This juicy pineapple ham is a real crowd-pleaser! Cooked slowly, it becomes tender and infused with sweet and tangy flavors from the pineapple and glaze.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist a slice topped with that pineapple goodness. I could eat it every day! 🎉 Plus, it’s super easy—just pop it in the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
I love serving this ham with rice or roasted veggies. It makes any meal feel like a celebration, and the leftovers are perfect for sandwiches. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bone-in Ham: A fully cooked bone-in ham gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a smaller option, you can choose a half ham. For a different flavor, try a smoked ham.
Brown Sugar: This is essential for the sweet glaze. You can substitute with granulated sugar, but you’ll miss that rich molasses flavor. Some prefer using light brown sugar for a milder taste.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds a wonderful tropical note. If you don’t have any, apple juice works as a good alternative. Just be aware that it will change the taste slightly.
Crushed Pineapple: This adds great texture and sweetness. If you want to keep it low sugar, use unsweetened crushed pineapple or fresh pineapple chunks instead. You could also swap it with canned peaches.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tanginess to balance the sweetness. If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can skip it or substitute with whole grain mustard for a different flavor.
How Do You Score a Ham Perfectly?
Scoring the ham is an important step for the most flavorful glaze. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the ham on a cutting board, fat side up.
- Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern. This creates nice pockets for the glaze.
- Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to keep the ham intact.
Scoring not only allows the flavors to penetrate but also gives the ham a beautiful presentation when it’s served. Happy cooking!
Best Slow Cooker Pineapple Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-8 pounds)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Maraschino cherries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker ham will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 6-8 hours of cooking time on low. Perfect for setting and forgetting while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Start by lightly coating the inside of a large slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This helps prevent the ham from sticking while it cooks and makes for easier cleanup.
2. Mixing the Glaze:
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and Dijon mustard. Use a spoon or whisk to stir everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth. This glaze will add tons of flavor to your ham!
3. Scoring the Ham:
Take the ham out of its packaging and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the delicious glaze to soak into the meat for better flavor.
4. Placing the Ham in the Slow Cooker:
Carefully place the scored ham inside the slow cooker. Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the top, making sure it seeps into all the score cuts you made. Then, sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the ham for added sweetness and texture.
5. Cooking the Ham:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the ham on low heat for about 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). To keep the ham moist and flavorful, baste it with the cooking juices every couple of hours.
6. Serving the Ham:
Once cooked, carefully transfer the ham to a serving plate. You can garnish it with fresh pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries if you like for a festive touch. Before slicing, pour some of the delicious cooking juices over the ham to enhance the flavor.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to slice the ham and serve it warm. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delightful sweet and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! While a bone-in ham is traditional, you can use a boneless ham if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the ham to ensure it heats thoroughly. Keep in mind that boneless ham may cook a bit faster, so check the temperature around the 5-hour mark.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can substitute the pineapple juice with orange juice or apple juice for a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a non-fruit option, chicken or vegetable broth can work too, though it will change the overall taste of the glaze.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the ham cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices of ham for up to 3 months—just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Ham Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the ham and glaze a day in advance. Simply assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and store it in the fridge overnight. Then, the next day, just set it in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes it super convenient for holiday meals or gatherings!
