Your New Holiday Hero: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham
Hey friends, Jackson from Food Meld here. Let’s talk about the star of the show, the pièce de résistance, the dish that makes everyone’s eyes light up when you carry it to the table. I’m talking about a gorgeous, glistening, Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham. Now, I know what you might be thinking—ham can be a project. It can feel a little intimidating, like it’s reserved for those picture-perfect holiday magazines. But what if I told you the secret to the most tender, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth ham you’ve ever made doesn’t involve your oven at all? What if it involved your trusty slow cooker and about 10 minutes of hands-on time?
That’s the magic we’re unlocking today. This recipe is my go-to for a reason. It’s all about bold, comforting flavor with a creative, hassle-free twist. We’re taking a fully cooked spiral ham and transforming it into something truly unforgettable with a simple, sticky-sweet glaze of brown sugar, pineapple, and warm spices. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, gently warming the ham and letting those incredible flavors meld together for hours. Your whole house will smell like a holiday dream, and you’ll have your oven free for all those other crucial sides—the mac and cheese, the roasted veggies, the rolls! So, whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a Sunday where you feel like treating your crew to something special, this recipe is your new best friend. Let’s ditch the stress and cook something awesome together.
The Ham That Started It All
I have to take you back to my grandma’s kitchen for a second. Picture it: East Texas, the air is crisp, and the entire house is buzzing with the chaotic, beautiful energy of a family gathering. The star of every Easter dinner was always her ham. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect. She’d score the fat, stud it with cloves, and baste it for hours with this magical concoction of pineapple juice and sugar. The smell was pure nostalgia. For me, that ham wasn’t just food; it was the centerpiece of connection, of stories being told, and of laughter echoing through the house.
When I started Food Meld, I knew I had to put my own spin on that classic. I wanted to capture that same soul-warming feeling but make it even more approachable for today’s busy cooks. Enter: the slow cooker. By letting the ham gently cook low and slow, we achieve an unbelievable tenderness that’s hard to get in the oven, and we infuse every single slice with that sweet, spiced glaze. It’s my Southern roots meets my “what if we tried this?” energy. This recipe is my love letter to those family gatherings, simplified for your modern kitchen but packed with all the flavor and heart of the original.
Gather Your Flavor Arsenal
Here’s the beautiful part: the ingredient list is short, sweet, and powerful. This is where we build our flavor foundation. I’ll walk you through each one because knowing your ingredients is the first step to becoming a confident cook!
- 8-10 lb fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham: This is our MVP. “Fully cooked” means we’re just heating it through and infusing flavor, which is why the slow cooker method is so genius. The bone adds incredible depth to the jus, and the spiral cuts are a gift—they create little pockets for the glaze to seep into, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Chef Insight: Don’t toss the bone! It’s gold for a pot of beans or split pea soup later.
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed: This is the base of our glaze. The molasses in the brown sugar gives us that deep, caramel-like flavor and helps create that sticky, gorgeous crust. Substitution Tip: You can use dark brown sugar for an even richer, more molasses-forward flavor.
- 2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple slices in juice: Do not get pineapple in syrup! We need the natural juice for our glaze. The pineapple brings a bright, tropical acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham perfectly. Chef Insight: We’re using both the slices (for garnishing and tucking into the ham) and the juice (for the glaze). Zero waste!
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves (or 15-20 whole cloves for studding): Cloves and ham are a match made in heaven. They provide that warm, aromatic, almost peppery spice that defines a classic glazed ham. Substitution Tip: If you’re not a huge clove fan, start with 1 teaspoon. You can also use a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a more balanced, warm spice blend.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional but highly recommended): This is my secret weapon! The mustard doesn’t make the glaze taste mustardy; it adds a subtle tang and depth that keeps the glaze from being one-dimensionally sweet. It balances everything out.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Another warm spice that plays beautifully with the brown sugar and pineapple. It adds a layer of coziness that feels just right for the holidays.
Let’s Build This Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty (or, more accurately, slightly sticky). This process is so simple, but a few little tricks will take your ham from great to “can I have your recipe?” status.
- Prep Your Slow Cooker: First things first, give the insert of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray. Or, for the absolute easiest cleanup of your life, use a slow cooker liner. This glaze is delicious but can be a beast to scrub off later. A little prep now saves you a headache later! Chef Hack: If your ham is too tall for your slow cooker, don’t panic! You can often angle it diagonally, or carefully slice a portion off the bottom to create a flat base.
- Get Cozy with the Ham: Place your ham into the slow cooker, flat-side down. Now, take your pineapple slices and start tucking them into the spiral cuts of the ham. Get in there! This isn’t just for looks—it lets the pineapple flavor penetrate deep into the meat. You can also just lay a few slices on top if you’re short on time. Chef Commentary: I love this part. It feels like you’re decorating the ham with little bursts of flavor.
- Whisk Up the Magic Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, the juice from both cans of pineapple (hang on to those slices!), ground cloves, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Whisk it until it forms a thick, luscious paste. It should be pourable but substantial. Chef Insight: Taste it! This is your moment. Want it tangier? Add a bit more mustard. Want more spice? A pinch more clove. Make it yours!
- The Glaze Pour: Slowly and deliberately, pour this glorious glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the nooks and crannies. Don’t be shy—coat every inch. The goal is to have that sugary mixture slowly caramelize as it cooks, basting the ham in its own juices.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours. Resist the urge to cook on high! High heat can cause the sugar to burn and make the ham tough and dry. Low heat gently warms it through, allowing the fat to render and the flavors to become best friends. Chef Hack: About halfway through, I like to take a baster or a spoon and drizzle the collected juices from the bottom of the cooker back over the top of the ham. This extra basting step guarantees maximum flavor.
