Slow Cooker Ham With Pineapple Recipe

Ingredients

Meat and Produce:

The slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweetness of pineapple, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

To make this recipe, you will need several ingredients including a bone-in ham, a can of crushed pineapple, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, salt, black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for garnish.

The meat ingredient in this recipe is the bone-in ham, which is typically made from pork and has a rich, savory flavor. Look for a ham that is labeled as “bone-in” to ensure you get the best results.

In addition to the ham, you will also need some fresh produce to add flavor and texture to your dish. The crushed pineapple adds a sweet and tangy flavor, while the fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and herbaceous note.

The type of produce used in this recipe is typically found in most supermarkets and includes fruits like pineapples, as well as herbs like rosemary. You can also add other types of vegetables or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

When selecting ingredients for your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe, be sure to choose fresh produce that is ripe but still firm to ensure it holds its texture and flavor throughout cooking.

* 1 (46 pound) bonein ham

A bone-in ham is a type of cured meat that is typically made from the hind leg or thigh of a pig.

For this recipe, you will need one (46 pound) bone-in ham as the main ingredient.

The bone-in ham should be a whole muscle cut with a natural shape, and it should not be too lean or too fatty.

A 46-pound bone-in ham is large enough to serve a big family or group of people, making it perfect for special occasions like holidays or parties.

The bone-in ham can be either smoked or cured in a brine solution, which gives it its characteristic flavor and texture.

Some popular types of bone-in hams include prosciutto, gammon, and Black Forest ham, each with its unique flavor profile.

To choose the right bone-in ham for your recipe, look for one that is made from high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of meat and fat.

A bone-in ham can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, grilling, or slow cooking in a crock pot.

* 1 cup pineapple chunks

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is rich in flavor and nutrients, making it an excellent addition to many dishes, including the Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple recipe.

The cup of pineapple chunks required for this recipe serves several purposes: it adds natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the ham, provides a pop of color and freshness on top of the dish, and offers a refreshing contrast in texture to the tender and juicy ham.

When selecting pineapple for this recipe, choose fresh pineapples that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, slightly musky aroma. Avoid pineapples with soft or mushy skin, as they may be overripe and too sweet.

Some popular types of pineapple that work well in this recipe include the classic Smooth Cayenne variety, which is known for its sweetness and firm texture, and the Red Spanish variety, which has a slightly sweeter and less acidic flavor profile than the Smooth Cayenne.

In terms of how to use the pineapple chunks, you can simply arrange them on top of the ham in the slow cooker before cooking, or you can mix them in with the glaze or sauce ingredients for an even more intense flavor experience.

It’s also worth noting that pineapple pairs particularly well with the sweet and sticky flavors of brown sugar and honey, which are common additions to this recipe. This is because the acidity and sweetness of the pineapple help to balance out the richness and savory flavors of the ham, creating a harmonious and delicious flavor profile.

Overall, using pineapple in your Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple recipe is a great way to add freshness, flavor, and texture to this classic comfort food dish.

Pantry Staples:

The ingredients for the Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Recipe are a fundamental part of bringing this dish to life, and understanding them can make all the difference in creating a truly exceptional meal.

At its core, this recipe requires several pantry staples that many home cooks already have on hand, including salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.

The ham itself serves as the central ingredient for this recipe, with a smoked or cured bone-in ham being ideal due to its robust flavor profile. It’s essential to choose a ham that has been trimmed of excess fat to ensure even cooking.

Other ingredients that play a crucial role in adding depth and complexity to this dish include pineapple rings, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, chopped onions, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a splash of apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice.

The spices and seasonings used in this recipe are carefully chosen to complement the rich flavor of the ham without overpowering it. Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness while Dijon mustard provides a tangy, slightly spicy kick.

A few other pantry staples that might come in handy when cooking up this recipe include chicken broth or stock, which can be used to add moisture and help the flavors meld together.

Of course, having some basic condiments on hand can also enhance the overall flavor profile of your finished dish. Consider adding a splash of soy sauce for added umami or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

In terms of specific quantities and measurements, be sure to refer to the accompanying recipe instructions for precise guidance on how to combine these ingredients to create the perfect Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple.

* 1/4 cup brown sugar

For the slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients, including brown sugar.

