Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham

My Favorite Lazy Sunday Supper

This recipe is my go-to for easy Sundays. I just put everything in the pot. Then I can relax all afternoon. The smell fills the whole house. It makes everyone hungry.

I first made this for my book club years ago. I was so nervous. But it turned out perfectly. Everyone asked for the recipe. I still laugh at that. It is much simpler than it looks.

Why This Way Works So Well

The crockpot does all the work. It keeps the ham juicy and tender. The gentle heat lets the flavors melt together. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It is like a warm hug for your kitchen.

This matters because good food should not be stressful. You deserve a restful meal too. The slow cooking makes the ham sweet and salty all at once. It is pure comfort.

A Little Story About Pineapple

My grandson used to steal the pineapple rings. He would sneak them off the ham before dinner. His fingers were always sticky. Now he helps me put them on. It is our little tradition.

That is the best part of cooking. It makes memories. What is a food memory you love? Was it something a grandparent made? I would love to hear about it.

Putting It All Together

Pat your ham dry first. This helps the sweet rub stick. Rub that sugar mix into every little crevice. Do not be shy. The flavor needs to get deep inside.

Then add the pineapple and cherries. They look so pretty. *Fun fact: the red cherry in the middle is an old-fashioned trick. It makes the dish look special for holidays.

The Secret is in the Glaze

Do not throw out the pot juices. That liquid gold is your glaze. Just boil it in a pan for a few minutes. It gets thick and shiny. Pour it over the carved ham.

This step matters. It brings all the flavors back together. The glaze is the final touch. Do you prefer your ham with a sweet glaze or a savory one? I am always curious.

Your Turn to Share the Table

This ham feeds a crowd. It is perfect for sharing. Who would you invite to your table? Maybe a neighbor who lives alone. Or a friend who had a tough week.

Food tastes better with good company. That is the real lesson. So tell me, what will you serve on the side? I love creamy mashed potatoes. But a simple green salad is nice too.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
bone-in spiral cut ham	7-8 pound
brown sugar	1/2 cup
dry mustard	1/2 teaspoon
cloves	1 teaspoon
sliced pineapple	1 (20oz) can
maraschino cherries	16

My Crockpot Pineapple Ham: A Sweet Sunday Memory

Hello, dear. Come sit a moment. Let me tell you about my Sunday ham. It always makes the house smell like a warm, sweet hug. I learned this recipe from my friend Marie years ago. We still laugh about the first time I made it. I was so nervous! But the crockpot does most of the work. It’s perfect for a busy day. You just set it and forget it. Doesn’t that sound nice?

This ham is a celebration on a plate. The brown sugar makes a sticky glaze. The pineapple gets so soft and juicy. I always save a cherry for myself before serving. It’s my little cook’s treat. The meat just falls apart. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, drawn by the smell. That’s my favorite part. Food is about more than eating. It’s about bringing people together.

Now, let’s make it. You’ll need a spiral-cut ham. That means it’s already sliced for you. What a clever invention! Here is exactly what to do.

Step 1: Get your ham ready. Take it out of its wrapper. Pat it gently with a paper towel. This helps our sweet rub stick. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, dry mustard, and cloves. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s like autumn and sweetness all at once.

Step 2: Place the ham in your crockpot. Put it cut-side down. Now, rub that sugar mix all over it. Get it into every little slice. Don’t be shy! (My hard-learned tip: Use clean hands for this. A spoon just doesn’t work as well.)

Step 3: Time for the fruit! Lay pineapple slices on the ham. Put a cherry in the center of each. If they slide, a toothpick helps. It looks so pretty already. Do you think the cherries or the pineapple smell better? Share below!

Step 4: Put the lid on. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Your whole home will fill with a wonderful scent. That’s how you know it’s working. When time’s up, carefully take out the ham and fruit. Save the juice in the pot.

Step 5: Make the glaze. Pour that saved juice into a small pan. Let it boil until it gets a bit thicker. This takes about 10 minutes. Pour it over your carved ham. It’s the shiny, delicious finish.

Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Dinner, Holiday

Three Sweet Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change its clothes for different occasions. Here are some fun ways to dress it up. I’d love to hear which one calls to you.

Maple & Apple: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Add thin apple slices with the pineapple. It tastes like a fall afternoon.

Spicy Island: Add a big pinch of ginger to the rub. Use pineapple rings in juice, not syrup. It has a little warm kick.

Orange Glow: Add two tablespoons of orange juice to the rub. Place orange slices under the ham in the pot. The citrus smell is so bright.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

Now, let’s set the table. I always put the ham on my big platter. I tuck the warm pineapple and cherries all around it. It looks so cheerful. For sides, buttery mashed potatoes are a must. The glaze is perfect on them. A simple green salad balances the sweetness. Some buttery dinner rolls, too.

What to drink? For the grown-ups, a slightly sweet cider is lovely. For everyone, a fizzy ginger ale feels special. It cleans your palate between bites. Which would you choose tonight? However you serve it, just enjoy the time together. That’s the real secret ingredient.

Making Your Ham Last: Fridge, Freezer, and Reheating Tips

Let’s talk about leftovers. They are a gift to your future self. First, let the ham cool a bit. Then, store slices in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about four days.

For the freezer, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good for two months. I once froze a big batch for my son’s visit. He was so happy to have a ready-made meal!

Reheating is simple. Warm slices in a covered dish with a splash of water. Use your oven or microwave. This keeps the ham moist and tasty. Batch cooking like this saves time and money. It turns one big cooking day into many easy dinners. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Ham Hiccups

Even simple recipes can have little problems. Do not worry. The fixes are easy. First, if your glaze is too thin, just boil it longer. Let it bubble in a pan until it thickens nicely.

Second, is the fruit sliding off? I remember when my pineapple slid right into the juice! Use toothpicks to hold the pineapple and cherries in place. It works perfectly.

Third, is the ham drying out? Cooking it too long is usually the cause. Use a meat thermometer if you can. It should read 140 degrees. Getting the flavor right matters for a joyful meal. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence, too. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Ham Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check your specific brands to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can mix the rub a day early. Keep it in a small jar until you are ready.

Q: What if I don’t have cloves? A: A pinch of allspice or nutmeg works. Or just use a bit more mustard.

Q: Can I make a smaller ham? A: Absolutely! Just use less of the brown sugar rub. Cook it for less time, too.

Q: Any optional tips? A: Pour a little pineapple juice from the can into the pot. It adds more sweet flavor. Fun fact: The acid in pineapple helps tenderize the ham! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this sweet and simple ham. It always makes my table feel special. I would love to see your creation. Share a photo of your family dinner.

You can tag my blog on Pinterest. Let’s build a community of happy home cooks. Your stories and pictures inspire me every day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Anna Whitmore.