Sweet Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham With Pineapple Recipe

Heavenly Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple Crock Pot Recipe

Succulent ham takes center stage in this classic brown sugar pineapple recipe that promises to delight every palate.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing the meat with rich, caramelized flavors that melt in your mouth.

Tender and juicy, this ham brings warmth to any gathering with minimal effort.

Pineapple chunks nestled around the meat create a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

The brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a stunning golden-brown exterior that looks as good as it tastes.

Each slice promises a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This hassle-free dish transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast that celebrates simple, delicious cooking.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple

For The Meat:
  • Ham: Select a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham for maximum flavor absorption and easy serving, preferring bone-in varieties for richer taste and juiciness.
For The Glaze And Spices:
  • Brown Sugar, Honey: Creates a luscious caramelized coating that adds deep sweetness and helps seal in moisture.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy depth and helps balance the sweetness with a subtle sharpness.
  • Cinnamon, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the ham's rich flavor and add a sophisticated aromatic note.
For Moisture And Garnish:
  • Pineapple Slices: Fresh or canned slices that tenderize the meat, add tropical brightness, and create a beautiful presentation.
  • Pineapple Juice: Helps keep the ham moist and intensifies the overall fruity flavor profile.
  • Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing pineapple slices during cooking if needed.

Essential Tools for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham

  • Crock pot: Essential for slow-cooking the ham with minimal effort.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the brown sugar glaze ingredients.
  • Toothpicks: Helpful for securing pineapple slices to the ham.
  • Knife: Needed for trimming ham if too large and slicing after cooking.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ham.
  • Basting brush (optional): Useful for spreading juices over the ham during cooking.

How to Make Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham

  • Prep the Ham

Place ham in the slow cooker with the flat side facing down. If it’s too big, carefully trim or use foil to cover the top while closing the lid.

  • Create Magical Glaze

Whip together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl. Generously massage this sweet mixture all over the ham, ensuring it gets into every spiral slice.

  • Dress with Tropical Touches

Layer pineapple slices across the ham, securing with toothpicks if needed. Splash reserved pineapple juice over the meat to boost moisture and flavor.

  • Slow and Low Cooking

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The goal is heating the ham thoroughly while letting flavors meld. Occasionally baste with cooking juices to keep everything deliciously moist.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Carefully transfer ham from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 10 minutes to settle juices. Slice and plate with pineapple slices, drizzling extra glaze from the pot for an irresistible finish.

Tips for a Juicy Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple

  • Ham-Saving Strategies: Trim ham carefully to ensure it fits perfectly in the crock pot without compromising cooking quality.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the brown sugar glaze a day in advance and refrigerate to intensify flavor development and save time on cooking day.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free Dijon mustard and verify ham packaging to create a completely gluten-free version of this recipe.
  • Alternative Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free alternative that maintains delicious caramelized notes.
  • Low-Sodium Hack: Choose a lower sodium ham variety and reduce additional salt in the glaze to create a heart-friendly version of this classic dish.

How to Serve Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham

  • Fruity Feast Companions: Serve alongside fresh tropical fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and papaya for a vibrant color burst.
  • Elegant Side Kick: Pair with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole to complement the ham's rich, sweet flavor profile.
  • Zesty Green Accent: Add a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the dish's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a light, slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer to enhance the ham's pineapple and brown sugar notes.

Storage Ideas for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover ham in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice ham into portions, wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for future quick meals, maintaining texture and taste.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated ham in microwave or oven, adding a splash of pineapple juice to prevent dryness. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture during reheating.
  • Leftover Meal Inspiration: Transform extra ham into sandwiches, salads, breakfast casseroles, or diced additions for omelets and pasta dishes. Repurpose the meat to minimize food waste and create exciting new meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 12

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham With Pineapple Recipe

Sweet Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham With Pineapple Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Succulent brown sugar ham with pineapple emerges as a delightful centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Slow-cooked glazed ham delivers sweet and tangy flavors that will delight guests at your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 6-8 lbs (2.73.6 kg) fully cooked spiral-cut ham
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) honey
  • 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple slices, with juice reserved
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position ham in the slow cooker with the flat side facing downward, trimming if necessary to fit. Use foil to cover the top if the ham extends beyond the cooker’s edges.
  2. Glaze Creation: Whisk brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves into a harmonious blend. Massage the fragrant mixture thoroughly across the entire ham surface, ensuring penetration between spiral-cut sections.
  3. Pineapple Layering: Arrange pineapple slices over the glazed ham, securing with toothpicks if needed. Pour reserved pineapple juice across the meat to amplify moisture and enhance the tropical essence.
  4. Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Intermittently baste the ham with accumulated juices to maintain tenderness and deepen flavor complexity.
  5. Serving: Remove ham from the slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute internal juices. Slice and plate, garnishing with caramelized pineapple slices and drizzling the concentrated glaze from the cooking vessel.

Notes

  • Trim Ham Strategically: Cut ham carefully to fit crock pot, using foil if needed to prevent overcooking or uneven heat distribution.
  • Glaze Penetration Technique: Massage glaze thoroughly between spiral-cut sections to ensure deep flavor infusion and maximize taste throughout the meat.
  • Moisture Preservation Hack: Baste ham regularly during cooking to maintain tenderness and prevent drying, using accumulated juices for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Resting Period Importance: Allow ham to rest 10 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each slice remains succulent and perfectly tender.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star