Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust
Tender and flavorful ham cooked low and slow with a brown sugar and pineapple glaze, infused with the warmth of whole cloves for a hands-off Easter centerpiece. This american-inspired easter ready in about 315 minutes pairs pounds bone-in ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 6 pounds bone-in ham
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 15 whole cloves
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Step 1: Score the 6-pound bone-in ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep and stud with 15 whole cloves.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, and 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard until combined.
- Step 3: Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the glaze mixture over it, then scatter 1 cup pineapple chunks around the ham.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour to build a sticky, flavorful crust.
- Step 5: Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, remove from slow cooker and tent with foil for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust take to make?
Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds bone-in ham from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust?
American easter like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved how the ham stayed juicy all day. The pineapple and brown sugar combo is genius—no need for extra sides. Will make for every holiday now!
- ★★★★★
Easy weeknight dinner with holiday flair. The slow cooker did all the work while I hosted guests. That clove-studded crust? Chef's kiss.
- ★★★★★
This ham was the highlight of our Easter feast! The clove crust made it feel special, and the pineapple glaze was perfectly sweet. My whole family devoured it.
