Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham 

This Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is the ultimate ham recipe to have on your holiday table. Easy to make with less than 10 ingredients, it’s bold with flavor and almost effortless thanks to the handy slow cooker.

 grew up having pineapple ham many Easters in my family, it was a classic, and for good reason. The fruity flavor of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the smoky ham. A few years ago, I wanted to find an easier solution to cooking the ham and this Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham was born.

It’s so simple to prep in about 15 minutes of hands-on time, and then I can use my oven for getting all the side dishes ready. I love that even when using the slow cooker, I can still have an impressive presentation with the pineapple rings on the outside. This pineapple ham happens to also be such a crowdpleaser, even little kids end up cleaning their plate! I think it’s all thanks to that sweet and fruity glaze.

Why should I put a glaze on my ham?

Glazing a ham is the secret sauce to elevating your meal. It boosts flavor, making every bite a blend of sweet and savory that perfectly complements the ham’s natural taste. 

Plus, it gives the ham an irresistible glossy finish that’ll have everyone oohing and aahing before they even take a bite. Not just a feast for the taste buds, it’s a feast for the eyes, too! 

And let’s not forget, that this pineapple brown sugar glaze keeps your ham moist and juicy, warding off any dreaded dryness. So, slathering on that glaze is like giving your ham a little extra love before it hits the table, ensuring it’s a hit with the family and a gorgeous centerpiece to boot.

What kind of ham should I use for baking?

Choosing the right ham to bake is all about finding something that suits your taste and the meal itself. For a baked ham, you’re generally looking at two main types: bone-in and boneless. Let’s break it down:

1. Bone-In Ham: This is the traditionalist’s choice. Keeping the bone in adds flavor and moisture throughout the baking process, making each slice tender and juicy. Plus, it presents beautifully on a dinner table. You’ve got options like a shank end (more flavorful, less expensive, and has that classic ham look) or a butt end (meatier and a bit easier to carve). If you’re aiming for that iconic holiday table centerpiece, a bone-in ham might be your best bet.
2. Boneless Ham: If convenience is your middle name, then boneless ham will be your game. These hams are pre-trimmed, often pre-cooked, and ready to go, making them super easy to slice. While you might sacrifice a bit of the flavor and moisture that the bone provides, the ease of carving and serving might just make up for it, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or looking for straightforward leftovers.
3. Spiral Sliced Ham: This is essentially a bone-in ham that’s been pre-sliced in a spiral fashion around the bone, offering the best of both worlds. You get all the benefits of that bone-in flavor and moisture, with the added bonus of easy serving. No need to wrestle with carving at the table; each slice peels away effortlessly, making it a breeze to serve up generous portions. Spiral sliced hams are often sold pre-cooked, so you’re really just warming it up and adding your glaze to bring it to its full glory. It’s a great choice for gatherings where you want to minimize fuss without compromising on taste or presentation. Just remember, because it’s pre-sliced, you’ll want to watch it closely in the oven to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Covering it with foil and keeping a watchful eye will help keep it juicy and delicious. Spiral cut ham is the go-to for a hassle-free, flavorful feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

And then there’s the question of smoked vs. unsmoked, cured vs. uncured. Smoked hams bring that extra layer of flavor, while unsmoked hams offer a more natural taste of the pork. Cured hams are seasoned and preserved for a deeper taste, whereas uncured hams keep things simple and closer to the meat’s original flavor.

At the end of the day, it’s about what you and your guests will enjoy most. Looking for that show-stopping, flavor-packed centerpiece? Go bone-in. After convenience and easy prep? Boneless is your friend. And remember, no matter what ham you choose, a good glaze can bring it to life and make it a meal to remember.

🍍 Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham (Low-Point Version)

Ingredients:

• 3–4 lb lean, fully cooked ham (trim as much visible fat as possible)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks in juice (no sugar added, juice reserved)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (reduced)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar-free syrup for even lower points)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Place the ham in the crockpot. Trim off any large fat pieces first.
2. In a bowl, mix:
   
   • pineapple juice
   • brown sugar
   • honey (or sugar-free syrup)
   • Dijon mustard
   • spices
4. Pour the mixture over the ham.
5. Add pineapple chunks around and on top.
6. Cover and cook on:
   
   • LOW for 4–6 hours or
   • HIGH for 2–3 hours
8. About 30 minutes before serving:
   
   • Mix cornstarch + water
   • Pour into crockpot
   • Let sauce thicken

🔥 Why this is low-point:

• Less sugar & honey
• No heavy glaze jar
• Lean ham (huge difference)
• Natural pineapple sweetness

💡 Points estimate:

• ~6–9 points per serving (depending on portion)