Description
Succulent Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham with Pineapple delivers holiday magic straight from Southern kitchens. Glazed perfection meets tender meat, guaranteeing delicious memories for family gatherings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 (6-8 lb / 2.7-3.6 kg) fully cooked spiral-cut ham
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup (120 ml) honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple slices, with juice reserved
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a slight tang)
Spices and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional for added warmth)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Create a foundational layer of brown sugar across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
- Arrange a delicate carpet of pineapple slices directly atop the sugar, overlapping gently to maximize coverage.
- Carefully position the ham in the center of the crock pot, allowing the sugary pineapple base to cradle the meat.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the entire surface of the ham, creating a rich, caramelizing coating.
- Strategically place the remaining pineapple slices around and on top of the ham, allowing the fruit’s natural juices to infuse and tenderize the meat.
- Drizzle the reserved pineapple juice evenly across the ham, enhancing moisture and deepening the flavor profile.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the ham to slow-cook and absorb the sweet, tropical essence for several hours.
- Periodically baste the ham with its own developing sauce, encouraging a glossy, caramelized exterior.
- Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature and develops a rich, golden-brown glaze, carefully transfer to a serving platter.
- Let the ham rest briefly before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Enhance the ham’s sweetness by selecting a high-quality, bone-in ham for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Create a perfect caramelized exterior by gently patting the ham dry before adding brown sugar to ensure better sugar adherence.
- Optimize moisture retention by placing pineapple slices strategically, allowing natural juices to infuse the meat while preventing dryness during slow cooking.
- Adapt for dietary restrictions by using a low-sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar for a diabetic-friendly version of the recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg