Slow Cooker Pineapple Cherry Ham for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more caramelized finish, you can transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet after it finishes in the slow cooker and place it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent the sugar from burning. This step adds a beautiful, golden-brown crust to the exterior of the ham while keeping the interior tender from the slow cooking process.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the liquid from the slow cooker after the ham is done and simmer it in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to help it thicken quickly.

Pour this concentrated sauce over the sliced ham just before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and a professional, glossy appearance to your final presentation.

Variations

• Spiced Rum Glaze: Add two tablespoons of dark rum to the pineapple juice before pouring it over the ham. The rum adds a deep, oaky complexity that pairs beautifully with the cloves and brown sugar, making the dish feel more sophisticated.
• Savory Mustard Finish: Whisk two tablespoons of grainy Dijon mustard into the pineapple juice. The acidity and tang of the mustard cut through the sweetness of the fruit, creating a balanced, savory glaze that appeals to those who prefer less sugary profiles.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the ham is cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before refrigerating.

Freezer

Wrap the ham tightly in plastic and foil, or a freezer-safe bag, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating the meat.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a tablespoon of water or broth until warmed through, or use the microwave on medium power.

Store leftover ham in an airtight container to keep it from drying out in the refrigerator. If you have a large amount, separate the meat from the fruit and sauce to prevent the fruit from becoming overly soft. This also makes it easier to use the ham and the glaze for different purposes, such as adding the ham to sandwiches or using the fruit and sauce as a topping for pancakes or savory breakfast bowls.

You can assemble the ham and dry ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add the pineapple juice, place the insert into the slow cooker base, and turn it on.

This is a great way to prepare for a busy day, but ensure you never leave the cold insert on the counter for more than 30 minutes before starting the cooking cycle to maintain food safety standards.

Serving ideas

Serve this ham warm as the centerpiece of a meal, accompanied by classic sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.

The tender slices look beautiful when arranged on a large platter, with the pineapple and cherry sauce spooned generously over the top. The vibrant red of the cherries and the golden hue of the pineapple provide a natural, elegant garnish that requires no extra effort.

For a casual gathering, offer the ham alongside warm dinner rolls or biscuits, allowing guests to make their own sliders. The combination of savory ham and sweet fruit works exceptionally well in small sandwiches.

You can also serve the extra glaze in a small bowl on the side, enabling guests to add as much as they like. This versatile dish transitions easily from a formal holiday dinner to a relaxed weekend meal, providing comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pineapple Cherry Ham for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 5 lb bone-in ham half
• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1 cup maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup pineapple juice

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in ham half into the slow cooker, ensuring it sits cut side down in the stoneware insert. Arrange the pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries evenly around the sides of the ham.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cloves over the ham and fruit. Pour the pineapple juice over the entire mixture to ensure the base of the ham is well-moistened.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once finished, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing and serving with the warm fruit sauce.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

1150 mg

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