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Perfect Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe with Clove Glaze for Easy Holiday Meals

slow cooker brown sugar pineapple ham - featured image

A tender, juicy slow cooker ham glazed with a sweet and spicy brown sugar pineapple clove mixture, perfect for holiday meals and special occasions. This easy recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in ham, about 5-7 pounds (2.3-3.2 kg), pre-cooked, spiral-cut recommended
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (preferably dark brown sugar)
  • 1 can pineapple slices (about 20 oz/567 g), drained
  • 2025 whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. If the skin is still on, carefully score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep, then insert whole cloves at the intersections.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and water. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  3. Place a few pineapple slices on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base and prevent sticking.
  4. Position the ham on top of the pineapple slices, cut side down if spiral sliced. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored lines.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours (about 240-300 minutes), basting with remaining glaze every hour if desired. The ham should be heated through, tender, and sticky on the outside. A meat thermometer should read 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham.
  6. Optional: For a caramelized crust, carefully transfer the ham to a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush with remaining glaze and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with extra pineapple slices and spoon glaze over the top.

Notes

Use a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham for best results and easy slicing. Scoring the ham and inserting whole cloves enhances flavor and presentation. Basting every hour is optional but recommended for a glossy finish. The broiler step is optional for caramelizing the glaze. For gluten-free, verify mustard and vinegar brands. Fresh pineapple can be used seasonally. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ham, brown sugar ham, pineapple ham, clove glaze, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, holiday meals, slow cooker recipes