Effortless Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Ham: Your Perfect Holiday Main Course
Prepare to impress with the easiest and most flavorful Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple! This incredibly simple recipe transforms a store-bought, fully cooked ham into a magnificent holiday centerpiece or a delightful family dinner with minimal effort and just four core ingredients. Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, infusing the ham with sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast, a comforting Sunday supper, or a special brunch, this pineapple glazed ham is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve succulent slices alongside classic dishes like Orange-Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole for dinner, or pair it with Buttermilk French Toast for an unforgettable brunch spread. Get ready for a fuss-free and fabulously delicious ham experience!
⭐ Why Melinda Loves Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
This recipe for Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple has been a cherished family tradition for years, and for good reason! The magic lies in its incredible simplicity and the minimal effort required. With a mere 5 minutes of prep time, your slow cooker takes over, doing all the hard work to deliver a perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy ham every single time.
Ham is wonderfully versatile, making it an ideal main dish for various occasions. My family particularly enjoys this flavorful ham served alongside creamy Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes and the elegant crunch of Elegant Green Bean Casserole. It’s a meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its unique glaze. This isn’t your typical overly sticky, syrupy ham glaze. Instead, the combination of bright orange marmalade and zesty deli mustard creates a distinctive tangy-sweet coating that gently infuses the ham as it cooks. The flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a perfectly balanced glaze that complements the smokiness of the ham without overwhelming it. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic that consistently receives rave reviews!
🥗 Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
Creating this delicious slow cooker ham requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the incredible flavor profile:
Ham: The star of the show! Purchase your favorite variety of fully cooked, store-bought ham. Most hams found in supermarkets are pre-cooked, which means the slow cooker’s role is to gently heat it through, tenderize it further, and infuse it with our delicious glaze. You can choose a bone-in or boneless ham – both work beautifully. Bone-in hams often yield a richer flavor, while boneless hams are significantly easier to slice. Feel free to discard any small spice packet that might come with your ham, as we’ll be making our own superior glaze.
Crushed Pineapple: A vital component for both flavor and moisture. A 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, including its natural juices, is perfect. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and a lovely tang that perfectly complements the ham. As it cooks, the pineapple juices mingle with the glaze ingredients, creating a flavorful liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker that further moistens the ham.
Orange Marmalade: This is the secret to our irresistible glaze. The sweet, slightly bitter, and citrusy notes of orange marmalade are an exquisite companion to the savory, smoky ham. As it slow cooks, the marmalade caramelizes and creates a beautiful, glossy coating that’s full of bright flavor. If you don’t have orange marmalade, apricot or peach preserves can be used as a delicious alternative, offering a similar fruity sweetness.
Deli Mustard: Don’t underestimate the power of a good mustard! Opt for a zesty variety, ideally one with stone-ground mustard seeds, which often adds a subtle texture and robust flavor. The sharp, tangy notes of deli mustard cut through the sweetness of the marmalade and the richness of the ham, creating a perfectly balanced glaze. If deli mustard isn’t available, a good quality Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard can be substituted for a similar effect.
For precise measurements and a complete list of ingredients, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
🍊 Step-by-Step Guide to Your Delicious Ham
Preparing this Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Score the Ham (If Not Pre-Sliced). Place your ham on a clean cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully score the ham by making shallow cuts about ¼” deep in a criss-cross or diamond pattern. This step isn’t just for aesthetics; it allows the delicious glaze to seep into the ham, infusing every bite with flavor and helping to keep the ham moist and tender during the long cooking process. If your ham comes with a removable outer skin, you might want to remove most of it before scoring, leaving some for flavor if desired.
Pro Tip: If you’ve opted for a pre-sliced ham, there’s no need to score it. The pre-cut slices already provide plenty of surfaces for the glaze to adhere to and penetrate, simplifying your prep even further!
Step 2: Prepare the Tangy-Sweet Glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the orange marmalade and deli mustard. Use a spoon or whisk to blend them thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-incorporated glaze. The rich color and enticing aroma will tell you it’s ready! This simple mixture is what will transform your ham.
Step 3: Assemble and Slow Cook. Carefully place the scored (or pre-sliced) ham into your slow cooker. Next, open the can of crushed pineapple and pour the entire contents, including all the juices, directly over and around the ham. The juices will collect at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful, moist cooking environment. Now, take your prepared marmalade and mustard mixture and spoon it generously over the top and sides of the ham, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the specific slow cooker model, but the goal is to heat it through completely and allow the flavors to meld beautifully, reaching an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) as it’s already fully cooked.
Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board or serving platter. Tent it loosely with foil and let the ham rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and tender. After resting, slice the ham to your desired thickness and serve. For an extra burst of flavor and moisture, you can spoon some of the delicious pineapple, marmalade, and mustard juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the sliced ham. Alternatively, you can discard the juices – they have already done their job of infusing your ham with incredible taste and tenderness!
💭 Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Not at all! Both bone-in and boneless hams work wonderfully in this slow cooker recipe. I often prefer using a boneless ham because it makes slicing much easier and yields more consistent pieces. However, bone-in hams can sometimes offer a slightly richer flavor due to the bone marrow. Choose whichever type you prefer or have on hand!
Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it cold in delicious ham sandwiches, or warm it up in the microwave, oven, or even a skillet. For longer storage, freeze any additional leftovers in freezer-safe, airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 6 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm as desired.
Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully. The main consideration is ensuring your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the ham. If you’re using a ham larger than 8 pounds, I recommend doubling the orange marmalade and deli mustard glaze ingredients to ensure full coverage and ample flavor. You might also need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time to ensure the larger ham is thoroughly heated through.
