Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe (3 Easy Ways)
This Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham is sweet, sticky, and ridiculously easy to make with just five simple ingredients. Whether you use a Dutch oven, Crockpot, or Instant Pot, this juicy pineapple glazed ham is perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 6-10 Lbs Bone-In Spiral-Cut Fully Cooked Ham
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Cups Brown Sugar Divided
- 1 20 Oz Can Crushed Pineapple with Juice Divided
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon Divided
Instructions
Prepare the Ham
- Add half the brown sugar, half the crushed pineapple with its juice, and half the cinnamon to a large Dutch oven, Crockpot, or Instant Pot inner pot.
- Place the fully cooked spiral-cut ham on top and gently separate the slices.
- Rub Dijon mustard over the ham, working some between the slices.
- Add the remaining crushed pineapple and juice over the ham, including between the slices.
- Pack the remaining brown sugar over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon.
Dutch Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid or tightly fitted aluminum foil.
- Bake until the ham reaches the appropriate reheating temperature, checking with a meat thermometer. The original recipe estimates about 2 hours, but larger hams may take longer.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter.
- Place the Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer the remaining pineapple brown sugar mixture for approximately 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once the glaze is thick, glossy, and slightly darker, pour it over the ham and serve.
Crockpot Method
- Prepare the ham in a large slow cooker with a properly fitting lid.
- Cover and cook on HIGH until the ham reaches the appropriate reheating temperature. The original recipe estimates 3–4 hours, depending on size, but actual cooking time may be longer.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter.
- Pour the remaining juices into a medium saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze becomes thick and glossy.
- Pour the glaze over the ham and serve.
Instant Pot Slow-Cook Method
- Prepare the ham in an appropriately sized Instant Pot inner pot.
- Select the slow-cook function and use the manufacturer's recommended non-pressure lid or venting configuration.
- Cook until the ham reaches the appropriate reheating temperature. The original recipe estimates 3 hours, but actual time varies by appliance and ham size.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter.
- Use the sauté function to simmer the remaining juices for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once the glaze is thick and syrupy, pour it over the ham and serve.
Video
Notes
Ham Temperature: For fully cooked ham packaged at a USDA-inspected plant, USDA guidance generally recommends reheating to 140°F. Other fully cooked hams being reheated should reach 165°F. Follow the packaging instructions and use a meat thermometer.
Pineapple: Use canned crushed pineapple, not fresh pineapple!!!
Glaze: Reduce the cooking juices until thick and glossy. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Cooking Times: Times are estimates and vary by cooking device. The ham's size, starting temperature, and cooking method affect how long reheating takes.