Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham

A sweet, savory, juicy, and incredibly tender holiday ham coated in a rich brown sugar glaze and topped with beautifully caramelized pineapple rings. This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together the smoky flavor of ham, the tropical sweetness of pineapple, and the warm richness of brown sugar.

Perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Sunday family dinners, or special celebrations, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker gently warms the ham while allowing the sweet glaze to coat every slice, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

The best part? You don’t need to spend hours watching the oven. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can prepare a delicious centerpiece that looks just as impressive as it tastes.

This is a recipe inspired by the ham shown in your image; the original video’s full ingredient list isn’t visible.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 3–5 hours

• Resting Time: 10–15 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes

• Servings: 10–12

• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American

• Best For: Holiday dinners, family gatherings, and weekend meals

Ingredients

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked spiral-cut bone-in ham (6–8 pounds)

• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple rings in juice

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup reserved pineapple juice

For the Extra Brown Sugar Glaze

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup pineapple juice

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon cold water (if using cornstarch)

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh rosemary sprigs

• Extra caramelized pineapple rings

• Fresh parsley

• Orange slices

• A light drizzle of warm honey

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Remove the fully cooked spiral-cut ham from its packaging. If the ham includes a separate glaze packet, set it aside or save it for another use because this homemade brown sugar pineapple glaze provides plenty of flavor.

Pat the outside of the ham gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Check that your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the ham without forcing it into the pot. A 7–8-quart slow cooker is generally suitable for many 6–8-pound hams, depending on their shape.

Place the ham into the slow cooker with the flat cut side facing downward when possible.

This helps keep the exposed meat moist while it warms.

If you want the glaze to penetrate between the slices, gently separate a few of the spiral cuts without pulling the ham apart.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple

Open the canned pineapple rings and drain the juice into a measuring cup.

Reserve at least ¾ cup of pineapple juice for the glaze and cooking liquid. Use ½ cup in the slow cooker glaze and ¼ cup for the finishing glaze.

Arrange several pineapple rings across the top of the ham.

If you have additional rings, place them around the sides of the ham inside the slow cooker.

The pineapple releases sweetness and moisture during cooking, helping create a flavorful sauce.

Fresh pineapple can also be used, but canned pineapple rings are convenient and provide consistent results.

Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, melted butter, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, vanilla extract, black pepper, and ½ cup of reserved pineapple juice.

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.

The glaze should have a thick, pourable consistency.

The brown sugar gives it a rich caramel flavor, while the honey and maple syrup add sweetness and shine.

Dijon mustard balances the sweetness with a slight tang, preventing the finished ham from tasting overly sugary.

The cinnamon, ginger, and cloves provide warm, comforting flavors commonly associated with traditional holiday ham.

Step 4: Coat the Ham

Slowly pour the prepared brown sugar glaze over the entire ham.

Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the glaze evenly across the surface.

Allow some of the mixture to flow between the spiral-cut slices.

This is especially important because the glaze becomes more flavorful as it combines with the ham’s natural juices.

Spoon a little glaze over the pineapple rings so they are coated as well.

For additional sweetness, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the top of the pineapple.

Avoid adding too much extra liquid because the ham will release juices as it heats.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Ham

Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook the fully cooked ham on LOW for approximately 3–5 hours, depending on its size, thickness, starting temperature, and your slow cooker’s heating performance.

The purpose is to heat the ham thoroughly without drying it out.

For a USDA-inspected, fully cooked ham in its original packaging, reheat to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Previously repackaged or leftover cooked ham should reach 165°F (74°C).

Check the temperature in the thickest part without touching the bone.

Avoid cooking the ham for unnecessarily long periods because fully cooked spiral-cut ham can become dry.

During cooking, spoon some of the warm glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham once or twice if convenient.

This helps coat the exposed slices and gives the ham an attractive, glossy appearance.

Step 6: Prepare the Finishing Glaze

About 15 minutes before the ham is ready, prepare the additional glaze.

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, butter, and Dijon mustard.

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.

Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.

Allow it to cook gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir the slurry into the simmering sauce.

Continue cooking for another minute or two until glossy.

The finishing glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Caramelize the Pineapple

For the golden-brown pineapple rings shown in the picture, caramelize them separately.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt.

Remove several pineapple rings from the slow cooker and pat them lightly to reduce excess moisture.

Place them in the skillet in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and lightly caramelized.

For a deeper color, sprinkle a tiny amount of brown sugar over the pineapple before turning.

The natural sugars in the pineapple create beautiful golden edges.

Avoid burning the sugar because it can become bitter.

Step 8: Finish the Ham

Once the ham reaches the appropriate internal temperature, carefully lift it from the slow cooker and transfer it to an oven-safe serving dish.

Brush the warm finishing glaze over the top and between some of the slices.

For a slightly sticky, caramelized exterior, place the ham under a preheated oven broiler for approximately 2–4 minutes.

Watch carefully because the sugar-rich glaze can burn quickly.

This optional step provides a beautiful glossy crust similar to an oven-roasted holiday ham.

Arrange the caramelized pineapple rings across the top.

Drizzle with additional warm glaze.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the ham to rest for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.

Resting makes it easier to separate and arrange the slices without tearing them apart.

Transfer the ham to a large serving platter and spoon a little warm glaze over the meat.

Garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley if desired.

Serve immediately with your favorite holiday side dishes.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and savory ham pairs beautifully with traditional American comfort foods.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness balances the sweetness of the pineapple glaze.

