Pineapple Brown Sugar Slow Cooker Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an even deeper caramelization on the exterior, you can carefully transfer the cooked ham and pineapple rings to a foil-lined baking sheet after slow cooking. Brush a generous amount of the caramelized slow cooker juices over the ham, then place it under the oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes.

Watch it closely to prevent burning, as the sugar can char quickly. This optional step creates irresistible crispy, caramelized edges that contrast beautifully with the tender meat inside.

If you find the glaze at the bottom of the slow cooker is too thin at the end of cooking, you can easily thicken it into a rich sauce. Transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Alternatively, whisk in a cornstarch slurry made from one tablespoon of cornstarch and one tablespoon of cold water, then boil for one minute. This velvety sauce is perfect for passing around the table.

Variations

• Maple Dijon Glaze: Replace half of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and whisk in two tablespoons of Dijon mustard for a tangy, sophisticated twist.
• Spiced Orange Ham: Substitute the reserved pineapple juice with fresh orange juice and add a pinch of ground ginger to create a bright, citrusy glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, keeping them moistened with leftover glaze.

Freezer

Freeze carved ham slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat slices gently in a baking dish covered with foil at 325°F (163°C) with a splash of pineapple juice or broth to retain moisture.

Allow any leftover ham to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Carve the remaining meat off the bone to make storage easier and more compact. Place the sliced ham and any leftover caramelized pineapple rings into airtight containers. Pour some of the remaining glaze over the meat to keep it moist during storage. Store the containers in the refrigerator, where they will keep beautifully for up to three to four days.

This recipe is highly adaptable for advance preparation. You can assemble the ham, spiced brown sugar rub, and pineapple rings in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover the insert tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap, place the insert into the slow cooker base, and add about 30 minutes to the low-heat cooking time to account for the cold starting temperature.

Serving ideas

Present the ham directly in the slow cooker to keep it warm during a buffet-style gathering, or transfer it to a large, decorative serving platter. Arrange the warm, caramelized pineapple rings around the base of the ham, nesting them between the glossy slices for a stunning visual contrast.

Spoon an extra ladle of the warm, sweet glaze over the top right before guests arrive to ensure a beautiful, glistening presentation that immediately whets the appetite.

This sweet and savory ham pairs exceptionally well with classic holiday side dishes. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich sweetness of the glaze.

Warm dinner rolls are also a fantastic accompaniment, allowing guests to build their own mini ham and pineapple sliders. Do not discard the ham bone after carving; save it in the freezer to add incredible smoky depth to future batches of split pea soup or collard greens.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Pineapple Brown Sugar Slow Cooker Ham

Prep 15 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 25 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 7-8 lb bone-in spiral-cut fully cooked ham
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings in juice, juice reserved
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-cut ham cut-side down into the center of the slow cooker insert. Gently pull back the pre-sliced layers of the ham and rub the spiced brown sugar mixture generously between the slices and all over the exterior of the meat, ensuring even coverage.
2. Arrange the drained pineapple rings over the top and sides of the sugar-rubbed ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary to keep them in place. Pour the reserved pineapple juice from the can around the base of the ham in the slow cooker.
3. Cover the slow cooker tightly with the lid. Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the ham is completely warmed through to its center and tender.
4. Carefully remove the lid and use a basting ladle to scoop up the bubbling caramelized glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker. Generously spoon the warm, sweet juices back over the top of the ham and between the slices before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

340

Protein

24 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

20 g

Sodium

1150 mg

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