Are you looking for a comforting, delicious dish that brings everyone together? This Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is just the ticket. It’s a dish that not only warms the heart but also fills the home with an irresistible aroma. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple, making each bite feel like a hug. Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
The star of this dish is a fully cooked ham that weighs between 5 to 7 pounds. Combined with 1 cup of rich brown sugar, 1 cup of pineapple juice, and an 8-ounce can of drained crushed pineapple, this ham transforms into a sweet and savory masterpiece. The addition of spices—1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves—elevates the flavor profile, giving that warm, holiday vibe year-round.
Preparing this delightful dish is simpler than you might think. In just a few steps, you’ll mix your glaze, pour it over the ham, and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Simply cover and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, and you will have a beautifully glazed ham that is ready to be served. Slicing it up will reveal its juicy interior coated with the sweet glaze, perfect for drizzling over each serving.
This recipe is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special. It’s great for potlucks and family dinners, and it can easily provide leftovers for delightful sandwiches in the days to come.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Quick Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can get this recipe started in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, making this a hassle-free dish to prepare.
- Comfort Food: The sweet and savory flavors work harmoniously to create a comforting meal that warms the soul.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this ham is sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile Leftovers: Enjoy the ham on its own or transform it into sandwiches or salads the next day.
Ham Selection Tips
When choosing your fully cooked ham, keep a few things in mind. Look for a ham that is labeled “fully cooked” to ensure it’s safe to eat. Aim for a size that fits your family’s needs; a 5 to 7-pound ham generally serves around 10 to 15 people, depending on your sides. Make sure the ham looks fresh and has a good amount of marbling to keep it tender and juicy. Finally, opt for a spiral-cut ham if you enjoy effortless slicing and serving.
Options for Substitutions
- Brown Sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly lower glycemic index.
- Pineapple Juice: Use orange juice for a different citrus twist.
- Crushed Pineapple: Freshly diced pineapple can replace canned for a more vibrant flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Try using fresh cinnamon sticks for an enhanced aroma.
- Ground Cloves: Nutmeg can be a wonderful alternative for a spicier profile.
- Honey: If you want to reduce sugar, substitute some or all brown sugar with honey.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall is overcooking the ham. Slow cooking is wonderful, but if you leave it too long, the ham can dry out, making it less enjoyable. Monitor the cooking time and check for a juicy texture once it’s done.
Another mistake is not stirring your glaze well before pouring it over the ham. This can result in uneven flavor distribution, where some parts may be overly sweet and others plain. Ensuring the glaze is well mixed gives you that consistent taste throughout.
Some cooks might think to add ingredients too early in the cooking process. It’s best to stick to the glaze ingredients at the start and avoid adding fresh pineapple or other fruits during cooking, as they may break down and lose their texture.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create a delightful dish every time.
What to Serve With Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or a fresh garden salad to balance the sweetness of the ham. A warm, crusty bread complements the meal well, allowing everyone to soak up that delicious glaze. Whatever you choose, ensure that the flavors enhance rather than compete with the dish.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the ham. Wrap it well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It should last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat: To reheat your ham, place it in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave slices on medium power, covered, for about 2 to 3 minutes, checking frequently until hot.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 to 8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 10 to 15
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2,300 to 3,000
- Protein: 120 to 160 grams
- Fat: 80 to 100 grams
- Carbohydrates: 250 to 350 grams
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. This sweet and aromatic glaze sets the tone for your delicious ham.
Step 2: Add Ham to Slow Cooker
Place the fully cooked ham in your slow cooker. If it’s a spiral cut ham, you can position it so the slices face upwards, allowing the glaze to seep into the cuts for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Glaze
Carefully pour your prepared glaze evenly over the ham. Make sure all of the surfaces are covered to help caramelize and flavor the meat beautifully as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender. The long, slow cooking will help meld all those wonderful flavors into the ham.
Step 5: Serve the Ham
Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve the ham slices warm, drizzled generously with the delicious glaze.
This Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is sure to be a hit at your table. The fantastic blend of sweetness and spices makes it not just a meal, but a centerpiece for cherished gatherings. I invite you to try this recipe, and please share your experiences or variations in the comments. Explore more of my delicious recipes for unforgettable meals. Happy cooking!
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Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 to 480 minutes
- Total Time: 375 to 495 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 15 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and delicious ham recipe that features a sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple glaze, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5–7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze by mixing together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Add the fully cooked ham to your slow cooker, positioning it so the slices face upwards if it’s a spiral cut ham.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring all surfaces are covered.
- Cook the ham on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until heated through and tender.
- Serve the ham slices warm, drizzled generously with the glaze after letting it rest for about 10 minutes.
Notes
Monitor cooking time to avoid overcooking the ham, and ensure the glaze is well mixed before pouring over the ham for consistent flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
