Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Spiral Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense glaze, you can remove the ham from the slow cooker 30 minutes before it is finished and increase the heat to high, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken rapidly. Just keep a close watch to ensure the sugar does not burn, as the high sugar content makes it prone to scorching if left unattended for too long.

If you prefer a more festive look, you can secure the Maraschino cherries to the center of the pineapple rings using wooden toothpicks before placing them on the ham.

This prevents them from sliding off during the cooking process and keeps the presentation neat. Remember to remove any toothpicks before serving the ham to your guests to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.

Variations

• Spiced Pineapple Ham: Add a teaspoon of ground cloves or cinnamon to the brown sugar mixture for a warmer, more aromatic holiday flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
• Savory Garlic Glaze: Incorporate two tablespoons of minced garlic into the honey mustard mixture to add a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and pineapple.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the meat from drying out. Place the ham in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. If you have a large amount of leftovers, consider dividing them into smaller portions for easier reheating later in the week.

While this recipe is designed for a single cooking session, you can prepare the glaze components ahead of time and keep them chilled until you are ready to assemble the slow cooker.

However, the ham itself should be cooked fresh on the day of serving to ensure the best texture and flavor. Do not attempt to cook the ham completely in advance and reheat it, as this often leads to dry, overcooked meat.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a large, warmed platter to keep it at a pleasant temperature during the meal. Arrange the pineapple and cherry garnish artistically around the slices to create a professional presentation.

Offer a small bowl of the extra pan glaze on the side so guests can drizzle more over their individual servings if they desire extra sweetness and moisture.

Pair the ham with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the pineapple glaze.

The savory nature of the ham makes it a versatile main dish that complements both creamy and bright, acidic side dishes. Ensure you have a sharp carving knife available for guests to easily serve themselves, or pre-slice the ham for easier access.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Spiral Ham

Prep 10 minCook 4 h 30 minRest 10 minTotal 4 h 50 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 8 lb bone-in spiral-sliced half ham
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 can pineapple rings with juice
• 1/4 cup honey mustard
• 1/2 cup Maraschino cherries

Instructions

1. Place the 8 lb bone-in spiral-sliced half ham cut-side down into the ceramic slow cooker. Carefully pack the 1 cup dark brown sugar into the slices of the ham to ensure sweetness penetrates the meat. Pour the 1 can pineapple rings with juice and the 1/4 cup honey mustard over the top, allowing the liquids to settle around the base of the ham.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4.5 hours. Every hour, open the lid and baste the ham with the syrupy pineapple-brown sugar juices that have collected at the bottom of the crock. This helps the glaze thicken and coat the meat thoroughly. Once cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), remove the ham and let it rest at least 3 minutes before carving.
3. Carefully transfer the ham to a large serving platter. Arrange the pineapple rings and the 1/2 cup Maraschino cherries over the ham. Drizzle with the remaining warm pineapple-brown sugar pan glaze before carving. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute for the most tender result.

Contains: sulfites, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

1200 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.