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Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar with the savory richness of a spiral-cut ham. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, producing a moist, tender ham with a sweet, tangy glaze that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Ham and Pineapple

  • 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar (divided)
  • 1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple in 100% juice (reserve juice)
  • 5 lb boneless spiral cut ham

Glaze

  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 Tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare slow cooker base: Sprinkle ½ cup brown sugar at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange 4 to 5 pineapple rings evenly over the brown sugar to create a base layer for the ham.
  2. Place ham and add pineapple: Position the ham flat side down on top of the pineapple rings. Avoid adding any liquid from the ham packaging. Tuck the remaining pineapple slices between the layers of the ham and sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar over and between these slices to enhance sweetness.
  3. Add pineapple juice and cook: Pour ¼ cup of the reserved pineapple juice over the ham. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 130°F, ensuring the meat is heated through but not overcooked.
  4. Prepare glaze liquid: Collect the remaining pineapple juice (approximately ¾ cup) and ladle ham drippings from the slow cooker, combining both until you have 1 ½ cups liquid. Transfer this mixture to a small pot on the stove. Keep the ham covered in the slow cooker to continue cooking while preparing the glaze.
  5. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the liquid from the pot to create a smooth slurry. Add this slurry back into the pot along with ½ cup brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, and continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens. Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.
  6. Glaze the ham and finish cooking: Spoon half of the warm glaze over the ham, ensuring the sauce coats the ham slices thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, allowing the flavors to penetrate and glaze to set.
  7. Serve: Slice the ham and serve warm accompanied by the remaining glaze for additional moisture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate internal temperatures for safe and perfectly cooked ham.
  • Do not add any liquid from the ham packaging as it may alter the intended flavor and texture.
  • The glaze can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
  • If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
  • This recipe is perfect for holiday meals or large family dinners due to its ease and tender results.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/slow-cooker-ham-with-pineapple-and-brown-sugar-recipe/