Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Slow Cooker Honey Pineapple Ham, a tender, juicy ham slow-cooked in a luscious honey glaze with tangy pineapple. Perfect for holiday feasts or a comforting family dinner, this effortless dish delivers mouthwatering results with minimal prep. Let your slow cooker do the magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Honey Pineapple Ham is the epitome of a stress-free, yet impressive meal. Imagine a dish that requires only a few minutes of prep but fills your home with a rich, irresistible aroma as it slow cooks to perfection. Whether you’re serving it for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a casual Sunday dinner, this ham is always a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe truly stand out? The combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice creates a sticky-sweet, caramelized glaze that seeps into every slice. The slow-cooking process ensures maximum tenderness, so every bite is succulent and full of flavor.
It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize the glaze, switch up the fruit, or add extra seasonings to suit your taste. Plus, with minimal hands-on effort, it’s a dream come true for busy cooks who want gourmet flavors without the hassle.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in, fully cooked ham gives the best flavor and texture, but boneless ham works too.
- Slow Cooker Size: Make sure your ham fits in your slow cooker. If needed, trim it slightly or use a larger model.
- Low and Slow is Best: Cooking on low heat keeps the ham juicy and tender, preventing it from drying out.
- Basting is Key: Spoon the glaze over the ham every couple of hours to enhance the flavor and keep it moist.
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If possible, use fresh pineapple slices instead of canned for a more natural, tangy sweetness.
- Crispier Edges? Broil it! After slow cooking, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with extra glaze, and broil for 5 minutes.
Slow Cooker Honey Pineapple Ham
Slow-cooked honey pineapple ham, glazed with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices, creating a juicy, flavorful, and tender main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, with juice
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: If your ham has a thick rind, trim it off, leaving a thin layer of fat. This helps the glaze soak in.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and melted butter until well combined.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Add a layer of pineapple slices to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the ham on top, flat side down.
- Glaze the Ham: Pour the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the surface. Tuck some pineapple slices between the cuts of ham.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or until the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) internally.
- Baste Occasionally: Every 1-2 hours, spoon the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham.
- Optional Broiling: For a caramelized finish, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with glaze, and broil for 5 minutes until golden.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra glaze from the slow cooker.
Notes
- If using a spiral-cut ham, it will absorb the glaze faster and cook slightly quicker.
- Always check the ham’s internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 269Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 22mgSodium 289mgCarbohydrates 55gFiber 0gSugar 53gProtein 4g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors:
- Ham: Use a bone-in, fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs). Bone-in hams are more flavorful and tender compared to boneless.
- Honey: The star of the glaze, honey adds a natural sweetness and creates a beautiful sticky coating.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelized glaze and balances the tanginess of the pineapple juice.
- Pineapple Juice & Slices: The acidity in pineapple juice helps tenderize the ham while infusing it with fruity brightness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and complexity that balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon & Cloves: These warm spices add a hint of holiday flavor, making the dish extra special.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the glaze ingredients into a silky sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- No Pineapple? Use orange juice and fresh orange slices for a citrusy twist.
- Less Sweet? Reduce the honey and brown sugar, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for more tang.
- Spicy Kick? Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Maple Glaze Alternative: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a deep, rich sweetness.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the slow cooker for an aromatic touch.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a covered baking dish at 325°F (165°C) for about 15 minutes, adding a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep it moist.
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