Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of a savory ham simmering away in the crock pot, blended with the sweetness of brown sugar and the tropical notes of pineapple. This recipe for Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering the perfect balance of flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
🌟 Recipe Highlights
What sets this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple apart is the incredible texture contrast it offers. The exterior of the ham develops a beautifully caramelized crust, while the interior remains melt-in-your-mouth tender. The combination of the savory, salty ham, the rich brown sugar glaze, and the tangy pineapple is truly a flavor explosion that will have you craving more.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made entirely in the slow cooker, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 (7-8 lb) bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple slices, drained
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
The beauty of this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of the savory ham, sweet brown sugar, and tangy pineapple creates a flavor profile that has made slow cooker ham recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the ham in a large slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Step 2: Pour the brown sugar mixture over the ham, making sure to coat it completely. Arrange the pineapple slices around the sides of the ham.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Step 4: Remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 6-8 hours
• Total time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Compared to traditional baked ham which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple saves you significant time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 1,403mg
These crock pot ham recipes provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 61% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the honey and use an all-natural fruit-based syrup or maple syrup instead.
• Added protein: Serve the ham with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty salad to boost the protein and fiber content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and flavor.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
• Complement the ham with a side of homemade cranberry sauce or apple chutney.
• For a festive occasion, create a beautiful charcuterie board with the ham, pineapple slices, and assorted cheeses, nuts, and crackers.
⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip
• Undercooking: Cooking the ham for too short a time may result in a tough, chewy texture. Follow the recommended cooking time for best results.
• Skipping the glaze: The brown sugar and pineapple juice glaze is essential for creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Don’t skip this step.
📦 Storage & Leftovers
These Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing baked: Allow the ham to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the ham in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 325°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. When ready, cook on low for 6-8 hours as directed.
Can I substitute a different type of ham?
Yes, you can use a different type of ham in this recipe, such as a spiral-sliced or boneless ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different ham sizes and types may require more or less time in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free Dijon mustard. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
How can I prevent the ham from drying out?
To prevent the ham from drying out, be sure to baste it with the cooking liquid periodically during the cooking process. Additionally, avoid overcooking the ham, as that can lead to a dry, tough texture.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced onions, carrots, or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as the centerpiece of a holiday feast or as a weeknight family dinner, they’re sure to impress with their beautifully caramelized exterior and tender, juicy interior.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these slow cooker ham recipes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the slow cooking process. So why not give this delicious dish a try and experience the magic of crock pot cooking for yourself?
Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Place the ham in a large slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the ham, making sure to coat it completely. Arrange the pineapple slices around the sides of the ham.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with maraschino cherries, if desired.