Brown sugar is a type of sugar that has not been refined and contains molasses, giving it a rich, caramel-like flavor.

In this recipe, we’re using 1/4 cup of brown sugar, which is equivalent to about 60 grams or 2 ounces.

Here’s the ingredient in more detail:

1. Type: Granulated brown sugar
2. Quantity: 1/4 cup (60g or 2oz)
3. Purpose: Adds sweetness and flavor to the ham

Brown sugar is a common ingredient in many recipes, particularly those that feature sweet or savory flavors.

In this recipe, the brown sugar will caramelize and combine with the pineapple and ham to create a sweet and tangy glaze.

The brown sugar will also help balance out the saltiness of the ham, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

The key ingredient that gives this slow cooker ham with pineapple its unique flavor is the Dijon mustard. When used in cooking, Dijon mustard is a condiment made from brown and white mustard seeds, which are mixed with white wine, salt, and spices.

One of the main characteristics of Dijon mustard is its slightly sweet and tangy taste, which makes it an excellent addition to sauces, marinades, and dressings. In this recipe, the 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard add a rich and savory flavor to the slow cooker ham with pineapple.

Here are some reasons why Dijon mustard is a great choice for this recipe:

• It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the dish
• It complements the sweetness of the pineapple perfectly
• It helps to balance out the saltiness of the ham

In terms of nutrition, Dijon mustard is a relatively low-calorie condiment that provides some essential vitamins and minerals. A tablespoon of Dijon mustard contains approximately 5 calories, as well as small amounts of vitamin C and potassium.

When selecting Dijon mustard for this recipe, look for a brand that is made from high-quality ingredients and has no added preservatives or artificial flavorings. Some popular brands of Dijon mustard include Grey Poupon and President’s Choice.

In summary, the 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard in this slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe add a rich and savory flavor to the dish while also providing some essential nutrients. Whether you’re using it as a marinade or adding it directly to the slow cooker, Dijon mustard is an excellent choice for this recipe.

* 2 tablespoons honey

To make this delicious **Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple** recipe, we’ll need to gather some essential ingredients. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

For the ham:

• Honey Glazed Ham

We’ll be using **2 tablespoons honey** in this recipe to balance out the savory flavors of the ham. This sweet and sticky ingredient will caramelize as it cooks, creating a delicious glaze on the surface of the ham.

In addition to the honey, you’ll also need:

• **Pineapple rings**: We recommend using fresh pineapple slices or canned pineapple rings for this recipe. Fresh pineapple adds a nice texture and flavor, while canned pineapple is convenient and just as delicious.
• **Brown sugar**: This will add a rich sweetness to the glaze that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
• **Mustard**: We’re using a combination of **Dijon mustard** and regular yellow mustard for added depth of flavor.

Don’t forget to season your slow cooker with some salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like! This will help bring all the flavors together and create a truly mouthwatering dish. With these ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a tender and juicy ham with a sweet and sticky glaze in no time.

Instructions

Cooking the Ham:

Cooking a delicious ham in a slow cooker with pineapple is a fantastic way to bring out the natural flavors of both ingredients. The process begins with selecting a suitable ham for cooking. A bone-in ham or a picnic ham works well for this recipe.

Preparation involves scoring the ham in a diamond pattern on both sides, cutting about 1 inch deep into the meat. This helps to facilitate even glazing during cooking and prevents the ham from becoming too chewy. Next, place the ham in the slow cooker with some water covering the bottom of the crock. You can add some aromatics like onion or garlic for extra flavor if desired.

For the pineapple topping, you will need a cup of pineapple rings and a quarter cup of brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a nice caramelized layer to the ham during cooking. Simply place the pineapple rings on top of the ham in the slow cooker.

Cooking the ham on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours is recommended, allowing it to become tender and fall apart easily. However, if you are short on time, cooking on high for 2-3 hours can also work well.

Once cooked, let the ham rest for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving. You may want to glaze the ham with additional pineapple juice or a simple mixture of brown sugar and mustard for added flavor and presentation.

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasions when you need minimal effort but maximum impact on taste. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will surely impress your family and friends alike!

