Pineapple Ham In The Slow Cooker

Introducing our Pineapple Ham in the Slow Cooker recipe! This flavorful and easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion. With a delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this ham is cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, making it incredibly juicy and tender.

The ham is coated with a honey mustard glaze, then topped with pineapple and cherries, creating a wonderful balance of flavors. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or just a regular family meal, this Pineapple Ham recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

Smoked Ham: One 8 pound bone-in smoked ham is used in this recipe. It’s important to use a bone-in ham as it stays juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process.

Honey: An 8-ounce container of honey is required for the glaze. Honey adds a sweet and rich flavor to the ham.

Coarse Grain Mustard: Approximately 4 to 5 ounces of coarse grain mustard is used. This can be substituted with Dijon mustard if preferred. The mustard adds tanginess to the glaze.

Ground Cinnamon: A small amount of ground cinnamon is added to the mix. This spice enhances the overall flavor of the ham.

Whole Cloves: Whole cloves are used to infuse the ham with a distinctive aromatic flavor. If you prefer, you can use ground cloves instead.

Maraschino Cherries: A jar of Maraschino cherries is used in this recipe. Both the cherries and their juice are used to add sweetness and a slight tartness to the ham.

Pineapple: Sliced pineapple and its juice are used. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that complements the savory ham.

Brown Sugar: One and a half cups of brown sugar are used. The sugar caramelizes during the slow cooking process, adding a deep, rich flavor to the ham.

Making The Pineapple Ham In The Slow Cooker

Preparation of Ham:
The ham is first rinsed in cold water and dried. The ham is then scored in a crosshatch pattern with a small paring knife. The scoring should not be too deep; it’s just to allow the flavors to penetrate the ham. After scoring, whole cloves are inserted into the exterior of the ham approximately two inches apart.

Making the Glaze:
The glaze is prepared by emptying an entire 8-ounce jar of honey into a bowl and mixing it with about 4 ounces of coarse grain mustard. A half teaspoon of cinnamon is added, stirring the mixture well. This thick glaze is poured over the top of the ham, ensuring it’s well-coated.

Coating the Ham:
The ham is then coated with one and a half cups of brown sugar mixed with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The sugar helps create a delicious, caramelized crust on the ham during slow cooking.

Adding the Fruit:
Pineapple slices and Maraschino cherries are placed on top of the ham. A toothpick can be used to hold the pineapple and cherry in place. The reserved pineapple juice and cherry juice are poured into the slow cooker’s bottom.

Slow Cooking:
The ham is placed in an 8-quart slow cooker and cooked on high for two to three hours. It’s important not to lift the lid during cooking as this can prolong the cooking time. The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting and Slicing:
Once cooked, the ham is carefully removed from the slow cooker and placed on a baking sheet for 30 to 45 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

Reducing the Cooking Liquid:
While the ham is resting, the remaining juices in the slow cooker are left to simmer and reduce. This creates a flavorful sauce to serve with the ham.

Serving:
After the ham has rested, it is sliced and served with the reduced cooking liquid ladled over the top for added flavor and moisture.

Tips and Variations for Pineapple Ham in the Slow Cooker Recipe:

1. Choosing the Ham: Opt for a bone-in ham as it tends to stay juicier and more flavorful during the slow cooking process.
2. Scoring the Ham: Be careful not to cut too deeply when scoring the ham. You want to create enough surface area for the glaze to penetrate.
3. Adjusting the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the glaze to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some ground cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.
4. Fruit Variations: While this recipe uses pineapple and cherries, you can experiment with other fruits, like peaches or apricots, for a different flavor profile.
5. Cloves: If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can omit them or substitute with other spices like star anise or cardamom.
6. Basting: While this recipe doesn’t require basting, if you have the time and want to infuse more flavor, you can baste the ham with the cooking juices once or twice during the cooking process.
7. Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
8. Serving Suggestions: This ham pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. For a festive touch, cranberry sauce or apple chutney would also be a great accompaniment.
9. Leftovers: Leftover ham can be used in a variety of ways. Use it in sandwiches, soups, salads, or even scrambled eggs. It can also be frozen for future use.

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Pineapple Ham in the Slow Cooker
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