The aroma of a slow-cooked ham fills the house with warmth and comfort, especially during holidays or family gatherings. I remember my first time making Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze; the scent wafted through the kitchen, drawing everyone close. This recipe means a lot to me because it brings family and friends together, creating lasting memories around the dinner table. The combination of sweet pineapple and rich brown sugar creates a glaze that perfectly complements the savory ham. What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to prepare—just put it in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze is a perfect way to elevate any meal. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, this dish impresses with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavor. The crockpot method makes cooking hassle-free, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones instead of in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great choice for meal prep or a casual weekend feast.
How to Make Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 spiral ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Directions
- Place the spiral ham in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, diced pineapple, honey, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through and tender.
- Once done, serve the ham slices with some of the glaze drizzled on top.
How to Serve Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
This ham is perfect for slicing and serving on a large platter. You can accompany it with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. The sweet glaze drizzled over the ham gives a beautiful shine and adds extra flavor, making every bite a treat. You can also serve the leftover glaze as a dipping sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
To store leftover ham, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the ham slices in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
- Choose a ham that is already pre-cooked, as this will save you time.
- Don’t skip the glaze; it adds a delicious sweet and tangy flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the lid in the last hour of cooking to let it reduce.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste if you like more warmth from cinnamon or cloves.
Variation
For a bit of zest, you can add the juice of one orange or some grated orange peel to the glaze. This adds a fresh twist to the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use a smaller ham?
Yes, you can use a smaller ham, but adjust the cooking time to 4-5 hours on low.
Is it necessary to use a crockpot?
While a crockpot is ideal for this recipe, you can also bake the ham in the oven at 325°F for a few hours. Just cover it with foil and baste it with the glaze periodically.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave syrup can be great alternatives to honey.
Crockpot Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 piece spiral ham (about 8-10 pounds) Choose a pre-cooked ham to save time.
- 1 cup brown sugar Adds sweetness to the glaze.
- 1 cup pineapple juice Creates a sweet, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup diced pineapple For added texture and flavor.
- 1/4 cup honey You can substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adjust for more warmth if desired.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves Adjust according to preference.
Method
Preparation
- Place the spiral ham in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, diced pineapple, honey, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it is well coated.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through and tender.
- Once done, serve the ham slices with some of the glaze drizzled on top.