Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham with Clove-Studded Crust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 brunch ready in about 315 minutes combines pounds bone-in ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 10, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 10 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Score the 6-pound bone-in ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep and stud with 15 whole cloves.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup pineapple juice, and 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard until combined.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

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 in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

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 brunch 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.

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