Slow cooker ham is a timeless classic, perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a comforting weeknight dinner. But with so many recipes out there, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for a foolproof, flavorful, and incredibly easy slow cooker ham recipe, look no further! This guide, inspired by the home-style cooking of the Pioneer Woman, will walk you through creating a mouthwatering brown sugar pineapple ham in your slow cooker with just a handful of simple ingredients. Get ready for the most tender, juicy, and delicious ham you’ve ever made!
Image: A beautifully plated serving of slow cooker ham with pineapple, showcasing the juicy and tender texture.
This recipe is not just easy; it’s bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy pineapple, a hint of chili flakes for warmth, and aromatic ginger creates a glaze that’s simply irresistible. And just like the Pioneer Woman’s recipes, this one is all about simplicity and deliciousness, using pantry staples to create something truly special.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this slow cooker ham recipe is guaranteed to be a success. It’s perfect for freeing up oven space during holidays, or for a hands-off meal on a busy weeknight. Let your slow cooker do the work, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this incredible Pioneer Woman inspired dish.
Image: An overhead shot of a tray of slow cooker brown sugar pineapple ham, highlighting the caramelized glaze and juicy pineapple chunks.
Why This Slow Cooker Ham Recipe is a Game Changer
Cooking ham in a slow cooker is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless and Convenient: Simply place your ham in the slow cooker, add the ingredients, and let it cook! Minimal prep work and hands-off cooking make this recipe incredibly convenient, perfect for busy schedules.
- Juicy and Tender Ham Every Time: Slow cooking ensures your ham stays moist and tender, preventing it from drying out. The gentle heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a truly flavorful and succulent ham.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From Easter and Christmas dinners to potlucks and weeknight meals, this slow cooker ham is versatile enough for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit.
- Pioneer Woman Inspired Simplicity: Just like Ree Drummond’s recipes, this one focuses on simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it approachable and achievable for everyone.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to create this flavorful slow cooker ham:
- 1/2 Spiral Ham: A spiral-cut ham is ideal as it allows the glaze to penetrate every slice, ensuring maximum flavor. A 4-5 pound ham is a good size for this recipe.
- 1 can (20 oz) Pineapple Chunks: Canned pineapple chunks, with the juice reserved, provide both sweetness and acidity to the glaze. You can also use pineapple rings if preferred.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar: Brown sugar creates a rich, caramelized glaze. We’ll split this into two portions for different stages of cooking.
- 1 pinch Dried Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Ground Ginger: Ground ginger adds a touch of spice and aroma that complements the pineapple and brown sugar beautifully.
Image: A close-up shot of a plate with a slice of slow cooker pineapple ham, showcasing the glistening glaze and tender ham texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Slow Cooker Ham
Follow these simple steps to create your Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker ham:
- Prepare the Ham: Unwrap your spiral ham and place it in your slow cooker. Discard any flavor packet that may come with the ham, as we’re creating our own delicious glaze.
- First Layer of Flavor: Sprinkle ¼ cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the ham. Pour the reserved pineapple juice around the sides of the ham in the slow cooker. Distribute half of the pineapple chunks over the ham and around it.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on high heat for 2.5 hours or on low heat for 4.5 hours.
- The Secret Glaze Boost: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¾ cup of brown sugar, chili flakes, and ground ginger.
- Second Layer of Flavor (Crucial Step!): After the initial cooking time, sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the ham. Add the remaining pineapple chunks on top. This step is key because it allows the flavors to concentrate on top of the ham, creating a beautiful glaze instead of melting into the liquid.
- Final Slow Cook: Continue cooking for the final 30 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, let the ham rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. The aroma alone will be irresistible!
Image: A slow cooker showcasing the brown sugar pineapple ham cooking inside, with pineapple chunks and glaze visible.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Ham
- Spiral Ham is Best: While you can use a boneless ham, a spiral ham is highly recommended for this recipe. The pre-sliced nature allows the glaze to penetrate deeply and makes serving a breeze.
- Don’t Skip the Second Glaze Step: Sprinkling the remaining sugar mixture and pineapple in the last 30 minutes is crucial for creating that sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet ham, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
- Fresh Pineapple Option: If using fresh pineapple, be sure to add pineapple juice to the slow cooker to ensure the glaze has enough liquid to form.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with other flavors! A touch of maple syrup or Dijon mustard can add a unique twist to the glaze.
Image: A mouthwatering pile of sliced slow cooker brown sugar pineapple ham, emphasizing the tender and juicy texture.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
This Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker ham pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Consider these classic and complementary options:
- Roasted Parmesan Green Beans: A simple and flavorful vegetable side that balances the sweetness of the ham.
- Southern Cornbread Dressing: A comforting and savory side dish that’s perfect for holiday meals.
- Oven Roasted Red Potatoes: Classic roasted potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Crockpot Funeral Potatoes: Creamy and cheesy potatoes that are a comforting addition to any ham dinner.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots that complement the ham beautifully.
- Homemade Cranberry Jelly: A tart and sweet jelly that provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the ham.
- Cranberry Fluff Salad: A light and refreshing salad that adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
Image: A tray of beautifully arranged slow cooker brown sugar pineapple ham, ready to be served.
Leftover Ham? No Problem!
Leftover slow cooker ham is a gift that keeps on giving! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Here are some delicious ways to use leftover ham:
- Ham and Potato Casserole: A hearty and comforting casserole perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup: A flavorful and satisfying soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
- Ham Sandwiches: Classic ham sandwiches are always a quick and easy option.
- Ham Fried Rice: Add diced ham to your favorite fried rice recipe for extra protein and flavor.
- Breakfast Hash: Combine diced ham with potatoes, onions, and peppers for a delicious breakfast hash.
Image: A final close-up shot of a plate of slow cooker brown sugar pineapple ham, emphasizing the glaze and inviting appearance.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Recipe
This easy slow cooker ham recipe will become a family favorite! Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a simple yet delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1/2 spiral ham (4-5 lbs)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained, juice reserved
- 1 cup brown sugar, divided (¼ cup and ¾ cup)
- 1 pinch dried chili flakes
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
Instructions:
- Place ham in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar over the ham.
- Pour reserved pineapple juice around the sides of the ham.
- Distribute half of the pineapple chunks over and around the ham.
- Cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4.5 hours.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining ¾ cup brown sugar, chili flakes, and ground ginger.
- Sprinkle sugar mixture and remaining pineapple chunks over the ham in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cook for the final 30 minutes.
- Let rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 207kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 133g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
- Sodium: 712mg
- Sugar: 24g
Enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired slow cooker ham recipe and get ready for rave reviews! It’s a simple, flavorful, and foolproof way to cook ham that will impress everyone at your table.
