Crockpot ham with pineapple and brown sugar requires just a few minutes of prep. Let your slow cooker do the work for you this holiday so you can focus on the important stuff (your people!).
Original post: April 2020 | Updated: October 2021 and November 2024
Why This Easy Ham Recipe Works
- One of my favorite things in the world is to find ways to decrease holiday stress. This crock pot ham recipe frees up oven space, counter space and mental space and allows you to focus on the important stuff!
- Whether you are making a holiday ham or just a weeknight meal, this juicy ham with a pineapple glaze turns out perfectly every time.
- The prep takes just a few minutes and your crockpot will do all the heavy lifting. It’s a super simple recipe that’ll feed a lot of people!
- Making this sweet and savory ham is a great excuse to make a soup using the leftover ham bone.
- Great for Easter dinner, Christmas dinner, Sunday dinner or any special occasion.
- The sweet flavor that comes from the glaze ingredients combines so perfectly with the salty flavorful ham.
Recipe Ingredients for Crockpot Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
Bone-in ham – If you cannot find a spiral cut ham, cook as directed and cut slices into the meat before pouring the glaze from the slow cooker over the top. Boneless spiral ham can be used in place of a bone-in ham, just be sure that you’re starting with a fully cooked ham.
Pineapple juice – Fresh pineapple juice makes a great marinade because it helps to tenderize the meat, while providing a tangy, delicious flavor. Orange juice can replace pineapple juice.
Honey – Raw or pure honey will help make a great sauce combined with the brown sugar and Worcestershire. Maple syrup can replace honey.
Brown sugar – Light brown sugar will work in this recipe. Since Worcestershire sauce contains molasses, there’s no need to use dark brown sugar.
Worcestershire sauce – If you’ve never cooked with this sauce, you’re about to fall in love. A little bit goes a long way!
How to Make Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Juice
Step 1
Spray the bottom of the slow cooker generously with cooking spray and place an 8-pound precooked ham (bone-in, spiral cut), cut side down. Remove any plastic or paper protectors first if using bone-in ham.
Pour the pineapple juice over top of the ham.
Step 2
In a small bowl, make the ham glaze. Combine honey, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix well and pour over the ham, spreading so all outer surfaces are covered in the sauce. If possible, expose the cut portions of the ham and allow sauce to seep in.
Step 3
Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Use a piece of foil to cover the top of the slow cooker if the ham won’t allow for the lid to fit.
Carefully transfer ham to a serving platter and spoon the sauce and juices from the slow cooker over the top, ensuring that it gets into the inner portion of the slices of ham.
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the meat off the bone and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- If a seasoning packet comes with the ham, you can do one of two things: 1. Toss it and follow the recipe as directed, or 2. Mix the contents of the packet with 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and use that as your glaze. You will still want to cover the ham with 2 cups of pineapple juice as directed in the recipe.
- Most hams purchased at the grocery store are fully cooked hams. For this reason, the cook time is shorter than when cooking raw meat. Any time between 4 and 6 hours is sufficient for most hams you’ll find, so adjust the time to fit your day.
- If the ham in the crock pot keeps your cover from fitting, use a piece of foil to cover the openings in order to keep heat from escaping.
- Add an extra flair to the dish by placing pineapple slices or pineapple rings around the ham during cooking. This will make for a great presentation, as well.
Bone In vs Boneless Ham
A bone-in ham is sturdier, making it a presentable option to set on a holiday table. It also makes a great starter for delicious soups, providing opportunity for a second delicious meal made from a single piece of meat.
Boneless ham slices well and is delicious, but bone-in ham comes with a greater depth of flavor and texture.
What To Serve With Ham – Favorite Side Dishes
Ham is a quintessential holiday food. But what do you serve alongside this savory star? Read on for 19 perfect ideas about what to serve with ham.
What to Serve With Potatoes and Ham
Here are a handful of recipe ideas about what to serve with potatoes and ham! Whether you are planning a holiday meal or a hearty family dinner, you’ll walk away with a delicious plan.
How Much Ham Per Person
When purchasing a bone-in ham, it’s best to plan for approximately 1/2 pound per person and 1/3 pound per person for a boneless ham.
