Introduction

Crockpot Maple Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup and pineapple with the savory richness of ham. Using a slow cooker ensures the ham is perfectly cooked and infused with flavor, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday dinners, special occasions, or weekend family meals.

This recipe transforms a simple ham into a gourmet-style dish with minimal effort. The slow-cooked glaze caramelizes slightly, creating a sweet, sticky, and aromatic coating that perfectly complements the smoky flavor of the ham.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ham to soak in the maple glaze and pineapple juices, resulting in a sweet, tangy, and perfectly tender meat.

It’s visually stunning and incredibly flavorful—perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet maple, tart pineapple, and savory ham is a true crowd-pleaser.

Why This Dish Is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it takes a classic holiday ham to the next level. The flavors are perfectly balanced, the ham is tender and juicy, and the glaze adds a glossy, mouthwatering finish.

It’s ideal for family gatherings, festive dinners, or any special occasion where you want a show-stopping, flavorful centerpiece with very little hands-on time.

Preparation and Cooking Details

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4–6 hours
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food / Holiday

Ingredients

• 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup pineapple juice (reserve some for basting)
• 1 can (20 oz / 567 g) pineapple slices, drained (reserve juice)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare ham: If needed, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Optional: stud with whole cloves.
2. Mix glaze: In a bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
3. Layer in slow cooker: Place pineapple slices at the bottom of the crockpot. Place ham on top. Pour glaze over ham, reserving a few tablespoons for basting later.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Baste ham with glaze every 60–90 minutes for maximum flavor.
5. Optional caramelization: About 15–20 minutes before serving, remove ham from crockpot and place on a baking sheet. Brush with remaining glaze and broil in oven at 400°F (200°C) until caramelized and golden.
6. Serve: Transfer ham to a serving platter, garnish with pineapple slices and fresh parsley or rosemary.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Score ham and optionally stud with whole cloves.
2. Combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, and spices to make glaze.
3. Place pineapple slices in slow cooker and set ham on top.
4. Pour glaze over ham, reserving some for basting.
5. Cook on low 4–6 hours or high 2–3 hours, basting occasionally.
6. Optional: Broil ham for 15–20 minutes for caramelized finish.
7. Garnish and serve hot with pineapple slices and fresh herbs.

How to Serve

Serve hot with:

• Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
• Green beans, glazed carrots, or sautéed asparagus
• Cranberry sauce or fruit chutney for contrast
• Slices of pineapple from the crockpot as garnish

This ham works perfectly as a holiday centerpiece or for a family-style dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Use a fully cooked ham for ease and quick preparation.
• Reserve some pineapple juice to baste ham for extra sweetness.
• Scoring the ham allows glaze to penetrate for richer flavor.
• Optional broiling adds a beautiful caramelized finish.
• Leftovers can be sliced for sandwiches or reheated gently.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Ham: Add 1 tsp cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for heat.
• Brown Sugar-Pineapple Ham: Omit maple syrup and use extra brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
• Apple-Maple Ham: Substitute pineapple juice with apple cider and add apple slices for a fruity twist.
• Slow Cooker Freezer Meal: Assemble ham with glaze and pineapple slices in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before cooking.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover ham slices in airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze ham slices in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil, or microwave individual slices.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / crockpot (6–7 quart recommended)
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (optional, for broiling caramelized finish)
• Basting brush

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a spiral-sliced ham?
A: Yes, just adjust cooking time slightly and baste gently to prevent drying.

Q: Can I make this ham without pineapple?
A: Yes, replace pineapple with orange slices or apple slices for a different fruity glaze.

Q: Can I prepare this ham ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble ham and glaze in crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. Cook next day.

Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, honey works well but may give a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, use a larger crockpot and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Crockpot Maple Glazed Ham with Pineapple is a sweet, savory, and effortlessly impressive dish perfect for holidays, special occasions, or family dinners. Tender, juicy ham with a maple-pineapple glaze and optional caramelized finish makes it a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal effort. With hands-off slow cooking, bold flavors, and versatility, this recipe is one you’ll return to year after year.