Using a slow cooker for ham is a game-changer for several reasons! Firstly, it’s incredibly convenient, allowing for a “set it and forget it” approach that frees up your oven for other dishes, which is especially helpful during holidays. Secondly, the low and slow cooking process ensures the ham becomes exceptionally tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the pineapple glaze. It’s truly an effortless way to achieve a perfect ham every time.
While you technically could use fresh pineapple, canned crushed pineapple is highly recommended for this recipe. Canned pineapple comes packed in its own juices, which are crucial for creating the moist cooking environment and flavorful liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker. Fresh pineapple would likely result in less liquid, and its enzymes could potentially make the ham a bit tougher. Stick to canned for best results!
If deli mustard isn’t available, don’t worry! You can achieve a similar tangy and zesty flavor using other types of mustard. A good quality Dijon mustard is an excellent substitute. Spicy brown mustard would also work well, adding a bit of a kick. Avoid using plain yellow mustard, as its flavor profile is too mild for this recipe.
The glaze from the slow cooker will be quite thin and juicy, which is perfect for keeping the ham moist. If you prefer a thicker glaze to brush on at the end, carefully remove the ham when cooked. Then, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. You can then brush this thicker glaze onto the sliced ham.
🥘 What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
This Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making it suitable for any occasion, from a casual weeknight meal to an elaborate holiday spread. Its sweet and savory profile allows it to complement both hearty and lighter fare.
Classic Comfort Sides
You can never go wrong with potatoes when serving ham. Just about any potato recipe is a delicious companion! My personal favorite is my version of a comforting Potato Casserole, called Country Potatoes. It’s a classic, creamy, and utterly delicious recipe that can easily be made ahead of time, reducing your stress on event day. Other fantastic potato options include roasted garlic mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or crispy roasted potato wedges.
Fresh & Vibrant Accompaniments
If you’re serving this ham during the warmer months, or simply prefer lighter options, cold side salads are an excellent choice. Our Five Bean Salad, lightly sweetened and tangy with balsamic vinegar, offers a refreshing contrast. Another incredibly popular and make-ahead friendly cold side is our Sweet Corn Pasta Salad, which brings a delightful textural and flavor balance to the meal.
For green vegetables, consider steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon, glazed carrots, or a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness helps to cut through the richness of the ham.
Holiday Feast Essentials
When serving this Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple during the holidays, you’ll want to round out your menu with some festive classics. Be sure to include warm, fluffy Homemade Potato Rolls for soaking up all those delicious ham juices. Alongside, consider serving earthy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts and a savory Zucchini Stuffing Casserole to complete a truly memorable holiday meal.
Don’t forget the perfect beverage pairing! For dinner, a crisp white wine like a Riesling or Pinot Grigio can complement the ham’s sweetness, while a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir can also be a lovely choice. For brunch, mimosas or fresh orange juice would be delightful.
Pro Tip: Once your ham is cooked and beautifully sliced, don’t let the flavorful juices in the slow cooker go to waste! You can add a few spoonfuls of the pineapple, marmalade, and mustard juice on top of the slices for an extra burst of moisture and intensified flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enhance the dish even further. Otherwise, you can simply toss the juice, knowing it gave its all to make the ham incredibly sweet and tender during the cooking time.
🍽 Other Tasty Recipes with Pork
This slow cooker ham has truly become a cherished family-favorite recipe in my house. If you’re looking for more delicious ways to enjoy pork, here are a few other fantastic recipes that are just as satisfying. And for a clever way to use up any leftover ham, remember that Pork Wonton Stars (if not listed below, consider them a great idea for leftovers!) can be a delightful and creative option.
- Easy Pork Tenderloin with Orange Sauce
- Cheese, Egg and Sausage Casserole
- Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
- Grown Up Pigs in a Blanket
If you tried this incredible Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple or any other delightful recipe on my website, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the comments below. Your feedback means the world!
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple
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Ingredients
- 1 5-6 pound fully cooked ham
- 1 can crushed pineapple – 20-ounce can, undrained
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ⅓ cup deli mustard – zesty, preferably with stone-ground mustard seeds
Instructions
Prep Ham and Glaze
- Unwrap the ham from its store packaging. Any spice or seasoning packet that might be included can be discarded, as we’ll be making our own glaze. Place the ham on a cutting board and use a large, sharp knife to score the ham, making a criss-cross or diamond pattern about ¼” deep. This helps the glaze penetrate for maximum flavor.
- As an option, if you are using a pre-sliced ham, there’s no need to score it before cooking. The existing cuts will allow the glaze to seep in perfectly.
- In a small bowl, use a spoon to thoroughly blend the orange marmalade and deli mustard until smooth. This creates your simple yet flavorful glaze.
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Place the ham into your slow cooker. Open the can of crushed pineapple and add all of its contents, including the juices, over and around the ham. The pineapple juices will collect at the bottom, contributing to a moist cooking environment.
- Using a spoon, generously coat the top and sides of the ham with the prepared marmalade and mustard mixture.
Cover and Cook
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the ham on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is thoroughly heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. Place it on a large serving plate or cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Slice the ham to your desired thickness and arrange it on a serving platter. As an option, you can add several spoonfuls of the flavorful pineapple/marmalade juice from the slow cooker over the sliced ham for extra moisture and taste. Otherwise, you can discard the juice; it has already successfully done its job of flavoring the ham!
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and savor every delicious bite!
Notes
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 59g
Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0.001g
Cholesterol: 169mg
Sodium: 3325mg
Potassium: 797mg
Fiber: 0.4g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 11IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 27mg
Iron: 3mg
Please note, the nutrition details provided are estimated using a food database and should be considered rough estimates rather than exact scientific measurements.
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