pineapple juice, and brown sugar in the crockpot

Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham Recipe

Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham is a classic slow-cooker recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat with a sweet and slightly tangy glaze. The combination of pineapple juice and brown sugar creates a rich sauce that slowly soaks into the ham as it cooks, making it perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep. Best of all, the crockpot does most of the work, leaving you with a flavorful centerpiece and very little effort.

Ingredients

1 fully cooked ham (3–5 pounds, boneless or bone-in)
1½ cups pineapple juice (unsweetened preferred)
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Pineapple slices or chunks (optional, for serving)

Equipment Needed

Crockpot or slow cooker (6-quart works best)
Measuring cups
Spoon or small bowl for mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Remove any packaging from the ham. If it is larger than your crockpot, carefully trim or slightly angle it so it fits comfortably. Place the ham flat-side down inside the crockpot. If the ham has a rind or fat layer, leave it on—this helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Brown Sugar Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the pineapple juice and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add cinnamon, cloves, and honey if using. This mixture will become the sweet glaze that flavors the ham throughout the slow-cooking process.

Step 3: Add Sauce to the Crockpot

Pour the pineapple juice and brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham. Use a spoon to scoop some of the liquid over the top to make sure it is well coated. If you like extra pineapple flavor, you can add a few pineapple slices or chunks around the ham.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham

Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to heat it through slowly while allowing it to absorb the sweet pineapple flavor.

Every hour or so, spoon some of the cooking liquid over the ham to keep it moist and evenly glazed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the ham is heated through and very tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a serving platter. Spoon some of the pineapple brown sugar sauce over the top before serving. If you want a thicker glaze, you can pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer it for 5–10 minutes until slightly reduced.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and juicy ham pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or dinner rolls. It’s also excellent served with a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches, omelets, or fried rice.

Storage Tips

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
Store extra sauce separately and reheat before serving.

Tips and Variations

For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar.
Add a splash of soy sauce or mustard for a sweet-savory twist.
This recipe also works well with pork shoulder or pork loin—just increase cooking time.