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If you’re looking for a dish that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas while delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Tender, juicy spiral-cut ham slow-cooked to perfection, glazed with a fragrant mix of brown sugar, mustard, and cloves, then topped with tangy pineapple slices and bright maraschino cherries—this recipe turns an everyday ham into a showstopping crowd-pleaser with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture that will impress everyone at your table. Each one plays a special role—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or fruity—to elevate the humble ham into something extraordinary.
- 7-8 pound bone-in spiral cut ham: The star of the dish, its pre-cut slices make serving a breeze and help absorb all the delicious glaze.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel sweetness that balances the savory ham perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard: Brings a subtle tangy warmth that brightens the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon cloves: Infuses a warm, fragrant spice that gives the ham that classic holiday aroma.
- 1 (20oz) can sliced pineapple: Provides juicy, tropical sweetness and tender fruit texture on top.
- 16 maraschino cherries: Popping with bright color and a hint of cherry sweetness to complement the pineapple.
How to Make Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze Mixture
Start by mixing the brown sugar, dry mustard, and cloves in a bowl. This blend creates that perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors which will soak into every nook and cranny of the ham, making each bite irresistible.
Step 2: Prep the Ham for the Slow Cooker
Unwrap your spiral-cut ham and gently pat off any excess juice with a paper towel. Place it into the crockpot with the pre-cut side down—this ensures flatter carving later. Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the ham, making sure to really get into the folds and slices so that the flavors can really penetrate deeply during cooking.
Step 3: Add Pineapple and Cherries
Lay the pineapple slices over the top of the ham, allowing them to rest against the sides of the crockpot if necessary. If they don’t stay in place, toothpicks work like a charm to secure them. Nestle 1 or 2 maraschino cherries into the center of each pineapple ring, adding a burst of color and extra sweetness.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours depending on your schedule and ham size. The slow cooking lets the flavors meld while the ham becomes tender and moist, soaking up all the sugary, spiced goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
Once cooked, carefully remove the pineapple slices and cherries to set aside for serving. Lift the ham out with sturdy tongs and a spatula. Pour the cooking juices from the crockpot into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the liquid by simmering it down until it reaches a thick glaze consistency—this concentrated sauce will beautifully enhance each slice of ham.
Step 6: Carve and Serve
Place the ham on a carving board with the pre-cut spiral side down. Carve down along the bone to free the boneless meat section, then slice the spiral cuts into perfect serving pieces. Continue to cut remaining meat off the bone in sections. Transfer the slices to a serving platter alongside the reserved pineapple and cherries. Drizzle generously with the warm glaze to finish.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic pineapple and cherries, feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs for a touch of greenery and subtle fragrant notes. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped pecans can also bring delightful textures and a tropical twist.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls, or a refreshing green salad with citrus vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like glazed carrots or honey-roasted sweet potatoes also complement the sweet-savory flavor profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the pineapple and cherry-topped ham slices in a circular pattern on a platter, then drizzle with glaze right at the table. You can also serve individual portions in small ramekins with a few pineapple rings on top for a charming presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover ham slices, pineapple, and glaze in airtight containers and refrigerate. Properly stored, they’ll keep fresh for 3 to 4 days—perfect for delicious next-day sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers for later, freeze slices of ham and pineapple separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. Both components can keep well up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture, making meal prep super convenient.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, gently reheat ham slices in the oven at 275°F wrapped in foil, basting occasionally with some of the glaze to keep them moist. Pineapple can be reheated briefly or enjoyed cold as a refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use a fully cooked ham for this Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe?
Yes! Spiral-cut hams are generally fully cooked, so this recipe is more about reheating and glazing to infuse extra flavor rather than cooking from raw. You’ll just want to ensure it’s heated thoroughly and glazed to perfection.
How do I keep the pineapple slices from drying out?
The slow-cooking process combined with placing the pineapple directly on the ham helps keep the fruit moist and juicy. Covering the crockpot while cooking traps moisture and prevents drying.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ham and glaze mixture a day before and keep it refrigerated. When ready, place everything in the crockpot and cook as directed. The flavors will even deepen overnight.
What if I don’t have cloves?
If cloves aren’t on hand, you can substitute with a pinch of allspice or cinnamon for a slightly different but still warm and spiced flavor. Just be mindful to use sparingly to avoid overpowering the ham.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar slightly or omit the cherries, which add additional sweetness. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze to introduce a touch of acidity that balances sweetness nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe is one of those magic meals that turns simple ingredients into a delicious centerpiece everyone will rave about. It’s effortless, comforting, and bursting with delightful sweet and savory notes. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a tradition you look forward to sharing year after year.
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Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Ham with Pineapple recipe features a succulent bone-in spiral cut ham slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries. The slow cooking in a crockpot ensures tender, flavorful meat infused with warm spices and caramelized sweetness, making it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Ham and Glaze
- 7–8 pound bone-in spiral cut ham
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon cloves
Fruit Topping
- 1 (20 oz) can sliced pineapple
- 16 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze mixture: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, and cloves until well combined, forming a flavorful glaze for the ham.
- Prepare the ham in crockpot: Unwrap the spiral cut ham and pat off any excess moisture with paper towels. Place the ham into the crockpot with the pre-cut side facing down. Rub the brown sugar glaze mixture thoroughly over the entire ham, making sure to get the glaze in between all the crevices and slices for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add pineapple and cherries: Gently arrange the sliced pineapple over the top of the ham. If needed, rest the slices against the side of the crockpot or secure them with toothpicks to keep them in place. Place 1-2 maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple slice for a colorful and sweet garnish.
- Cook the ham: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the ham, but the meat should be heated through and tender once done.
- Prepare the glaze sauce: Remove the pineapple and cherries carefully and set aside for serving. Using sturdy tongs and a spatula, carefully take the ham out of the crockpot. Transfer the remaining liquid from the crockpot into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the liquid by boiling to create a thickened glaze sauce to serve alongside the ham.
- Carve and serve: Place the ham pre-cut side down on a cutting board. Slice the ham down along the bone to separate the boneless section, allowing the spiral cut slices to come off easily. Continue carving meat off the bone in sections as desired. Arrange slices on a serving platter and serve with the reserved pineapple, cherries, and the reduced glaze sauce.
Notes
- Use sturdy tongs and a spatula when removing the ham from the crockpot to prevent it from breaking apart.
- If pineapple slices slip off too easily, toothpicks help keep them attached during cooking.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot model and ham size; check tenderness to ensure it is heated through.
- The reduced glaze from the crockpot liquids adds a delicious finishing touch—don’t skip this step.
- This recipe works well for holiday dinners or anytime you want a hands-off, flavorful ham.