* Preheat slow cooker to low heat setting

To begin preparing the Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple, it’s essential to preheat the slow cooker to its lowest heat setting. This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and at a comfortable temperature throughout the cooking process.

The first step is to locate the slow cooker’s heat settings, which are usually found on the front or side of the appliance. The low heat setting is typically indicated by a symbol or a label that says “_low_”. Make sure to select this setting as it will allow for a gentle and controlled cooking process.

Once you’ve selected the _low_ heat setting, turn the dial or press the button to activate the slow cooker. You should hear the appliance start to hum or see a light indicating that it’s warming up.

At this point, wait for about 10-15 minutes to allow the slow cooker to reach its optimal temperature. This is crucial as it will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and at a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

While waiting, take some time to prepare your ingredients for the Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple recipe. This includes slicing the pineapple, mixing the glaze ingredients, and seasoning the ham as needed.

* Place ham in slow cooker, fat side up

To create a delicious Slow Cooker Ham, you’ll want to start by preparing your slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker, making sure it’s positioned with the fatty side up.

This is an important step, as the fat will help keep the meat moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. You can use either a boneless or bone-in ham for this recipe, depending on your personal preference.

Next, you’ll want to add any additional ingredients that complement the flavor of the ham. For the Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple recipe, you’ll typically want to include pineapple rings, brown sugar, and a hint of spice. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

The slow cooker will do the work for you, breaking down the connective tissues in the meat and infusing it with rich flavors from the spices and other ingredients. This hands-off approach makes cooking a ham in a slow cooker incredibly easy and convenient.

Once the cooking time is complete – typically around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high – your ham will be tender, juicy, and infused with the delicious flavors of the slow cooker. You can serve it as-is or pair it with additional sides for a hearty, comforting meal.

* Mix together brown sugar, mustard, and honey; brush mixture on top of ham

To prepare a delicious and sweet glaze for your slow cooker ham, you’ll need to mix together some key ingredients. Start by combining brown sugar, mustard, and honey in a small bowl.

The ratio for this mixture is generally one part Dijon mustard to two parts brown sugar to three parts honey. So, if you’re using 2 tablespoons of mustard, you would use 4 tablespoons of brown sugar and 6 tablespoons of honey. Of course, feel free to adjust the quantities to taste.

Begin by whisking together the ingredients until they form a smooth, well-combined glaze. This should take just a few seconds with a fork or whisk. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.

Once your mixture is prepared, you can brush it onto the top of your slow cooker ham using a pastry brush or even a clean paintbrush. Try to cover the entire surface evenly, but don’t worry if some areas are slightly thicker than others.

This glaze will not only add flavor to your ham during cooking, but it’ll also provide a sticky, caramelized crust that’s perfect for serving alongside pineapple rings and other sides in this slow cooker recipe.

* Cover slow cooker and cook for 68 hours or overnight

Covering the slow cooker to ensure that the food inside cooks evenly and retains its moisture is a crucial step in cooking.

The slow cooker, also known as a crock pot, is designed to cook food over a long period of time, typically 6 to 8 hours or overnight. In this case, we are specifying a cooking time of 68 hours or overnight.

This extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. The slow cooker’s low heat setting breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, making it easier to chew and swallow.

When cooking with a slow cooker, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage and safety. This includes ensuring that the unit is set up on a stable surface, away from children and pets.

Covering the slow cooker prevents the food from drying out and promotes even heating. The lid helps trap the moisture and heat, allowing the food to cook slowly and consistently.

Additionally, covering the slow cooker can help reduce cooking time by about 20-30% in some cases. However, it’s essential to ensure that the unit is not covered too tightly, as this can lead to overcooking or even a safety hazard.

In the context of the Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Recipe, covering the slow cooker for 68 hours or overnight will result in a tender and flavorful ham. The long cooking time allows the pineapple to caramelize and blend with the ham, creating a delicious and sweet glaze.

It’s worth noting that some modern slow cookers come equipped with automatic shut-off features, which can be set to turn off the unit after a specified period of time. This feature can provide added convenience and peace of mind while cooking.

In summary, covering the slow cooker for 68 hours or overnight is a critical step in ensuring that the food cooks evenly and retains its moisture. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and taking necessary precautions, you can achieve perfectly cooked results every time.

