Sweet Pineapple Glazed Ham

Transform your holiday dinner table with this incredible Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Spiral Ham that is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting frees up your oven for other side dishes while delivering a mouthwatering sweet and savory masterpiece.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Making a holiday ham has never been easier thanks to the convenience of your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Spiral Ham locks in moisture, ensuring that every single slice is incredibly tender and never dries out. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple juice, and warm spices creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it frees up valuable oven space when you are cooking a big feast for family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 7 to 9 pounds)
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple rings in juice
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the spiral-sliced ham cut-side down into a large slow cooker. If the ham is too tall, you may need to trim the bottom slightly to fit the lid on securely.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until smooth.
3. Pour the brown sugar and pineapple mixture evenly over and down into the slices of the ham.
4. Arrange the pineapple rings and maraschino cherries over the top and sides of the ham, securing them with wooden toothpicks if necessary.
5. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the ham is thoroughly heated through.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, ladle some of the warm juices from the bottom of the slow cooker and brush them over the top of the ham to build a rich glaze.
7. Remove the ham from the slow cooker, transfer to a serving platter, brush with remaining glaze, and serve warm.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To ensure your Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Spiral Ham turns out perfectly every time, make sure to buy a fully cooked ham since you are only reheating it and infusing it with flavors. If your slow cooker is on the smaller side, feel free to foil-wrap the top tightly to trap the steam and heat if the lid will not close all the way. For an even thicker and stickier glaze, pour the leftover liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan and simmer it on the stove over medium-high heat until it reduces down to a thick syrup before brushing it over the carved slices.

Variations & Substitutions

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap out the pineapple juice for fresh apple cider and use maple syrup instead of honey for a cozy autumn-inspired twist. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture if you want to balance out the sweetness with a tiny hint of heat. For a bourbon-glazed version, stir two tablespoons of your favorite bourbon into the sauce before pouring it over the meat.

Serving Suggestions

This savory and sweet ham pairs wonderfully with traditional comfort food side dishes. Serve it alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes, classic green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, and fluffy dinner rolls. Leftovers also make incredible breakfast additions alongside scrambled eggs or stacked high in a gourmet ham and cheese sandwich for lunch the next day.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To freeze, slice the ham and place it in heavy-duty freezer bags or a freezer-safe container along with some of the remaining glaze to keep it moist, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger batch covered in aluminum foil in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Nutrition Information

FAQ

Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure that a bone-in ham fits inside your specific slow cooker before starting. If the bone handle sticks out too much, you may need to trim a small portion of the bone or use a slightly smaller ham.

Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?

No, you do not need to add extra water. The pineapple juice, honey, and natural juices released from the ham as it heats up provide more than enough liquid to keep everything moist and prevent burning.

What size slow cooker do I need for a 7 to 9-pound ham?

A 6-quart or 7-quart slow cooker is typically required to comfortably fit a spiral-sliced ham of this size. If your ham is slightly too large, you can trim the sides to make it fit snugly inside.

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Sweet Pineapple Glazed Ham

A show-stopping holiday centerpiece featuring a juicy spiral-sliced ham coated in a sticky, sweet pineapple and brown sugar glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 385

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ham and Baking

• 10 lb spiral-sliced bone-in ham fully cooked
• 1 cup water poured into the bottom of the roasting pan

Pineapple Glaze

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 8 oz crushed pineapple with juices
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
2. Remove the ham from all packaging and discard the plastic disk covering the bone. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan fitted with a rack, and pour the water into the bottom of the pan.
3. Cover the roasting pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap moisture, and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (or roughly 10-12 minutes per pound).
4. While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, crushed pineapple with its juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
5. Bring the glaze mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Brush about one-third of the warm pineapple glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure some drips between the slices.
7. Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes, until the glaze is deeply caramelized and sticky.
8. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving with any remaining glaze from the pan.

Notes

For an extra festive presentation, you can secure pineapple rings and maraschino cherries to the outside of the ham with toothpicks during the last 30 minutes of baking.