If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that fills your kitchen with irresistible sweet and spicy aromas, this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy ham with a rich glaze of brown sugar, crushed pineapple, and warm spices, it’s a dish that instantly elevates any meal. Whether for a holiday feast or a special weekend gathering, this recipe promises a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and succulent meatiness that’s bound to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that complement the natural richness of the ham, while also keeping the preparation straightforward and approachable for cooks of all levels.
- 8-9 pound ham: Choose a fully cooked ham with bone-in for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- 20 ounce can crushed pineapple: Adds a tangy sweetness and moisture that keeps the ham tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar: The key to that deep caramelized glaze that makes the flavors pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces a warm, gentle spice that enhances the brown sugar’s sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and aromatic hint for complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a little zing that balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by adding your ham to the slow cooker. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the glaze sticks perfectly during cooking. This simple step is crucial for creating that gorgeous caramelized crust you’ll love.
Step 2: Add Pineapple
Pour half of the crushed pineapple evenly over the ham. The juices infuse the meat with vibrant tropical notes and help break down the ham slightly for a tender finish. Keep the rest of the pineapple aside—you’ll use it later for an eye-catching topping.
Step 3: Mix and Apply the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger. This warm blend of spices with the brown sugar transforms into a luscious coating that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the pineapple-covered ham.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook the ham on low for three hours. This low and slow method ensures every bite is juicy and infused with the sweet-spiced glaze flavors. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma by the time it’s ready!
How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe with fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for a classic look. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a bright contrast to the rich glaze, making the presentation as delightful as the taste.
Side Dishes
This ham shares the table beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls that soak up the flavorful juices. For a vibrant balance, consider a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to complement the sweetness of the ham.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider carving the ham into thick slices and layering them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pineapple chunks and citrus segments. Or, serve individual portions topped with a dollop of pineapple glaze sauce for extra decadence that guests can spoon over their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to keep portions longer, slice the ham and freeze it in sealed freezer bags. Properly stored, the ham will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep its tender texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the ham slices in a covered baking dish at 325°F, basting occasionally with reserved pineapple juice or glaze to prevent drying. This slow reheating preserves moisture and enhances the rich, caramel flavor you loved.
FAQs
Can I use a fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can bring a brighter, fresher sweetness, but using canned crushed pineapple adds consistent moisture and texture. Just make sure to drain excess juice if you want a thicker glaze.
Do I need to score the ham before cooking?
You don’t have to, but scoring the ham in a diamond pattern helps the glaze penetrate deeper and creates a beautiful presentation. It’s a simple step that adds both flavor and flair.
Can this recipe be made in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Place the ham in a roasting pan, cover with pineapple and glaze, and bake at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting occasionally. Just keep an eye to prevent burning the sugar.
What spice substitutions can I use?
If you’re short on nutmeg or ginger, cloves or allspice can be great substitutes. They bring similar warm, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with brown sugar and pineapple.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
Most hams in recipes like this are pre-cooked, so the goal is to heat through and caramelize the glaze. Cooking on low for three hours in the slow cooker is ideal for tender, juicy results without drying out the meat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe enough for your next celebration or cozy family dinner. Its luscious sweetness and subtle spice create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved favorite that everyone keeps asking for seconds!
Print
Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham recipe delivers a tender, flavorful ham glazed with a sweet and spiced pineapple and brown sugar sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and warming spices.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 8-9 pound ham
Glaze
- 1 20 ounce can crushed pineapple
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the ham: Add the ham to the slow cooker and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the glaze adheres well.
- Add pineapple: Pour half of the can of crushed pineapple evenly over the ham to infuse it with a sweet, fruity flavor during cooking.
- Mix and apply glaze: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger, then sprinkle this spiced sugar mixture over the ham.
- Reserve pineapple topping: Set aside the remaining crushed pineapple to use as a warm topping when serving the ham for an extra burst of flavor.
- Slow cook the ham: Cover and cook the ham on the low setting for three hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the ham to become tender.
Notes
- Ensure the ham fits well in your slow cooker; you may need to trim if necessary.
- For a more caramelized finish, you can broil the ham in the oven for 5-7 minutes after slow cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftover ham can be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Use reserved pineapple as a warm topping right before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
- You can adjust spices according to taste for a more or less intense spiced glaze.