Tips and Variations

Adding Extra Flavor:

To take your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe to the next level, consider adding some extra flavor with these tips and variations:

Marinades and Glazes

Before placing the ham in the slow cooker, try marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and spices for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the ham.

You can also brush a glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a sticky, sweet, and tangy exterior that’s perfect for serving.

Spice Blends

Add some heat to your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe by sprinkling a spice blend like Jamaican jerk seasoning or Chinese five-spice powder over the ham before cooking. You can also mix together your own blend using cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.

Herbs and Aromatics

Add some freshness to your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe by including herbs like fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley in the cooking liquid. You can also sauté onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker for an aromatic base note.

Other aromatics like lemons, bay leaves, and cloves can add depth and warmth to your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe.

Acidic Ingredients

Add a splash of acidity to balance out the richness of the ham by including ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar, or pickles in the cooking liquid. This will help to brighten the flavors and create a more balanced taste experience.

Pineapple Variations

1. Use different types of pineapple, such as fresh chunks, canned pineapple rings, or crushed pineapple, to add varying levels of sweetness and texture to your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe.

2. Try using other tropical fruits like mango, peaches, or papaya to create a unique and exotic flavor profile.

Additional Ingredients

You can also add other ingredients to your slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe to enhance the flavors and textures. Some ideas include:

• Bacon or pancetta for added smokiness
• Chili peppers or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat
• Liquor like bourbon, rum, or cognac for depth and complexity
• Nuts or seeds like almonds, pistachios, or sesame seeds for added crunch

Experiment and Adapt

The key to making the most of these tips and variations is to experiment and adapt them to your personal taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and adjust the seasoning to suit your needs.

* Mix chopped pineapple rings with a tablespoon of brown sugar and spoon over ham during cooking

The classic combination of sweet and savory flavors can be taken to new heights by incorporating chopped pineapple rings into the slow cooker ham recipe. By mixing these juicy rings with a tablespoon of brown sugar, you create a rich and sticky glaze that will infuse the ham with a depth of flavor throughout the cooking process.

To incorporate this topping, start by slicing the ham as instructed in the original recipe. Then, mix together one cup of chopped pineapple rings (fresh or canned) with one tablespoon of brown sugar. Spoon this mixture evenly over the top of the ham slices, making sure each piece is well-coated.

This topping is especially effective when cooking the ham low and slow for 8-10 hours in a crock pot. As the heat breaks down the sugars, they will caramelize and create a sweet and sticky glaze that’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

For a more intense flavor, you can also add a pinch of salt to the pineapple and brown sugar mixture before spooning it over the ham. This will enhance the savory flavors and balance out the sweetness.

In addition to using brown sugar, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different flavor profiles. Keep in mind that each type of sweetener has a distinct flavor, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

Finally, if you prefer a stronger pineapple flavor, you can use crushed pineapple or even pineapple juice as part of the topping mixture. Simply mix it with the brown sugar (or other sweetener) before spooning it over the ham.

* Try using different types of fruit, such as cherries or apricots, for added flavor

This slow cooker ham with pineapple recipe is a classic, but you can easily experiment with different types of fruit to give it your own unique twist.

Try using cherries for a sweet and tangy flavor combination. The tartness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the salty ham, creating a delicious and unexpected taste experience.

Alternatively, you can use apricots to add a warm, golden color and a hint of sweetness to your slow cooker ham. The sweetness of the apricots balances out the saltiness of the ham, making for a well-rounded flavor profile.

Another option is to use peaches, which add a juicy texture and a sweet, summery flavor to the dish. Peaches pair particularly well with spicy flavors, so if you like a bit of heat in your slow cooker ham, peaches are a great choice.

You can also experiment with other fruits such as pineapple rings, which will add extra moisture and sweetness to the dish. Try using a combination of pineapple rings and coconut flakes for a tropical twist on the classic recipe.

Remember, the key to making this slow cooker ham with fruit recipe is to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors that you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and adjust the amount of fruit to your taste.

In addition to using different types of fruit, you can also vary the type of ham used in this recipe. Try using a smoked or glazed ham for added flavor and texture. You can also use a boneless ham or a spiral-cut ham for a more convenient cooking experience.