This post may contain affiliate links learn more
There are few dishes as comforting and show-stopping as a beautifully glazed ham—especially one bursting with sweet and tangy pineapple flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving a fuss-free, slow-cooked masterpiece, this Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham is your ultimate go-to. The juicy, tender ham paired with the caramelized pineapple glaze is nothing short of mouthwatering. And the best part? You can let your slow cooker do all the hard work!
So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have your family and guests asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: Thanks to the slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal effort. Set it, forget it, and come back to a tender, flavor-packed ham.
- Incredible Flavor: Sweet, tangy, and savory—this pineapple glaze is a match made in heaven with ham.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even Sunday dinner—this dish fits any table.
- Impressively Beautiful: With caramelized pineapple chunks and glossy glaze, it’s a visual and culinary showstopper.
What Does Pineapple Glazed Ham Taste Like?
This ham is a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The pineapple glaze caramelizes beautifully, adding a sticky, golden layer to the outside of the ham. Each bite is juicy, tender, and infused with the rich flavors of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and spices. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this irresistible ham:
For the Ham:
- 1 (6-8 lb) fully cooked spiral ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pineapple Garnish:
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Basting brush
- Small saucepan (for thickening glaze, optional)
- Sharp knife
- Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
- Place your fully cooked spiral ham flat-side down into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and garlic powder. This will be your glaze.
2. Glaze and Cook
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices for maximum flavor.
- Scatter the pineapple chunks over the ham. Sprinkle an extra 1/4 cup of brown sugar on top for caramelization.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. Baste the ham with its juices every hour for a richer flavor.
3. Caramelize (Optional but Recommended)
- For an irresistible golden finish, transfer the ham to a baking dish.
- Spoon some of the glaze and pineapple chunks on top.
- Broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining glaze. Garnish with the caramelized pineapple chunks for a beautiful presentation.
What to Serve With Pineapple Glazed Ham
This ham is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery potatoes to soak up that sweet glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and nutrition.
- Mac and Cheese: A cheesy, indulgent pairing for a comforting meal.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for sopping up the juices.
- Green Beans Almondine: A light and elegant side dish.
Tips for the Best Pineapple Glazed Ham
- Baste Often: Basting the ham every hour keeps it juicy and ensures the glaze soaks into every slice.
- Don’t Overcook: Since the ham is already cooked, you’re only reheating it. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Broil for the Win: That golden, caramelized finish makes all the difference. Don’t skip the broiling step!
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter flavor.
How to Store Leftover Ham
- Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless ham instead?
Yes! Boneless ham works just as well in this recipe. The cook time may be slightly shorter since boneless hams are typically smaller.
Do I need to use a spiral ham?
Not necessarily, but spiral hams allow the glaze to seep into each slice, making them extra flavorful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the ham a day in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat it gently in the oven with the glaze.
Can I use a different glaze?
Sure! Maple syrup, apricot preserves, or even orange juice can be used to create variations of this glaze.
Final Thoughts: Make This Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham Today!
This Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity. Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or preparing a comforting Sunday dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts. Juicy, tender, and glazed to perfection, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.
Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? You’ll love these:
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review, share your photos, and follow along on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes: https://www.pinterest.com/EMMARECIPES18/.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 9g
Go grab your slow cooker and let’s make some magic happen—this pineapple glazed ham is calling your name!
PrintCrock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham: Sweet, Tender, and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham is sweet, savory, and juicy—an easy slow cooker recipe perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (6-8 lb) fully cooked spiral ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the fully cooked spiral ham flat-side down into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and garlic powder.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps between the slices.
- Scatter the pineapple chunks on top of the ham and sprinkle with the additional 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, basting with juices every hour.
- Optional: Transfer the ham to a baking dish, spoon glaze and pineapple chunks on top, and broil for 5-7 minutes for caramelization.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, drizzle with glaze, and garnish with caramelized pineapple chunks.
Notes
- Baste the ham every hour for extra flavor and moisture.
- Do not overcook; since the ham is already cooked, you are only reheating it.
- Broiling the ham at the end adds a caramelized finish but is optional.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (1 slice)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg