Nothing brings the family together quite like the rich, sweet, and savory aroma of a Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham slowly cooking to perfection. This dish is a beloved staple for holidays, Sunday dinners, and any time you want to serve up something that feels both comforting and indulgent. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is proof that amazing flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.
The combination of juicy ham, caramelized brown sugar, and tangy pineapple creates a sticky-sweet glaze that enhances every bite. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—freeing up time and oven space.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pineapple Ham
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Effortless and stress-free—let the crock pot work its magic
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Incredible flavor with just a few pantry staples
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Feeds a crowd with minimal prep
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Perfect for holiday feasts, potlucks, or leftovers
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Works with bone-in or boneless hams
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 fully cooked ham (5 to 7 lbs, bone-in or boneless)
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1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, with juice
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¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
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½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a festive spice)
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Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish and color)
How to Make Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
1. Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If it’s bone-in and not spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife to help the glaze penetrate.
2. Layer the Pineapple and Brown Sugar
In the bottom of the crock pot, spread ½ cup of brown sugar evenly. Add a few pineapple slices on top. This forms a flavorful base.
3. Add the Ham
Place the ham on top of the pineapple/brown sugar layer. Arrange the remaining pineapple slices over and around the ham. You can secure them with toothpicks if desired.
4. Create the Glaze
In a bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice from the can. Stir until smooth. Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s well-coated.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot with the lid. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the ham. Baste the ham occasionally with the juices for maximum flavor.
Tip: For a deeper caramelized finish, you can transfer the ham to a baking sheet after cooking and broil it for 3–5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This mouthwatering ham pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy scalloped potatoes
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Green beans almondine or roasted Brussels sprouts
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Sweet potato casserole or buttery corn casserole
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Fresh rolls or buttermilk biscuits
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A cranberry salad or classic coleslaw for brightness
Leftovers You'll Crave
One of the best things about this recipe? The leftovers are just as good—if not better. Try using leftover slices in:
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Ham and cheese sliders
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Scrambled egg and ham breakfast wraps
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Ham and bean soup
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Loaded mac and cheese
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Hearty chef salads
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Ham
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Spiral-cut hams absorb glaze better and are easier to serve
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Score uncut hams to allow flavor to seep deeper
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Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm holiday vibes
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 140°F
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Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing for juicier results
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm slices in a covered skillet with a splash of pineapple juice or water over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 23g
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Carbs: 18g
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Fat: 12g
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Sugar: 15g
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Sodium: 900mg
Values vary based on ham type and size.
Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations
Maple-Glazed Ham
Replace honey with maple syrup and add a touch of cinnamon for a rustic twist.
Spicy-Sweet Ham
Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a kick.
Tropical Vibes
Include mango chunks or coconut milk in the glaze for a Hawaiian flair.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is a foolproof recipe that delivers unforgettable flavor and tenderness with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a cherished family tradition, requested again and again. Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or adding something special to your Sunday dinner, this ham is sure to impress.
