Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze is a delightful dish that truly embodies the spirit of comfort food. Imagine walking into your home, greeted by the warm aroma of sweet pineapple mingling with the savory scent of glazed ham slowly cooking in your kitchen. The meat becomes tender, flavor infuses every bite, and a luscious glaze forms, creating a beautiful shine that’s irresistible. This dish promises not just a meal but a warm gathering, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy dinner with family.
The best part? This method requires just minutes of prep time, making it suitable for busy schedules and allowing you to spend more time with loved ones or hobbies. There’s no complicated marinating or fuss—simply blend a few ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and you have a beautifully glazed ham ready to impress. This easy-to-make meal stands proudly against any store-bought alternative, offering a rich, homemade flavor that feels like a warm hug. Give this recipe a try; it could become a cherished staple in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it for hours.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory ham and sweet pineapple brown sugar glaze is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish steals the show with its beautiful presentation, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for holiday meals, family dinners, or even as leftovers the next day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Glaze and ham can cater to different dietary restrictions with easy substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup brown sugar: This adds sweetness and caramelization to the ham, providing that wonderful glaze. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor, though light brown can work too.
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard: This provides a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple. You can substitute with Dijon mustard if you prefer.
- 1 6-8 lb bone-in ham: Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and juicy. If you’re feeding a smaller crowd, a half ham can be used.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: This is the foundation of your glaze, imparting a fruity sweetness. Opt for pure pineapple juice with no added sugars for the best results.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This is used to thicken the glaze for a luscious, irresistible texture. Make sure to dissolve it well in liquid before adding to avoid lumps.
- ½ cup reserved ham juices: These juices enhance the flavor of the glaze, making it richer. If you don’t collect enough, just add more pineapple juice.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: A touch more sweetness added at the end to customize the glaze to your preference.
How to Make Crockpot Ham
- Prepare the Rub: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground mustard, stirring until well blended.
- Season the Ham: Unwrap your ham and place it in a 6-quart slow cooker. You may need to trim the ham slightly to fit. Generously rub the brown sugar mixture over the entire surface, ensuring every nook is covered.
- Add Pineapple Juice: Pour 1 cup of pineapple juice around the ham in the slow cooker. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 140℉. Be patient, as this will yield the most tender results.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, whisk together another cup of pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. This will help create that irresistible glaze.
- Strain & Simmer: Once the ham has finished cooking, strain the juices from the slow cooker into your saucepan with the cornstarch mixture. Add ½ cup of the reserved ham juices to enhance the flavor. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Thicken the Glaze: Cook until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness with 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar if you like. If the glaze is too salty, add a couple of tablespoons of water to help balance it. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix together additional cornstarch with water and add just a bit at a time.
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover crockpot ham, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Be mindful that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but adding a splash of pineapple juice during reheating can help refresh the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Include a delicious variety in your settings by offering different types of mustards for the glaze—spicy or honey mustard can do wonders!
- Avoid overcooking the ham; keep check on the temperature to prevent it from drying out. A meat thermometer is a helpful tool here.
- If you want to plan ahead, you can prepare the brown sugar mixture the night before and store it in the fridge.
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding whole cloves or sliced pineapple on top of the ham before cooking.
- Remember to save some of that liquid gold! The leftover glaze is perfect for drizzling over veggies or grains in future meals.
Do take your time while cooking; the anticipation makes each bite even more delicious. Plus, the aroma filling your kitchen will persuade everyone around to gather and share those precious moments.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While a bone-in ham is traditional for its flavor, you can certainly use a boneless ham or even a spiral-cut ham. Just adjust the cooking time as spiral-cut hams often come pre-cooked and need less time in the slow cooker.
How can I adjust this recipe for smaller servings?
If you’re cooking just for a few, you can easily halve the recipe. Use a smaller ham, keeping the cooking method the same. Adjust the ingredients proportionally, and the slow cooker will still work wonders!
What if I want to cook the ham faster?
If you’re short on time, you can cook the ham on the high setting. Just keep in mind that it will usually take about half the time, so check the internal temperature to ensure it’s properly warmed through without drying out.
How can I enhance the glaze flavor?
Feel free to get creative! You can mix in a splash of soy sauce for umami, add fresh ginger for a nice spice kick, or even a bit of cinnamon for warmth. Experiment to find your perfect balance!
This slow-cooked crockpot ham with a pineapple brown sugar glaze is bound to be a hit with everyone at the table. It promises not only a delightful taste experience but also fosters an atmosphere of togetherness. Enjoy the journey of cooking and appealing to all those taste buds!
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Crockpot Ham
This Crockpot Ham is a succulent dish with a delightful pineapple brown sugar glaze. It’s simple to prepare and bursts with flavor, making it a perfect option for celebratory dinners or weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 6-8 lb bone-in ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- ½ cup reserved ham juices
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar and ground mustard in a medium bowl.
- Unwrap the ham and place it in a 6-quart slow cooker, trimming if needed. Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the ham.
- Pour pineapple juice over the ham, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140℉.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the ham fits well in the slow cooker; trim as necessary.
Using reserved ham juices can enhance the flavor of the glaze.
Check the ham’s internal temperature for proper doneness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 255 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
