This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a perfect dish for holiday dinners or special occasions. The slow-cooked ham absorbs the sweet and tangy flavors of brown sugar, pineapple, and honey, creating a deliciously glazed and juicy centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in spiral cut ham (about 5-7 pounds, depending on your crock pot size)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits or chunks in juice, not drained
- ½ cup honey (optional, for extra sweetness and glaze)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for added spice)
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Remove the spiral cut ham from its packaging, discarding any plastic or netting around the ham. Place the ham in your crock pot with the flat side facing down so that the spiral slices face upward. This positioning helps the flavors penetrate between the slices as the ham cooks.
Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar
Rub the brown sugar over the top of the ham, ensuring it gets into the spiral slices. The brown sugar will dissolve as the ham cooks, creating a sweet glaze that coats the meat.
Step 3: Pour the Pineapple
Pour the entire can of pineapple tidbits or chunks, along with the juice, over the top of the ham. Spread the pineapple evenly around and over the ham so that it seeps between the slices as it cooks.
Step 4: Optional Sweetness and Spice
For extra sweetness and flavor, drizzle ½ cup of honey over the ham. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cloves over the top if you like a bit of warm spice. Both ingredients are optional but add a delicious depth to the flavor.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Ham
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the ham on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C). During cooking, baste the ham with the juices in the crock pot every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve the Ham
Once cooked, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. Spoon some of the pineapple and juices from the crock pot over the ham. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Notes:
- Ham Size: Be sure to choose a ham that fits comfortably in your crock pot. If needed, you can trim a small portion of the ham to fit.
- Honey: The honey is optional but adds an extra layer of sweetness and creates a stickier glaze. If you prefer less sweetness, you can omit it.
- Cloves: The ground cloves add a warm, spiced flavor to the ham. If you’re not a fan of cloves, feel free to skip this ingredient.
Variations:
1. Maple Glazed Ham:
Swap the honey for ½ cup of maple syrup for a rich, deep sweetness that complements the ham beautifully.
2. Spicy-Sweet Ham:
Add 1-2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pineapple juice mixture for a touch of spice.
3. Citrus Pineapple Ham:
Add the juice and zest of one orange or lemon to the pineapple mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham. Just make sure it’s spiral cut to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, and adjust the cooking time based on the size of the ham.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I use pineapple slices instead of tidbits or chunks?
Yes, you can use pineapple slices instead of tidbits or chunks. Place the slices around and on top of the ham just as you would with the tidbits.
This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a sweet, savory, and simple dish that’s perfect for any holiday or family gathering. The combination of brown sugar, pineapple, and optional honey and cloves creates a deliciously glazed ham that’s both tender and flavorful. The crock pot does all the work, making it an easy and stress-free option for your next special meal. Serve this ham with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying feast!