions
Crock pot brown sugar pineapple ham pairs beautifully with traditional sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery rolls. The sweetness of the glaze also works well with savory dishes such as green bean casserole or garlic mashed potatoes.
For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it versatile enough for both festive and casual occasions. Leftover ham also makes excellent sandwiches, breakfast omelets, or can be diced into pasta and rice dishes.
Tips for Best Results
Choose a fully cooked ham. Most spiral-cut hams are already cooked, so the slow cooker’s job is to warm and glaze it gently.
Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain moisture. Lifting the lid too often releases steam and can dry the ham out.
If you want a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. You can also pour a little of the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer it on the stove until it reduces into a syrupy glaze.
For a slightly smoky flavor, you can add a tablespoon of liquid smoke or a dash of smoked paprika. Both add depth without overpowering the sweetness.
Why Pineapple and Brown Sugar Are Perfect Together
The combination of pineapple and brown sugar has been a classic pairing for generations. Pineapple adds a fruity brightness and gentle acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham, while brown sugar brings caramel notes that enhance the meat’s natural saltiness. When slow-cooked together, they create a glaze that’s glossy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the same comforting flavor found in traditional baked hams, but easier and more hands-off.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover them with foil, and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave with a spoonful of glaze or juice to keep them moist.
For longer storage, slice the ham and freeze it in small portions. Frozen ham keeps well for up to two months and can easily be added to soups, casseroles, or sandwiches later.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Leftover crock pot brown sugar pineapple ham is incredibly versatile. Dice it and add it to fried rice, quiches, or breakfast casseroles. It also makes delicious ham and cheese sliders when layered between small rolls with melted butter and herbs. Some even chop it into small pieces and toss it with pineapple chunks for a tropical salad or pasta dish.
The leftover glaze can be used as a sauce over roasted vegetables or even brushed over chicken for another meal. It’s too flavorful to waste.
A Holiday Favorite
This dish has become a beloved favorite for holiday gatherings because of its ease and crowd-pleasing flavor. There’s no constant basting or oven monitoring — the slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other preparations. The scent alone, with its mix of sweet pineapple and caramelized sugar, creates a festive atmosphere that feels warm and inviting.
Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or Sunday dinner, this recipe has a way of bringing people together. Each slice glistens with golden glaze, and the flavors of honey, pineapple, and brown sugar blend into something unforgettable.
Conclusion
Crock pot brown sugar pineapple ham is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. The slow cooker turns an ordinary ham into a tender, flavorful dish coated in a sweet, sticky glaze that captures everything comforting about home-cooked food.
It’s easy enough for a casual dinner yet elegant enough for any celebration. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort, you’ll end up with a dish that looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better than it looks.
Serve it warm with your favorite sides, and watch how quickly it disappears. This recipe is proof that the best meals don’t need to be complicated — sometimes, all it takes is good ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little time.