Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham: Sweet and Savory Perfection

You know those recipes that make you look like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours, but in reality, you’ve barely lifted a finger? This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is one of those magic dishes. I made it last Easter when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the sides I needed to prepare, and let me tell you – it was a lifesaver. The house smelled amazing, my guests thought I’d put in way more effort than I did, and I got to spend time catching up with family instead of fretting over the stove. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without any of the stress.

 

If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy, impressive, and downright delicious, this is it. There’s something about the sweetness from the brown sugar and pineapple mixing with the savory, salty ham that just makes you want to do a little happy dance. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the convenience of a slow cooker? It’s like having a sous chef who takes care of all the heavy lifting while you sit back with a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, no judgment here).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe a true winner is how it transforms an ordinary ham into something extraordinary. The slow cooker works its magic, bathing the ham in a sweet, tangy glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny. You get this wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth ham that tastes like you spent hours basting and babying it – but really, you were probably binge-watching your favorite show or catching up with a friend.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (big enough to fit your ham)
• A sharp knife (to trim the ham if it’s a little too ambitious in size)
• Measuring cups and spoons (no guessing here, folks!)
• Basting brush (if you’re feeling fancy)
• Small saucepan (if you’re going for that extra glaze action)

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in spiral cut ham (5-7 pounds, depending on your crock pot size)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits or chunks in juice (juice included – don’t drain!)
• 1/2 cup honey (optional but trust me, you’ll want it)
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional if you’re feeling a bit fancy and want a touch of spice)

Instructions

1. Get That Ham Ready

Start by sizing up your ham. If it’s trying to be the diva of the crock pot and doesn’t fit, just trim it down a little. Don’t worry, you’re not hurting its feelings. Leave the netting on while trimming, and then remove it once it’s all settled in.

2. Brown Sugar Magic

Sprinkle half a cup of brown sugar at the bottom of your crock pot. This forms a sweet little cushion for your ham to rest on and sets the stage for all that caramelization magic later.

3. Ham Goes In

Place your ham flat side down on top of the brown sugar layer. Give it a gentle pat and tell it, “You’re going to be amazing.”

4. Pineapple, Honey, and All That Good Stuff

Pour the entire can of pineapple (juice and all) over the ham. If you’re in the mood for extra sweetness, drizzle that honey over the top. Finish it off by sprinkling the remaining brown sugar and a bit of ground cloves if you want to kick up the flavor.

5. Cook and Relax

Cover the crock pot with the lid, set it to LOW, and let it cook for 4-6 hours. Resist the urge to keep lifting the lid to peek – I know it’s hard, but every time you do, you let out all the heat. Trust the process!

6. Baste and Bask

In the last hour, use a basting brush to coat the ham with all those amazing juices pooling at the bottom. This step makes sure every slice is packed with flavor.

7. Serve Like a Pro

Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes (it’s worked hard). If you want to get fancy, pour the cooking juices into a saucepan and heat them up until they thicken into a glaze. Drizzle some over the ham before serving and keep the rest on the side for those who love extra sauce (there’s always one in every crowd).

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcook: Set a timer, so you don’t accidentally end up with a ham that’s drier than your aunt’s Thanksgiving jokes.
• Glaze It Up: If you’ve got the time, reducing the sauce into a thicker glaze is so worth it. It adds that extra layer of flavor that’ll have everyone going back for seconds.
• Use Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though, good luck with that), chop them up for sandwiches, omelets, or toss them into a cheesy potato bake.

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Swap out pineapple for orange slices and juice for a citrusy version.
• Apple Cider Ham: Replace the pineapple juice with apple cider, and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy fall vibe.
• Spicy Sweet: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the brown sugar for a sweet heat combo that’s sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this ham with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Or go all out and serve it with some cheesy scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and buttery rolls. Trust me, you’re going to want something to soak up all that glorious sauce!

FAQs

1. What’s the best ham to use?
A bone-in spiral cut ham is my go-to because it’s already pre-sliced and the bone adds flavor while it cooks. But boneless works too if that’s what you have on hand.

2. How do I keep the ham from drying out?
The beauty of the crock pot is that it keeps everything nice and moist. Just make sure you don’t overcook it. Basting it with the juices during the last hour also helps lock in that moisture.

3. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even some garlic powder if you’re feeling adventurous.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

The Final Slice

This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to make you look like a superstar in the kitchen – even if you’re just winging it most of the time, like me. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to bask in all the praise (and maybe sneak a few extra slices for yourself while no one’s looking).