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christmas ham crock pot always sounds so easy… but man, when you’re facing a tiny oven, a mountain of sides, or just do not wanna fuss, it can feel impossible. That’s honestly how I stumbled into my favorite not-so-secret: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar & Pineapple Ham. The slow cooker handles everything while you, well, live your life (or nap, I don’t judge). Imagine an epic holiday main dish—no oven, barely any brain cells required. You can set it up before coffee and walk out the door. Friends, if I can get this ham right in my pokey little kitchen, you definitely can, too.

Why This Ham is a Holiday Favorite

This isn’t just any ham—it’s the one everyone wants seconds from. You toss that ham in the slow cooker, slather it with brown sugar and pineapple, and there’s hardly anything else to do. The result is sticky, sweet, and juicy meat that tastes like it came out of a five-star restaurant (I know, sounds dramatic, but wait till you taste it).

My family swears the leftovers are even better, and honestly, I agree. It’s perfect for whatever you’re celebrating—big holiday or a random weekend when you need cozy food. Plus, if your oven is full of casseroles or pies, no problem.

There’s absolutely nothing fiddly about this. No basting or wrestling trays anymore. Just pure holiday relaxation and a ham so good it’ll probably get a fan club.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably have most of this on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar & Pineapple Ham:

1 fully cooked, bone-in or boneless ham (6 to 8 pounds works best for most standard slow cookers)
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, doesn’t matter)
1 can pineapple rings with juice (I use 20 oz., but a little more or less is totally fine)
2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
Whole cloves (optional, but tasty for a classic holiday vibe)

Seriously, that’s it. If you’re missing mustard, you can skip or use honey. Or not—no one will yell at you.

How to Prep and Cook in the Crockpot

Here’s where it gets laughably easy. Take your ham, unwrap it, and plop it right in the slow cooker flat-side down. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top and gently pat it down. Pour all that pineapple juice over it, then nestle the pineapple rings onto the ham like a weird crown. Optional: Stick a clove or two in, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll taste nothing but Christmas potpourri.

Drizzle on the mustard. Pop on the lid. Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, maybe a little longer if it’s a big ham. If you’re in a rush—do high for 2.5 to 3 hours, but it’s juicier on low. Resist the urge to peek too often; every time you open the slow cooker, the heat escapes and the timing gets weird.

Got an easy dinner idea with ham? Try shredding leftovers into soup or mac and cheese.

When it’s hot all the way through and the top is all glossy, it’s ready to roll.

Tips for Glazing and Serving

Glaze is where the real magic happens. Once your ham is cooked and resting, lift it out carefully (it’ll be super tender and maybe a bit floppy). Pour the juices into a saucepan—just the juice, not the pineapple pieces unless you want ‘em all blended up—and boil until it thickens a bit. You’ll know when it looks, well, syrupy.

Brush or spoon this sticky glaze right over sliced ham. The pineapple rings can go on the platter, too, all golden and gooey.

Got leftovers? Trust me, save the glaze! It turns even a boring sandwich into something wild.

“We made this for Thanksgiving last year and it was a total hit. So simple and tasted amazing—even my picky eaters wanted thirds.” —Marilyn J.

Make-Ahead and Reheat Instructions

If you’re on Team Prepare-Everything-Early, this is your moment. Make the ham a day in advance and stash it (sliced) with the glaze drizzled over. When ready to eat, cover it in foil and heat gently in the oven or back into the slow cooker until warmed through.

For quick meals, individual slices reheat nicely in the microwave. Pro tip: add a little extra glaze before nuking—keeps everything moist, like it just came out of the crockpot.

Oh, and seriously, this is the most fuss-free main to reheat during the busy holiday rush. You’ll thank yourself.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re not sure what to serve with Slow Cooker Brown Sugar & Pineapple Ham, I highly recommend:

Classic mashed potatoes (those stick-to-your-ribs types—so good for soaking up glaze)
Fresh green beans (keep it snappy, don’t overcook or it gets sad)
Fluffy dinner rolls or cornbread (soft bread + glaze + ham = chef’s kiss)
Tangy coleslaw (if you’re into fresh crunch like me)

You could go all-out, but honestly, simple sides let the ham be the star.

FAQs

Q: Is it okay to use a spiral cut ham for the slow cooker?
A: Totally works! Just be gentle when you lift it out, since slices might want to fall apart.

Q: What size slow cooker do I need?
A: A 6- to 8-quart size fits most hams, but double check before you buy your main event.

Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yep—just double check your mustard and ham. Most are safe, but it pays to read the labels.

Q: How do I tell if my ham is done?
A: It’s already cooked, so you’re just heating it through. If it’s steaming hot all the way, you’re golden.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Sliced ham freezes like a dream. Wrap it up tight and thaw when ready for an epic sandwich.

A Ham That’ll Win Every Holiday

So here’s my main pitch: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar & Pineapple Ham is basically the holiday MVP. Oven already packed? Doesn’t matter—it fits right in the slow cooker and takes half the stress away. Don’t forget to check out Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze – Dinner at the Zoo for another spin on this classic. And if you want more ideas for easy holiday slow cooker recipes, you know where to look. Give this a go and I promise—your family will be singing your praises, and you’ll barely break a sweat. If you need a soul-soothing, show-stopping main dish, this is it.