This Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it a standout dish for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion. The spiral-cut ham soaks up the flavors of brown sugar, pineapple, honey, and warming spices, resulting in a moist, flavorful dish. Follow these detailed instructions for a successful result every time!

Ingredients

1 spiral-cut ham (7-8 lbs, fully cooked)
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz, undrained)
½ cup honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham

Unpack the ham: Remove any plastic covering or netting from the ham. Ensure it is thawed if previously frozen.
Place in the crock pot: Position the ham flat-side down in a large slow cooker. The flat side provides stability, keeping the ham upright during cooking.
Loosen the slices: Gently separate the spiral-cut slices using your hands or a butter knife. This step ensures the flavorful glaze penetrates every slice.

2. Add the Toppings

Brown sugar layer: Sprinkle the packed brown sugar generously over the top of the ham. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure even coverage.
Pineapple and juice: Open the can of pineapple chunks and pour the entire contents (including the juice) over the ham, allowing the liquid to run down the sides.
Honey drizzle: Drizzle the honey over the ham, aiming to coat as much surface area as possible.
Spices: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and ground cloves evenly over the ham for a warm, aromatic flavor profile

3. Cook the Ham

Cover and set: Place the lid securely on the crock pot to trap heat and moisture. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Avoid using the HIGH setting to prevent drying out the ham.
Basting tip: To keep the ham moist, baste it every hour. Use a large spoon or baster to drizzle the juices from the bottom of the crock pot over the slices. This step enhances flavor and prevents the ham from drying.
Temperature check: The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

4. Serve the Ham

Careful transfer: Using sturdy utensils or tongs, carefully lift the ham from the crock pot and place it on a serving platter. The ham will be tender, so handle it gently to keep the slices intact.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the ham for a pop of color. You can also arrange some of the cooked pineapple chunks around the ham for an elegant presentation.
Add extra glaze: Spoon some of the juices from the crock pot over the ham before serving to enhance the flavor and keep it glistening.

Pro Tips for Success

Choose the right crock pot: Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the ham comfortably without squishing.
Monitor cooking time: Spiral-cut hams are pre-cooked, so you’re warming and glazing it rather than fully cooking. Overcooking can lead to dryness.
Keep the lid on: Resist the urge to check on the ham too often. Frequent lifting of the lid releases heat and extends cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this ham with mashed potatoes, green beans, or dinner rolls for a full meal.
Use leftovers to make sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or ham casseroles.

This step-by-step recipe ensures your Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is not only delicious but also visually appealing—perfect for sharing on your website and impressing your guests!