Roasted Green Beans: A simple garlic-seasoned vegetable side provides freshness and contrast.

Macaroni and Cheese: Rich, cheesy pasta makes an excellent addition to holiday meals.

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze.

Sweet Potato Casserole: A classic holiday favorite that complements the warm spices.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet ham.

Cornbread: A Southern-inspired side dish that works especially well with brown sugar glazed meats.

For a beautiful holiday presentation, place the glazed ham in the center of a large platter, arrange pineapple rings on top, and surround it with fresh herbs.

Recipe Notes

Choosing the Right Ham

A fully cooked spiral-cut ham is recommended because it is convenient, easy to serve, and absorbs the glaze between its slices.

A bone-in ham generally offers excellent flavor, while a boneless ham is easier to slice and arrange.

Always check the package to confirm whether the ham is fully cooked, as cooking instructions differ for raw or partially cooked ham.

Avoid Excess Liquid

Do not fill the slow cooker with pineapple juice or water. The ham naturally releases moisture as it heats, and excessive liquid can dilute the glaze.

Controlling Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet ham, reduce the brown sugar in the main glaze to ½ cup and use less finishing glaze.

You can also increase the Dijon mustard slightly for a stronger sweet-and-savory balance.

Preventing Dry Ham

Spiral-cut ham is already sliced, making it particularly easy to overheat.

Use a meat thermometer and stop cooking once the appropriate internal temperature is reached.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover ham in airtight containers within two hours of serving.

Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for approximately 1–2 months for best quality.

Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of broth or pineapple juice to prevent drying.

Expert Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

1. Use a fully cooked ham. This recipe is designed for reheating a commercially cooked ham, not cooking a raw ham from scratch.

2. Choose pineapple packed in juice. Pineapple packed in heavy syrup can make the glaze excessively sweet.

3. Cook on LOW. Gentle heating helps preserve moisture and prevents the edges from becoming tough.

4. Glaze between the slices. This distributes the sweet and savory flavors throughout the ham.

5. Caramelize pineapple separately. The slow cooker produces tender pineapple, but a skillet creates the attractive golden-brown edges.

6. Use a thermometer. Temperature is more reliable than cooking time when reheating large cuts of meat.

7. Save the cooking juices. Skim excess fat from the liquid and simmer it briefly to create an additional sauce.

8. Add the finishing glaze near serving time. This gives the ham a glossy, sticky appearance without requiring excessive cooking.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving, based on 12 servings from a 7-pound bone-in ham with glaze. Actual values vary considerably with the ham’s edible yield, sodium content, and amount of glaze consumed.

Nutritional Benefits

High in Protein

Ham provides substantial protein, which supports muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and normal body functions.

A generous serving can contribute significantly toward daily protein needs.

Provides Important B Vitamins

Pork contains vitamins including thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B12, which support normal energy metabolism and nervous system function.

Contains Essential Minerals

Ham supplies zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and iron. These minerals contribute to immune function, bone health, and other important processes.

Pineapple Adds Fruit Nutrients

Pineapple contains vitamin C and manganese. However, the small quantity per serving means the overall dish should not be considered a major source of fruit or fiber.

Balanced Meal Possibilities

Serving ham with vegetables, whole grains, or a fresh salad can help create a more balanced meal.

Health consideration: Ham is a processed meat and can be high in sodium. The brown sugar and honey glaze also adds substantial sugar, so moderate portions are advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I make brown sugar pineapple ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the glaze up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

You can also arrange the pineapple and ham in advance, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

For the best appearance, caramelize the pineapple shortly before serving.

2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?

Absolutely. Fresh pineapple rings provide a bright, tropical flavor and caramelize beautifully.

If using fresh pineapple, substitute regular pineapple juice for the liquid from the can.

3. Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?

No. The pineapple juice and glaze provide sufficient liquid for most fully cooked hams.

The ham also releases natural juices as it warms.

4. Can I use boneless ham?

Yes. A boneless fully cooked ham works well.

Cooking time may vary, so check its internal temperature regularly.

5. Why is my glaze too thin?

Ham releases moisture during cooking, which can dilute the glaze.

To thicken it, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until reduced.

Alternatively, add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

6. Can I make the ham without honey?

Yes. Replace the honey with maple syrup or use slightly more brown sugar.

The flavor will change slightly, but the glaze will still be delicious.

7. How do I prevent my ham from becoming dry?

Use LOW heat, avoid unnecessary cooking, and monitor its internal temperature.

Leaving a fully cooked spiral ham heating for too long is one of the most common causes of dryness.

8. Can I freeze leftover glazed ham?

Yes. Divide the leftover ham into smaller portions, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze.

Adding a little glaze or cooking liquid before freezing can help preserve moisture.

9. What can I make with leftover ham?

Leftovers are delicious in breakfast casseroles, omelets, ham and cheese sandwiches, potato soup, fried rice, pasta dishes, and baked sliders.

10. Is this recipe suitable for Christmas and Easter?

Definitely. Brown sugar pineapple ham is a traditional American holiday favorite, especially for Easter and Christmas dinners.

Its sweet glaze, golden pineapple topping, and beautiful presentation make it an excellent centerpiece for celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Glazed Ham combines juicy, tender slices of savory ham with a sweet, buttery brown sugar glaze and golden caramelized pineapple rings.

The slow cooker makes the preparation easy, while the homemade finishing glaze creates a restaurant-style presentation. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, hosting family, or preparing a special Sunday dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying combination of flavors.

Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and warm dinner rolls for a comforting American-style meal that family and guests can enjoy.