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If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet effortlessly delicious meal, this Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender, juicy spiral-cut ham slowly simmers to perfection, infused with a sweet and tangy glaze that beautifully marries the warm spices, brown sugar, and the bright, tropical pop of pineapple and maraschino cherries. It’s a one-pot wonder perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you want impressive flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating the perfect balance of sweetness and spice for your ham.
- 7-8 pound bone-in spiral cut ham: The star of the dish, providing tender slices packed with flavor and easy carving.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the smoky ham beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth while brightening the glaze.
- 1 teaspoon cloves: Infuses warm, aromatic spice that enhances the cozy, comforting profile of the dish.
- 1 (20oz) can sliced pineapple: Offers juicy, tropical freshness and balances the savory notes perfectly.
- 16 maraschino cherries: A fun and festive touch that adds bursts of color and a sweet finish.
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 combination creates the base of your glaze, boasting a perfect harmony of sweetness and spice that will seep into every bite of ham.
Step 2: Get the Ham Ready
Unwrap your ham and gently pat away any excess juice with a paper towel to allow better adhesion of the glaze. Place the ham cut side down into the crockpot—it’s the sturdiest position and helps the glaze soak in thoroughly.
Step 3: Apply the Brown Sugar Mixture
Rub the glaze mixture all over the ham, making sure to get between the spiraled slices. This step is key to infusing flavor every inch of the meat, making each slice delightfully savory and sweet.
Step 4: Top with Pineapple and Cherries
Arrange the pineapple slices over the ham, even resting them against the sides of the crockpot if needed. Secure the fruit with toothpicks if they tend to slip. Pop 1 or 2 cherries in the center of each pineapple slice — they’re the perfect little garnishes, adding both color and a sweet surprise in every serving.
Step 5: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking time will depend on the exact size of your ham, but the goal is to achieve that fork-tender texture with a caramelized glaze soaking into every spiral.
Step 6: Finish with a Glaze Reduction and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the ham with sturdy tongs and a spatula—this piece is deliciously heavy. Set aside pineapple and cherries for plating. Pour the remaining crockpot liquid into a saucepan, boil it down over medium-high heat until it thickens slightly, and use it as a luscious glaze to drizzle over the carved ham slices.
Step 7: Carve and Present
Place the ham with the pre-cut side down and carve along the bone to remove boneless portions, yielding perfect spiral slices. Then, slice the meat off the bone in manageable sections for serving. Arrange it beautifully on a platter, garnished with the pineapple and cherries, and drizzle with the reduced glaze for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe
Garnishes
The classic pineapple rings and maraschino cherries are the easiest yet most visually appealing garnishes. For a fresh touch, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme around the platter – this adds a pop of green that contrasts wonderfully with the golden ham and bright fruit.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery sweet potato casserole. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. The sweet glaze complements savory, earthy, or fresh vegetable flavors delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve your sliced ham on a wooden carving board surrounded by pineapple slices and cherries in a decorative pattern. You can also place the slices on individual plates resting on a bed of wild rice or couscous to soak up the glaze. For holiday occasions, add sprigs of rosemary or evergreen for a festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain moisture and flavor. Keeping it sealed well prevents the savory scent from seeping into other foods.
Freezing
If you want to save ham for longer, freeze the slices in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen ham will last up to two months without losing much of its delicious taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat sliced ham gently in the oven wrapped in foil at 275°F until warmed through, or microwave covered with damp paper towels to preserve moisture. If you saved the glaze, drizzle it over the reheated ham for that fresh-from-the-crockpot punch of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham for this Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in spiral-cut ham is traditional and adds flavor, a boneless ham will work just fine. Cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye out for tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cloves?
Yes, you can omit cloves if you don’t like the taste or have allergies. They add a warm spice, but the dish will still be flavorful thanks to the mustard and brown sugar.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this in the oven?
You can bake the ham in the oven at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, following the same glazing steps and periodically spooning the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil to keep it moist.
Should I add extra liquid to the crockpot?
No need to add extra liquid. The ham releases its own juices which, together with the glaze ingredients, create a perfect cooking environment and a flavorful sauce.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Definitely! Fresh pineapple rings or chunks bring a vibrant, juicy sweetness. Just make sure they’re cut evenly for consistent cooking and place them directly on the ham to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Recipe; it’s the perfect cozy, comforting meal that feels fancy without any extra effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe brings sweet, savory, and spiced goodness all in one pot. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch everyone’s faces light up with each flavorful bite!
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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 Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Ham with Pineapple recipe is an easy and flavorful way to prepare a bone-in spiral cut ham. Slow-cooked in a crockpot with a sweet and aromatic glaze made of brown sugar, dry mustard, and cloves, topped with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, this dish brings holiday-worthy taste with minimal effort and maximum tenderness.
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 (20oz) can sliced pineapple
- 16 maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze Mix: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, and cloves thoroughly to create the flavorful glaze that will coat the ham.
- Prep the Ham: Unwrap the ham and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess juice. Place the ham in the crockpot with the pre-cut side down. Rub the brown sugar mixture all over the ham, making sure to get into the crevices and slices between spiral cuts for maximum flavor infusion.
- Arrange Fruit Topping: Gently place the sliced pineapple over the ham, allowing them to rest on the side of the crockpot if needed. To keep pineapple slices in place, you can secure them with toothpicks. Place 1-2 maraschino cherries in the center of each pineapple slice for a festive garnish.
- Cook the Ham: Cover the crockpot and cook the ham on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of the ham. The ham should be heated through and tender when done.
- Prepare the Glaze Sauce: Remove the pineapple slices and cherries from the crockpot and set aside for serving. Carefully take out the ham using sturdy tongs and a spatula. Pour the remaining cooking liquid from the crockpot into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil to reduce and thicken, forming a rich glaze sauce.
- Carve and Serve: Place the ham on a carving board with the pre-cut side down. Carve along the bone to remove the boneless sections, then slice the spiral cut ham into serving pieces. Continue to cut meat off the bone in sections. Transfer the slices to a serving platter and serve alongside the reserved pineapple, cherries, and the reduced glaze.
Notes
- Use a bone-in spiral cut ham for easy slicing and great flavor absorption.
- If pineapple slices do not stay in place, toothpicks can help secure them during cooking.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the ham to ensure it heats through without drying out.
- Reducing the cooking liquid intensifies the flavors to create a delicious glaze sauce.
- Handle the ham carefully when removing from the crockpot; using long sturdy tongs and a spatula is recommended for safety and control.
