Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Ham

A slow cooker pineapple glazed ham is one of the easiest ways to serve a centerpiece dish without tying up your oven. The ham cooks gently until it is warm and tender, then gets brushed with a sweet, sticky glaze of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a little mustard that turns glossy and caramelized at the edges. It works well for holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, or any family gathering where you want a crowd-pleaser with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can focus on side dishes.
• Simple ingredients: You only need a pre-cooked ham, pineapple, brown sugar, and a few pantry staples.
• Sweet and savory balance: The pineapple and brown sugar complement the salty, smoky flavor of the ham.
• Oven space saved: This is a practical option when the oven is busy with other holiday dishes.
• Easy to scale: Choose a ham that fits your slow cooker and adjust the glaze to match.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham, about 5 to 7 lb (2.3 to 3.2 kg)
• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple rings, drained, juice reserved
• 1 cup (213 g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon or yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pineapple juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• Maraschino cherries or extra pineapple rings for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Look for a ham labeled fully cooked or ready to eat, since this recipe is meant to heat it through and glaze it rather than fully cook it from raw. Pineapple juice adds sweetness and helps keep the ham moist. Mustard gives the glaze a bit of tang that balances the sugar. Ground cloves add warm spice, but they are optional if you prefer a milder flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

• A 6-quart or larger slow cooker
• A small saucepan for the glaze
• A whisk or spoon
• A basting brush
• A carving knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering the ham)

How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Ham

1. Prepare the ham. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry. If the ham has a tough rind or thick fat cap, you can score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep. This helps the glaze soak in.
2. Add the ham to the slow cooker. Place the ham cut side down or flat side down. Pour about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water or the reserved pineapple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker to help create steam and keep the ham moist.
3. Arrange the pineapple. Lay the drained pineapple rings over the top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if needed. This adds flavor and a nice presentation.
4. Cook on low. Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 to 6 hours, or until the ham is heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Check with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking times vary by ham size and slow cooker model, so start checking at the earlier end of the range.
5. Make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, mustard, and ground cloves if using. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and syrupy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Glaze the ham. Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the glaze generously over the surface, letting it drip into the scores.
7. Finish the glaze. Broil the ham on the top rack for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze bubbles and turns slightly darker at the edges. Ovens vary, so do not walk away.
8. Rest and slice. Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes so the juices settle. Slice thinly across the grain and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Save the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Spoon some over the sliced ham before serving to keep it juicy.
• Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on time, since ham sizes differ.
• Make the glaze while the ham rests so it is warm and easy to brush on.
• Keep an eye on the broiler. Brown sugar can go from caramelized to burnt in under a minute.
• If your slow cooker runs hot, check the ham an hour early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the ham: Pre-cooked ham can dry out quickly. Stop cooking once it reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Skipping the glaze step: Brushing the glaze on at the start will cause it to burn in the slow cooker. Glaze at the end.
• Using too little liquid: A small amount of water or juice at the bottom prevents the ham from drying out.
• Burning the sugar under the broiler: Stay nearby and remove the ham as soon as the glaze bubbles.

Variations and Substitutions

• Honey glaze: Replace half the brown sugar with honey for a slightly floral sweetness.
• Spicy version: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Maple twist: Swap 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar for pure maple syrup.
• Bone-in or boneless: Both work well. Bone-in hams may need a few extra minutes to heat through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ham with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad. Pan drippings and the leftover glaze make a simple sauce for spooning over slices. Dinner rolls are a good addition, and sparkling water or iced tea pairs nicely with the sweet glaze.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container within two hours of serving. Cooked ham is generally best eaten within three to four days when refrigerated. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to two months, though texture may change slightly after thawing. To reheat, place slices in a covered dish with a splash of water or pineapple juice and warm gently in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the ham in the slow cooker a day ahead, refrigerate it, and glaze and broil it just before serving. Reheat it gently before glazing.

Can I use a fresh ham instead of a fully cooked ham?

This recipe is designed for fully cooked hams. A raw fresh ham needs a much longer cooking time and should be cooked to a safe internal temperature with a thermometer. Check the package label before you begin.

Why did my ham turn out dry?

Dryness usually comes from overcooking or too little moisture. Cook only until the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), keep some liquid in the slow cooker, and let it rest before slicing.

Can I use canned pineapple chunks instead of rings?

Yes. Crushed or chunked pineapple works, though rings look more attractive on top. Drain well so the glaze does not become watery.

Can I skip the broiler?

Yes. If you prefer, brush the glaze on and bake the ham in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until the glaze sets.

What kind of mustard works best?

Dijon gives a sharper flavor, while yellow mustard is milder and more classic. Either works well in this glaze.

Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Ham

Short Description: A tender, juicy ham slow cooked with pineapple and finished with a sweet brown sugar glaze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (estimate, depends on ham size and slow cooker)

Total Time: About 4 to 6 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 10 to 12 (estimate)

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Cooking Method: Slow cooker, broiled glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham, 5 to 7 lb (2.3 to 3.2 kg)
• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple rings, drained, juice reserved
• 1 cup (213 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pineapple juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Score the ham and place it in the slow cooker with 1/2 cup water or juice.
2. Top with pineapple rings and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until heated to 140°F (60°C).
3. Simmer the brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, and cloves until smooth.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham and broil 2 to 4 minutes until bubbly.
5. Rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes: Cooking times are estimates. Always confirm the internal temperature with a thermometer.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.