Every holiday or special gathering in my home feels complete when there’s a big, juicy ham on the table — and this Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is my favorite way to make it. It’s tender, sweet, savory, and so easy to prepare that I almost feel like I’m cheating. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving me with a ham that’s glazed in sticky brown sugar and pineapple juices, full of flavor, and absolutely fork-tender.
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, Christmas dinner, or just feeding a crowd, this recipe never disappoints. Plus, your kitchen will smell incredible all day long!
Here’s exactly how I make this foolproof holiday classic that everyone always asks for seconds of.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Ham
- Ridiculously easy to prepare — just set it and forget it
- Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
- The ham stays moist and tender thanks to slow cooking
- Great for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers
- Ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or even a cozy weekend dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (7-8 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark works)
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (undrained)
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm note)
- Whole cloves (optional for classic presentation)
How I Make Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
1. Prep the Ham
I start by removing any packaging and patting the ham dry with paper towels. If the ham isn’t pre-scored, I use a sharp knife to score the surface in a crisscross pattern — this helps the glaze soak in. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll stud the ham with whole cloves in each intersection of the cuts.
2. Make the Glaze
In a bowl, I mix together the brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon (if using). This combination creates the most incredible sweet and tangy glaze.
3. Add the Ham to the Slow Cooker
I place the ham cut-side down in my 6- to 8-quart crock pot and pour the glaze mixture all over the top, making sure it gets into all the scored crevices.
4. Slow Cook
I cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, occasionally spooning the glaze over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful. If I’m short on time, cooking on high for 2-3 hours works too.
5. Baste and Finish
Right before serving, I baste the ham one more time with the juices. For a sticky glaze finish, sometimes I transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with the glaze, and broil it for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.
6. Slice and Serve
I slice the ham and drizzle extra glaze over each serving. It’s sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
My Favorite Tips for Success
- Use spiral-sliced ham for easy serving and maximum glaze penetration.
- Add orange zest to the glaze for a bright citrus kick.
- Don’t overcook — ham is already cooked, so you’re just warming it and infusing it with flavor.
- Save the bone for making flavorful soups or broths later.
- Serve with extra glaze on the side — trust me, everyone will want it!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
- Scalloped potatoes or cheesy mashed potatoes
- Buttery dinner rolls or homemade biscuits
- Green bean casserole or roasted asparagus
- Sweet potato casserole or glazed carrots
- A glass of sparkling cider or light white wine
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: Yes! Boneless hams work great and cook a bit faster. Just be careful not to overcook.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can cook the ham, slice it, and keep it in the glaze in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or slow cooker.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Freeze sliced ham in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Place slices in a baking dish with a little glaze, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Sweet, Savory, and Always a Crowd-Pleaser
This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is one of those recipes that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but really, your slow cooker does all the magic. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for holidays or any time you want to serve something truly special with minimal effort.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out! Add your own twist — a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of cloves — and enjoy every sticky, sweet, and savory bite.
