Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is indeed a popular and delightful dish, especially for holiday gatherings like Christmas. It’s relatively easy to prepare in a slow cooker, and the combination of sweet brown sugar and tangy pineapple complements the ham perfectly. Here’s a simple recipe for you to enjoy:
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from a can of pineapple slices or chunks)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole cloves (optional)
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices or chunks (for garnish)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
- Pineapple rings (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ham:
- Place the ham in your slow cooker, flat side down. If your ham is too large to fit comfortably, you may need to trim it to fit or use a larger slow cooker.
- Score the Ham (Optional):
- Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern to create small diamond shapes. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Insert Whole Cloves (Optional):
- If you like, you can insert whole cloves into the scored portions of the ham for added flavor. Cloves have a strong flavor, so use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, maple syrup (or honey), and Dijon mustard.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for a few minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Pour the Glaze over the Ham:
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours. Baste the ham with the juices occasionally if desired.
- Add Pineapple and Cherries:
- About 30 minutes before serving, arrange the pineapple slices or chunks, maraschino cherries, and pineapple rings on top of the ham for garnish.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve your delicious Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham with the flavorful juices as a glaze.
This festive ham is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a centerpiece for your Christmas meal. Enjoy!