How Long Does a Ham Bone Last in the Refrigerator
Ham bones from cured hams last in the refrigerator for up to one week. You’ll be able to tell if it has spoiled if it develops an “off” odor, discoloration or has a slimy texture.
How To Store Cooked Ham
Allow cooked ham (including the bone) to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container or on a plate wrapped tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Cooked ham will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days.
What to Make With Ham Bone
- Ham, split peas and an assortment of delicious carrots, peas and celery are the perfect combo in this hearty, comforting and traditional Split Pea Ham Soup. A truly savory soup will satisfy and fill you up.
- Use up leftover ham bones to make this delicious, effortless soup. The marrow from the bone gives the broth a rich flavor that is so smooth. Filled with potatoes and vegetables, this Ham Bone Soup is so filling. Keep this one on your radar around Easter and Christmas time!
- Making Ham Bone Soup in your Instant Pot allows you to get dinner on the table in less than an hour and it tastes like it has been simmering in a slow cooker all day long. Packed with beans, potatoes and delicious flavor!
Easy Holiday Recipes
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth, delicious and easy to prepare. No boiling or saucepan/stovetop cleaning required with this side dish. The Instant Pot gets this easy mashed potato recipe done in 30 minutes!
- This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is great on your Thanksgiving table and also a perfect side dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is filled with a delicious sweet potato mixture and topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows.
- Tater Tot Hotdish is the perfect comfort food. Whether it’s the main dish or a side, everyone at the table will be satisfied. This Midwestern staple is easy to make and fills everyone up.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect brunch side dish. Two delicious types of cheese transform these potatoes into a creamy, flavorful comfort food.
- Cooking asparagus in your Instant Pot is such a quick and easy way to enjoy the green veggie. This is a great side dish for any meal, whether on a weekday or holiday. Cooks perfectly every single time and is complemented perfectly with sauteed garlic.
- Let a batch of crockpot creamed corn cook quietly in the corner while you prepare the rest of the meal.
- Knock everyone’s socks off with this perfect and delicious carrot cake!
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Crockpot Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Recipe
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 8 lb ham bone-in, spiral cut
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Place ham, cut side down, in crock pot. Remove any plastic or paper protectors first if using bone-in ham. Pour the pineapple juice over top of the ham.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and pour over the ham, spreading so all outer surfaces are covered in the sauce. If possible, expose the cut portions of the ham and allow sauce to seep in.
- Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Carefully transfer ham to a serving platter and spoon the sauce and juices from the slow cooker over the top, ensuring that it gets into the inner portion of the slices of ham.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the meat off the bone and enjoy!
Notes
- Boneless ham can be used in place of a bone-in ham.
- If a seasoning packet comes with the ham, you can do one of two things: 1. Toss it and follow the recipe as directed or 2. Mix the contents of the packet with 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and use that as your glaze. You will still want to cover the ham with 2 cups of pineapple juice as directed in the recipe.
- Most hams purchased at the grocery store are fully cooked hams. For this reason, the cook time is shorter than when cooking raw meat. Any time between 4 and 6 hours is sufficient for most hams you’ll find, so cater the time to your day.
- If the ham in the crock pot keeps your cover from fitting, use a piece of foil to cover the openings in order to keep heat from escaping.
- If you cannot find a spiral cut ham, cook as directed and cut slices into the meat before pouring the glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
What size slow cooker do you need for an 8 lb. spiral cut/non spiral cut ham? Also, I’m wanting to buy a new slow cooker because the knob on my 30 year old (plus) Corning Wear slow cooker (6 qt. I think) broke, and though it still cooks great, it’s tricky because I have to use pliers to turn the thing that sticks out that the knob covered, so you have to pray you get it right! I really don’t want to have to do that, so do you have a recommendation? I know it was difficult to get a ham in my old cooker without cutting some off because the lid wouldn’t fit. Maybe need a 7 qt. or larger cooker….?
Hey Vicki – I wasn’t sure so I did some quick research and what I found is that you’ll need a minimum of 6 qt. for an 8 lb ham. So going with at least a 7 qt slow cooker or larger is a good idea.
This is my go to ham recipe.
Thank you, Sharon! Glad it was enjoyed.
Awesome recipe the whole family loved it
Thank you for sharing, Leon! Glad to hear that.