This Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple is my absolute favorite way to cook a ham for any holiday or Sunday dinner. It’s a classic American recipe that transforms a simple pre-cooked ham into an unforgettable centerpiece with a sweet and tangy glaze. Your house will fill with the most incredible aroma while the slow cooker does all the work. I love this method because it frees up the oven and guarantees a juicy, tender ham every single time.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You only need 15 minutes of active prep and then the slow cooker takes over
- Your ham comes out incredibly moist and tender with zero fuss
- The sweet and spicy pineapple glaze caramelizes into a sticky, sweet coating
- Perfect for special occasions but easy enough for a weeknight
- I’ve been making this for Easter and Christmas for years now
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pre-cooked, bone-in ham: using a pre-cooked ham makes this recipe foolproof, the bone adds incredible flavor and helps keep the meat juicy and tender throughout the long cooking time.
- Canned pineapple slices in 100% juice: the juice creates the base for the glaze and the slices add a classic sweet flavor and beautiful presentation, plus canned pineapple is consistent and convenient year-round.
- Light brown sugar: this melts into the glaze and creates a rich, caramelized coating that clings perfectly to the ham and pineapple slices.
- Dijon mustard: adds a tangy, sharp note that cuts through the sweetness and gives the glaze a wonderful complexity and depth of flavor.
- Unsalted butter: using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness, and it adds a silky, rich mouthfeel to the finished glaze and gravy.
- Ground cloves and cinnamon: these warming spices are the secret to that classic holiday ham flavor, they pair perfectly with the pineapple and brown sugar.
- Cornstarch: this is your secret weapon for turning the flavorful cooking liquid into a luscious, thick gravy in just a couple of minutes.
- Maraschino cherries and fresh parsley: these are totally optional but add a traditional, festive pop of color and a bit of extra sweetness if you’re going for a picture-perfect look.
How to Make It
Get Your Ham and Slow Cooker Ready:
Start by placing your ham flat-side down in your slow cooker insert. If it’s a tight fit, you can trim a little off the end or use a larger cooker to make sure the lid will seal properly. This initial placement helps the ham heat evenly.
Arrange the Pineapple Slices:
Take your drained pineapple slices and arrange them on top of the ham. For a pretty look, you can secure them with toothpicks so they don’t slide off when you add the glaze. This step isn’t just for looks, the pineapple flavor infuses the ham as it cooks.
Whisk Together the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, reserved pineapple juice, melted butter, cloves, and cinnamon. Whisk it until it’s completely smooth and the sugar has started to dissolve. This sweet and spicy mixture is what will transform your ham.
Glaze the Ham:
Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham and the pineapple slices. Try to coat as much surface area as possible so every bite gets that incredible flavor. Don’t worry if some pools at the bottom, it will all become part of the gravy later.
Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Your ham is ready when it’s heated all the way through and the glaze is bubbly. You can check with an instant-read thermometer – it should read 140°F in the thickest part.
Remove and Rest the Ham:
Carefully lift the ham out using tongs and a large spoon for support, and transfer it to a serving platter. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you make the gravy. Letting it rest helps the juices redistribute.
Start the Gravy on the Stove:
Pour every last drop of the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat on your stovetop. This concentrates the flavors and gets it ready for thickening.
Thicken the Gravy:
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry. Whisk this slurry into the simmering liquid in the saucepan. Keep whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens nicely, then remove it from the heat.
Slice, Serve, and Garnish:
Slice your ham and serve it with the cooked pineapple slices on top. Drizzle everything with that amazing homemade gravy. For a festive touch, add a maraschino cherry to the center of each pineapple slice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
You Must Know
- Using a pre-cooked ham is key, as you are just reheating and glazing it
- Always reserve the pineapple juice from the can for your glaze base
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices
- That gravy is liquid gold, don’t skip making it
- This method has never failed me
Storage Tips
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep beautifully for up to four days. The gravy can be stored separately in its own container. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat slices gently in a 300°F oven covered with foil or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent drying out. Leftover ham is fantastic chopped up for breakfast hash, tucked into sandwiches, or tossed into a hearty salad for a quick lunch the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer fresh pineapple, you can absolutely use it, but you’ll need to add about a quarter cup of orange juice or water to the glaze in place of the canned juice. For a less salty ham, seek out a low-sodium variety at the store. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, a good quality whole grain mustard will work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit different. You can use a plant-based butter substitute to make the recipe dairy-free, and always check your mustard and ham labels if you need a certified gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic, comforting sides that can soak up the delicious gravy. I love serving it with creamy scalloped potatoes, honey-glazed roasted carrots, and a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true holiday spread, add a sweet potato casserole and some warm, buttered dinner rolls. The leftovers are just as good the next day, sliced thin for sandwiches or diced into a morning frittata.
Cultural Context
Ham with a sweet fruit glaze is a deeply rooted tradition in American holiday cooking, particularly for Easter and Christmas celebrations. The combination likely stems from a practical preservation method, where the sugar in glazes helped keep the meat, and the pairing with pineapple, a symbol of hospitality, became popular in the mid-20th century. This slow cooker version is a modern take on that classic, embracing the convenience of the appliance while delivering all the nostalgic flavors of a centerpiece ham that feels both special and wonderfully simple to prepare.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, quickly sear the ham in a hot pan first
- Let the gravy simmer a bit longer if you want it thicker without cornstarch
- Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness
- Fresh pineapple works but canned is easier and provides the juice
- Resting the ham is non-negotiable for juicy slices
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. For a 4-5 pound ham, the recipe timing is perfect. If using a larger or smaller pre-cooked ham, adjust the cook time proportionally, keeping in mind the goal is to heat it through until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Always ensure your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and slice the pineapple a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready, simply assemble everything in the slow cooker. Leftover ham stores beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meals throughout the week.
If you don’t have Dijon, you can use a good quality yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. The Dijon adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness, so yellow mustard will provide a milder flavor, while whole grain will add texture. Avoid highly seasoned mustards like spicy brown unless you want that kick.
The ham is ready when it’s heated through and the glaze is thick and bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 140°F. The pineapple slices will be tender, and the glaze should have thickened nicely, usually after about 4 hours on low.
This sweet and savory American ham pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp salad to balance the richness. Buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra glaze, and scalloped potatoes make it a truly special holiday feast.