This slow-cooked ham, glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, is the ultimate comfort food. The slow cooker brings out the tenderness of the ham, while the rich, sticky glaze creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor. The result is a dish that will impress at any family dinner or holiday gathering.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser. The pineapple glaze provides the right amount of sweetness and acidity, complementing the ham’s rich flavor. Paired with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, this dish makes for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 (6-8 lbs) bone-in ham
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup honey
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1/2 cup Dijon mustard
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1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup pineapple juice
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Place the ham in the slow cooker.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
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Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it is well coated.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour.
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Once the ham is heated through and the glaze has thickened, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Serve the ham with the remaining glaze.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple: A Perfect Holiday Delight
When it comes to holiday meals, there’s nothing quite like a beautifully glazed ham. It’s the centerpiece that brings people together, the dish that’s often the most anticipated and savored. Among the many variations, a slow-cooked glazed ham with pineapple stands out as a truly exceptional option. The combination of tender ham and the sweet yet tangy glaze made with pineapple creates a delightful contrast in flavor that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Glazed Ham?
The convenience of a slow cooker is hard to beat. Imagine preparing a dish that requires minimal effort, but delivers maximum flavor this is the beauty of a slow cooker. For busy families or hosts preparing for a holiday gathering, using a slow cooker allows you to get the meal started hours before everyone arrives. This method ensures that the ham cooks slowly and evenly, absorbing all the flavors of the glaze and becoming fall-apart tender. With a slow cooker, you’re able to enjoy the process rather than stress over the timing and temperature of the oven.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The glaze is a combination of honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice. These ingredients work together to create a sauce that’s both sweet and savory, with a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham. Pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty flavor of the ham. The glaze coats every inch of the meat, creating a beautiful caramelized crust as it cooks.
The Beauty of Using Pineapple
Pineapple has long been a favorite ingredient to pair with ham. The sweetness of pineapple complements the saltiness of the ham, while the acidity helps balance the richness of the meat. When slow-cooked, the pineapple juice in the glaze reduces and intensifies in flavor, resulting in a sticky, glossy sauce that clings to the ham and enhances its flavor.
In addition to flavor, pineapple brings a beautiful color to the dish. The bright yellow hue of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the deep brown glaze, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. The natural sweetness of the pineapple creates a mouthwatering caramelized exterior that adds texture and richness to every bite.
A Perfect Meal for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a special event, slow-cooked glazed ham with pineapple is a showstopper. The recipe is designed to be simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a festive occasion. It’s an ideal choice for gatherings like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, where a large, hearty dish is needed to feed a crowd.
One of the great things about this dish is that it can easily be prepared ahead of time. Simply set up the slow cooker in the morning, and let it do its magic while you attend to other tasks. By the time you’re ready to serve, your ham will be perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. This means less time in the kitchen and more time spent enjoying the company of your loved ones.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Glazed Ham
The beauty of a slow-cooked glazed ham is its versatility when it comes to sides. The rich and savory flavors of the ham pair beautifully with a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes. You could serve it alongside some classic holiday sides like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, or a fresh garden salad for a lighter touch. Alternatively, pairing it with a creamy potato dish or cornbread could make for a comforting, homestyle meal.
For a refreshing contrast, consider serving a tangy, crunchy salad, like a coleslaw or a citrus salad with arugula and goat cheese. The acidity in these salads balances the richness of the ham and provides a nice texture contrast.
Another great side option is roasted vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts, when roasted until caramelized, complement the sweet, savory ham and offer a hearty, healthy addition to your meal.
How to Customize the Glaze
While the traditional pineapple glaze is delicious on its own, it’s also easy to make adjustments based on your preferences. If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add a touch of ground ginger or a small amount of hot sauce to give the ham a bit of a kick. You could also experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, for a different flavor profile. For those who enjoy the savory side, adding a bit of garlic or onion powder to the glaze can elevate the taste and add an extra layer of depth.
If you want to take it a step further, try adding pineapple chunks to the slow cooker. The chunks will caramelize in the glaze, becoming tender and offering bites of juicy pineapple alongside the ham.
Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Ham
While slow-cooked glazed ham is fairly straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure you achieve the best results:
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Choose the right ham: Bone-in hams work best for slow cooking, as they tend to retain moisture and flavor better than boneless cuts. You can opt for a fully cooked ham or a fresh one just ensure that you adjust cooking times accordingly.
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Don’t skip basting: Every hour or so, spoon some of the glaze over the ham to keep it moist and to help it caramelize. Basting also ensures that the glaze is evenly distributed across the ham for optimal flavor.
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Let it rest: After the ham finishes cooking, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy ham.
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Save the glaze: Once you remove the ham from the slow cooker, don’t discard the remaining glaze. It’s perfect for drizzling over the sliced ham, or you can serve it as a side sauce.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a dish that has it all: convenience, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday feast or preparing a special family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender, slow-cooked ham with the sweet and tangy pineapple glaze creates a mouthwatering dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is the perfect choice for any occasion.
Not only is this ham incredibly easy to prepare, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you stick with the classic pineapple glaze or add your personal twist, this slow-cooked ham will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that will have your guests coming back for more!