If you are looking for a dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a way that feels both comforting and festive, the Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms a classic ham into something extraordinary by slow-cooking it to tender perfection and glazing it with a luscious blend of pineapple juice, honey, brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon mustard. The result is a juicy, flavorful ham with caramelized edges and a delightful tropical twist that will wow your family and guests alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and depth of flavor that makes this ham unforgettable.
- 5-7 lbs bone-in ham: The star of the dish, providing rich, savory meat that soaks up the glaze beautifully.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps form a sticky, irresistible crust.
- 1/2 cup honey: For natural sweetness and a glossy finish that perfectly complements the pineapple.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tang and sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice): Brings bright, tropical acidity that tenderizes and infuses the ham with vibrant flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
First, unwrap your bone-in ham and place it flat-side down inside the slow cooker. This position helps the ham soak in all the delicious juices while cooking evenly from all sides.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice until smooth. This glaze is what makes this Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe so flavorful and irresistible, marrying sweet and tangy elements perfectly.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
Pour the glaze generously over the ham, making sure it seeps into every crevice and covers the surface evenly. This ensures every bite is packed with that lovely sticky sweetness.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tenderness
Cover your slow cooker and cook the ham on low for 6 to 8 hours. This low and slow method makes the ham incredibly tender while allowing the glaze to caramelize gently.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping every slice juicy and succulent.
Step 6: Serve with Glaze
Slice the ham and arrange it on a platter. Don’t forget to drizzle the leftover glaze from the slow cooker over the top—you’ll want every slice bathed in that luscious pineapple and honey sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary add a pop of color and freshness that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze. Thin slices of pineapple or orange zest can also tie in the tropical notes for an eye-catching presentation.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a tropical twist, consider coconut rice or grilled corn on the cob to keep the flavors vibrant and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning centerpiece, carve the ham at the table and arrange slices in a circular pattern on a large platter, decorating with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. You can also serve it family-style in a warm slow cooker to keep it moist and saucy throughout the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. It will stay perfect for up to 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If you have more ham than you can eat soon, slice or cube the meat and freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly stored, it will maintain good quality for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy that Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe goodness long after the initial meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the ham gently in the oven covered with foil or in a microwave at medium power. You can also add a splash of pineapple juice or leftover glaze to keep it moist and flavorful during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, spiral-cut ham can work well with this Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since spiral hams are often pre-cooked and will need less time to heat through and absorb the glaze.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice? Any alternatives?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice or apple juice can be a good substitute. They will provide a different but still pleasantly fruity acidity that complements the honey and mustard in the glaze.
Can I double the glaze for extra sauce?
Definitely! Doubling the glaze ingredients ensures you have plenty to spoon over the ham as you serve, and it makes for an even more decadent flavor experience with every bite.
Is it necessary to rest the ham before slicing?
Resting the ham is highly recommended because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in slices that are moist and tender instead of dry.
How can I make the glaze thicker and stickier?
If you’d like a thicker glaze, you can carefully transfer the leftover sauce to a saucepan and simmer it on medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency before drizzling it over the ham.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe is one of those dishes that brings a smile to the table every time. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. I encourage you to give it a try—the joyful combination of sweet pineapple, honey, brown sugar, and tangy Dijon mustard will turn your ham into a real crowd-pleaser.
Print
Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple and Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A tender and flavorful slow cooker ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Perfectly cooked to juicy perfection with minimal effort, this ham is ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Ham
- 5–7 lbs bone-in ham
Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place your slow cooker on a stable surface and unwrap the ham. Set the ham flat-side down inside the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended to create the flavorful glaze.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to coat it thoroughly and allow the glaze to seep into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the ham and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Rest the Ham: Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting helps retain juices when slicing.
- Serve: Slice the ham and arrange on plates or a serving platter. Drizzle with any leftover sauce from the slow cooker to add extra moisture and taste.
Notes
- Use a bone-in ham for best flavor and tenderness.
- You can adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste, adding more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang.
- Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the leftover sauce on the stovetop before drizzling.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the ham after 6 hours to prevent overcooking.