- The Grand Finale: After 3-4 hours, your ham should be heated through (an internal thermometer should read 140°F) and the glaze will be bubbly and dark. Carefully remove the ham (I use sturdy tongs and a large carving fork) to a serving platter. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving—this lets the juices redistribute. Spoon any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the top, garnish with the remaining pineapple slices, and get ready for the applause.
How to Serve Your Show-Stopping Ham
Presentation is part of the fun! You’ve put in the work (well, the slow cooker did), so let’s make it look as good as it tastes. I like to transfer the ham to a large wooden cutting board or a beautiful platter. Arrange those extra pineapple slices around it, maybe with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of green. That glossy, caramelized glaze is the star, so make sure it’s facing the crowd.
Now, what to serve alongside this beauty? The possibilities are endless, but here are my Food Meld favorites:
- The Classics: Creamy, cheesy Southern-Style Mac and Cheese, sharp and savory Green Bean Casserole, and buttery, fluffy dinner rolls are non-negotiable for a reason.
- For a Lighter Touch: A bright, crunchy Apple Walnut Salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted carrots or asparagus are also fantastic.
- Don’t Forget the Sauce! Strain the incredible juices left in the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, and serve it on the side as an extra-pourable glaze. Your guests will thank you.
Make It Your Own: Flavor Twists & Swaps
One of my favorite things about cooking is making a recipe your own. This ham is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Here are a few of my favorite twists:
- Bourbon Peach Twist: Replace one can of pineapple juice with ¾ cup of peach nectar and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze. The smokiness of the bourbon is incredible with the ham.
- Spicy & Smoky: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder or a few tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo to the glaze. It gives you this amazing sweet, smoky, and spicy kick.
- Maple Mustard Magic: Swap out ½ cup of the brown sugar for ½ cup of pure maple syrup and increase the Dijon mustard to 2 tablespoons. It’s a more rustic, savory-sweet profile that’s absolutely delicious.
- Citrus Burst: Add the zest and juice of one orange to the glaze mixture. The bright citrus notes lift all the other flavors beautifully.
- Lower-Sugar Option: You can reduce the brown sugar to 1 cup and the ham will still be fantastic. The natural sweetness from the pineapple juice will still shine through.
Chef’s Notes: A Few Parting Thoughts
This recipe has evolved so much since my first test kitchen attempt. The first time I made it, I used a ham that was way too big for my slow cooker and had to MacGyver the lid on with aluminum foil. It worked, but let’s just say cleanup was an adventure! I’ve learned that a 8-10 lb ham is the sweet spot for most standard large slow cookers.
The other thing I’ve learned is to not stress about the spiral cuts. If you can’t find a spiral ham, a regular fully cooked ham works just as well. You’ll just need to score the fat in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep before adding the glaze. It actually looks incredibly professional! The most important thing is to have fun with it. Cooking is about the experience, the smells, the mess, and the joy of sharing it with people you love.
Your Questions, Answered!
Q: Can I cook this on high to save time?
A: I don’t recommend it. Cooking on high can cause the sugar in the glaze to burn and can make the ham dry and stringy. The low, gentle heat is key for a tender, juicy result. If you’re in a serious time crunch, you could do 2 hours on low and 1 hour on high, but keep a close eye on it and baste frequently.
Q: My glaze is very thin/watery. How can I thicken it?
A> No problem! This can happen if your ham releases a lot of water. Once the ham is resting on the platter, pour the juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until it reduces and thickens to your liking. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering liquid for a quicker, thicker gravy.
Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A> You absolutely can! A boneless ham will cook a bit faster, so start checking the internal temperature (140°F) at around the 2.5-hour mark. The bone-in ham tends to have a bit more flavor, but a boneless ham is still delicious and super easy to carve.
Q: How long do I have leftovers? (The best problem to have!)
A> Leftover ham will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s fantastic for sandwiches, chopped up in omelets, fried rice, or, my personal favorite, diced and thrown into a pot of split pea soup with that ham bone!
Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham (Slow Cooker Favorite)
- Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 12 - 14 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is the holiday classic that everyone actually looks forward to. Juicy, tender ham slow-cooked in a sticky-sweet glaze of brown sugar, pineapple, and warm spices—it’s everything you want in a centerpiece without taking up oven space. Just 6 ingredients and 3 hours in the slow cooker. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a random Sunday, this dish always delivers.
Ingredients
8–10 lb fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 cans (20 oz each) pineapple slices in juice
2 teaspoons ground cloves (or whole cloves for studding)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional for warmth)
Instructions
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray or line with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Place ham flat-side down in the cooker. Tuck pineapple slices between the slices and over the top.
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, juice from both cans of pineapple (reserve the slices), cloves, mustard, and cinnamon if using. Pour the mixture evenly over the ham.
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
Once heated through and caramelized, transfer to a platter. Spoon glaze over top and garnish with remaining pineapple slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours (low)
Nutrition
- Calories: 360 / Serving
- Sugar: 15g / Serving
- Fat: 18g / Serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g / Serving
- Protein: 28g / Serving
Nutritional Information*
Okay, let’s talk numbers. This is an approximation, because the exact values will depend on the specific ham you use and how much glaze is consumed. But here’s a good general guide per serving (about 6-7 oz of ham with some glaze):
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: 28g (Ham is a great source of protein!)
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 15g (Primarily from the brown sugar and pineapple juice.)
*This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on the ingredients used. For precise dietary needs, please calculate using the specific brands and ingredients you use.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
There you have it, my friends. The ultimate stress-free, flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham. This recipe is everything I stand for at Food Meld: big, comforting flavors, a creative approach to classics, and a method that’s designed to make you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen without the fuss.
