Are you craving a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth ham that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This Ham in the Crock Pot recipe with pineapple is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or effortless weekend entertaining. This easy recipe delivers a surprisingly flavorful and juicy ham, effortlessly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both sweet and savory – a true crowd-pleaser! This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals without sacrificing deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 pound bone-in ham (spiral-sliced or regular)
- 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, in juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ham: Remove any ham glaze or rind from the ham, if present. Place the ham in your slow cooker.
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Create the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, cloves, and cinnamon. This flavorful glaze is key to achieving the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it's well coated. Arrange the pineapple chunks on top of the ham.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is heated through and easily shreds with a fork. The longer cooking time on low results in a more tender and flavorful ham.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the ham with the delicious pineapple glaze and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ham:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and moist, but boneless hams are easier to slice. Choose whichever suits your preference.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked ham can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Make it Ahead: This recipe is great for make-ahead meals! Prepare the ham in the morning and let it cook all day.
- Leftovers: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or as part of a frittata – minimizing food waste and maximizing deliciousness!
Variations:
- Spicy Ham: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glazes! Maple syrup, honey, or even a brown sugar and bourbon combination can create unique flavor profiles.
- Fruit Variations: Try other fruits like cherries, apricots, or peaches instead of pineapple.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ham used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This homemade cooking method makes for a truly delicious and easy ham recipe. It's a simple dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, providing a fantastic balance of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy this effortless yet impressive dish!