Start by sizing up your ham. If it’s trying to be the diva of the crock pot and doesn’t fit, just trim it down a little. Don’t worry, you’re not hurting its feelings. Leave the netting on while trimming, and then remove it once it’s all settled in.
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Sprinkle half a cup of brown sugar at the bottom of your crock pot. This forms a sweet little cushion for your ham to rest on and sets the stage for all that caramelization magic later.
Place your ham flat side down on top of the brown sugar layer. Give it a gentle pat and tell it, “You’re going to be amazing.”
Pour the entire can of pineapple (juice and all) over the ham. If you’re in the mood for extra sweetness, drizzle that honey over the top. Finish it off by sprinkling the remaining brown sugar and a bit of ground cloves if you want to kick up the flavor.
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Cover the crock pot with the lid, set it to LOW, and let it cook for 4-6 hours. Resist the urge to keep lifting the lid to peek – I know it’s hard, but every time you do, you let out all the heat. Trust the process!
In the last hour, use a basting brush to coat the ham with all those amazing juices pooling at the bottom. This step makes sure every slice is packed with flavor.
Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes (it’s worked hard). If you want to get fancy, pour the cooking juices into a saucepan and heat them up until they thicken into a glaze. Drizzle some over the ham before serving and keep the rest on the side for those who love extra sauce (there’s always one in every crowd).
Pair this ham with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Or go all out and serve it with some cheesy scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and buttery rolls. Trust me, you’re going to want something to soak up all that glorious sauce!
1. What’s the best ham to use?
A bone-in spiral cut ham is my go-to because it’s already pre-sliced and the bone adds flavor while it cooks. But boneless works too if that’s what you have on hand.
2. How do I keep the ham from drying out?
The beauty of the crock pot is that it keeps everything nice and moist. Just make sure you don’t overcook it. Basting it with the juices during the last hour also helps lock in that moisture.
3. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even some garlic powder if you’re feeling adventurous.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap any leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to make you look like a superstar in the kitchen – even if you’re just winging it most of the time, like me. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to bask in all the praise (and maybe sneak a few extra slices for yourself while no one’s looking).
