Chef Sarah Martinez - Holiday Cooking Specialist
👨‍🍳 Holiday Cooking Expert

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Institute Graduate ⏰ 15+ Years Experience 🍽️ Slow Cooker Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe came about when I needed to free up oven space during a busy holiday dinner. After perfecting the glaze ratio and cooking method, this crockpot ham became our family's go-to for effortless entertaining with stunning results."

Sarah specializes in holiday cooking and entertaining techniques that maximize flavor while minimizing kitchen stress. Her slow cooker expertise has helped countless home cooks create memorable meals with ease.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Glossy brown sugar and pineapple glazed ham studded with cloves, garnished with pineapple slices and fresh herbs, glistening with caramelized glaze

The Secret to Perfect Slow-Cooked Ham

The key to exceptional crockpot ham is balancing moisture retention with glaze development. Unlike oven-roasted ham, slow cooking keeps the meat incredibly tender while allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. The low, steady heat prevents the ham from drying out while creating the perfect environment for the glaze to develop its signature glossy finish.

Starting with a fully cooked ham is essential for this recipe, as it only needs reheating and flavoring rather than full cooking. The crockpot method transforms a simple ham into something spectacular by continuously basting it in the sweet and tangy pineapple glaze throughout the cooking process.

💡 Professional Tip

Reserve some glaze before cooking to thicken separately on the stovetop. This creates a more concentrated, glossy finish that you can brush on just before serving for that professional presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but ensure it fits your crockpot. Bone-in hams add more flavor but require slightly longer cooking time. A 5-7 lb bone-in ham works well on LOW for 5-6 hours.

Canned pineapple works perfectly and is actually preferred for this recipe. The juice is ideal for the glaze, and canned slices hold their shape better during the long cooking time.

Cook the ham up to 2 days ahead, slice, and store with glaze. Reheat gently in the crockpot on LOW for 1-2 hours or in the oven at 325°F covered with foil.

Since the ham is pre-cooked, you're heating it to 140°F internal temperature. It should be heated through and the glaze should be caramelized and sticky.

Absolutely! Extra glaze is wonderful for serving alongside the ham or using on leftovers. Store excess glaze refrigerated for up to a week.

A 6-quart slow cooker accommodates most 4-5 lb hams comfortably. For larger hams, use a 7-8 quart model or cut the ham to fit.

Yes! Maraschino cherries, orange slices, or apple chunks complement the pineapple beautifully. Add them during the last hour of cooking.

Store sliced ham in an airtight container with some glaze for up to 5 days. Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches, fried rice, or breakfast scrambles.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Glaze Too Thin

Problem: Glaze remains watery and won't thicken

Solution: Transfer liquid to saucepan and simmer to reduce. Add cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and cook until thickened.

✅

Ham Drying Out

Problem: Ham becomes dry despite slow cooking

Solution: Baste more frequently (every 30-45 minutes), add extra pineapple juice if needed, and avoid cooking on HIGH heat.

✅

Burnt Bottom

Problem: Bottom of ham or glaze burns

Prevention: Ensure sufficient liquid in crockpot, cook only on LOW setting, and place pineapple slices under ham as a buffer.

✅

Glaze Not Caramelizing

Problem: Glaze doesn't develop glossy finish

Recovery: During final 30 minutes, remove lid to allow moisture to evaporate. Brush with thickened glaze before serving.

✅

Overly Sweet

Problem: Ham and glaze taste too sweet

Prevention: Balance with extra Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, or a squeeze of lemon juice in the glaze.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar

Too Salty: Serve with sweet sides like sweet potato casserole or fruit salad

Bland: Increase spices, add more brown sugar, or brush with additional glaze

Ingredients for pineapple glazed ham including brown sugar, pineapple slices, honey, spices, and a large ham arranged on a marble countertop

Choosing the Perfect Ham

Selecting the right ham is crucial for crockpot success. Fully cooked, boneless hams work best as they fit easily in most slow cookers and heat evenly. Look for a spiral-sliced ham if you want easier serving, or a whole boneless ham for better moisture retention during cooking.

The quality of your brown sugar and pineapple directly impacts the glaze. Dark brown sugar creates a richer, more molasses-forward flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Fresh pineapple juice can be used, but canned juice provides consistent results and the right acidity level.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ham Selection: Choose a fully cooked, boneless ham between 4-5 lbs. Avoid honey-glazed or pre-seasoned hams as they can become overly sweet with the additional glaze.
  • Brown Sugar Quality: Use packed dark brown sugar for deeper flavor and better caramelization. Fresh brown sugar (not hardened) ensures smooth glaze consistency.
  • Pineapple Choice: Canned pineapple in 100% juice (not syrup) provides the best balance. Save the juice from the can for the glaze recipe.
Ham cooking in a crockpot covered with glossy brown sugar pineapple glaze and pineapple slices, steam rising from the slow cooker

Mastering the Glaze Technique

The glaze develops in two stages: the initial cooking phase where it penetrates the ham and creates moisture, and the finishing phase where it's reduced and thickened to create that signature glossy coating. Basting regularly ensures even flavor distribution and prevents the top from drying out.

The cornstarch slurry added at the end is the secret to achieving restaurant-quality glaze consistency. This technique transforms the thin cooking liquid into a thick, spoon-coating glaze that clings beautifully to each slice of ham.

The Basting Method

Every hour, tilt the crockpot slightly and use a spoon or baster to collect the glaze from the bottom. Drizzle it over the exposed surfaces of the ham, paying special attention to any areas that look dry.

Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze

Prep 15 min
Cook 4 hrs
Serves 8 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Ham

  • 240ml pineapple juice
    From canned pineapple or bottled
  • 200g brown sugar, packed
    Dark brown for richer flavor
  • 120ml honey
    Adds glossy finish and sweetness
  • 60ml Dijon mustard
    Balances sweetness with tang
  • 30ml apple cider vinegar
    Adds acidity and brightness
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
    Warm spice for depth
  • 15g cornstarch + 30ml water
    For thickening the glaze

For the Glaze

  • 2-2.5kg boneless ham (fully cooked)
    Pre-cooked makes this recipe easy
  • 227g can pineapple slices
    Decorative and flavorful
  • 10-12 whole cloves
    Traditional aromatic spice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
    Infuses the glaze
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
    Adds warmth and complexity
  • 30g unsalted butter
    Enriches the final glaze
  • Fresh parsley
    For garnish and color

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ham

    Score the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4 inch deep. Stud with whole cloves at intersections. Place ham in crockpot.

  2. Make the Glaze

    In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, and black pepper until well combined.

  3. Cook the Ham

    Pour half of the glaze over ham. Arrange pineapple slices on top. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, basting every hour with accumulated juices.

  4. Finish the Glaze

    During the last 30 minutes, pour remaining glaze into a saucepan. Bring to simmer. Mix cornstarch with water, add to glaze, and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in butter.

  5. Serve

    Remove ham from crockpot and let rest 10 minutes. Brush with thickened glaze. Slice and serve with remaining glaze on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and pineapple slices.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftover ham wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep extra glaze separate in an airtight container. Reheat slices gently to avoid drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted Brussels sprouts. The sweet glaze contrasts beautifully with savory and tangy side dishes.

Variations

Try adding orange juice and zest to the glaze, or substitute maple syrup for honey. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze.