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Easy Slow Cooker Bone-In Ham Recipe with Sweet Pineapple Glaze for Perfect Holiday Meals

slow cooker bone-in ham - featured image

A simple and hands-off slow cooker recipe for a tender, juicy bone-in ham glazed with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for holidays and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 pounds bone-in ham (pre-cooked, spiral-sliced recommended)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)

Instructions

  1. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Optionally, stud the ham with whole cloves at the diamond intersections.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Place the ham cut-side down inside the slow cooker. Pour half of the pineapple glaze over the ham, coating the surface evenly. Reserve the other half for later.
  4. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, avoiding opening the lid during cooking.
  5. After 4 hours, remove the lid and brush the reserved glaze over the ham. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize.
  6. Check that the internal temperature reaches about 140°F (60°C). For a more caramelized glaze, transfer the ham to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often to prevent heat loss and extended cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F. For a sticky, caramelized crust, broil the ham briefly after slow cooking. Leftover glaze can be saved to drizzle over slices. Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey with maple syrup if desired. Orange juice can replace pineapple juice for a milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ham, bone-in ham, pineapple glaze, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, sweet ham glaze, slow cooker recipes, holiday meals