Ella Walter
Ham and pineapple is a classic combination, and cooking it in a crock pot is a great way to free up oven space. This recipe is perfect for holidays like Easter and Christmas, but it's also a good option for a casual weeknight dinner. It's an easy, fuss-free, and budget-friendly meal that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. The sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar pairs nicely with the savouriness of the ham, and the slow cooking method ensures the meat is tender and juicy.
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Ham and pineapple prep
Ham and pineapple is a delicious combination and a great way to free up oven space. It is a simple recipe that requires minimal prep and cleanup. The ham is cooked in pineapple juice with a brown sugar glaze and can be served with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and baked sweet potatoes.
To prepare the ham, start by choosing a ham that fits your crockpot. It is recommended to use a ham that is no larger than 9 pounds. You can use a bone-in or boneless ham, spiral or uncut, as long as it fits in your crockpot. If you are using a bone-in spiral ham, aim for a 7 to 8-pound ham to ensure even cooking.
For the pineapple, you can use pineapple rings, chunks, slices, or crushed pineapple. Fresh pineapple is preferred over canned, but any type of pineapple will work. Don't forget to include the pineapple juice in your prep, as it adds flavour and moisture to the dish.
To enhance the flavour of the ham, create a rub or paste by mixing brown sugar with spices such as dry mustard, ground cloves, ginger, and red pepper flakes (optional). You can spread this mixture over the ham or tuck it between the slices if using a spiral ham.
Additionally, you can add cherries, either inside the pineapple rings or halved and tucked between the slices, for a classic and pretty presentation.
Once you have assembled your ham, pineapple, and desired spices and fruits, you are ready to begin cooking your delicious crockpot meal!
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Crock pot setup
To cook ham and pineapple in a crock pot, you will need a crock pot or slow cooker with a capacity of at least 6 quarts. A larger 9- or 10-quart slow cooker will allow you to cook a larger ham, but a crock pot or slow cooker with a capacity of 7 to 8 quarts should be sufficient for a ham of 7 to 9 pounds.
Before you begin, ensure that your ham will fit in your crock pot. It is recommended to choose a ham that is no larger than 9 pounds. You can use a bone-in or boneless, spiral or uncut ham, but a spiral ham is the most popular option as it is easy to cut and allows more juice to get inside.
To set up your crock pot, first pour pineapple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker. You can also add pineapple chunks or slices for extra pineapple flavour. Then, in a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey to form a paste. Spread this paste all over the ham and place the ham, flat side down, into the crock pot.
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low heat for 3 to 6 hours, or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 140°F. You can optionally flip and baste the ham halfway through the cooking time and again about an hour before it is done.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for ham and pineapple in a crock pot varies depending on the size of the ham. For a 7- to 8-pound ham, cooking for 3 to 4 hours on low heat is recommended. However, for larger hams, such as those weighing 9 pounds or more, a longer cooking time of 4 to 6 hours may be necessary. It's important to ensure that the ham fits in the crockpot, as hams larger than 9 pounds may not fit.
During the cooking process, it is suggested to baste the ham every hour to keep it moist. Additionally, flipping and basting the ham halfway through the cooking time and again about an hour before it's done can help enhance the flavour. However, this step is optional.
The ham is cooked when the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Once the ham is done, it should be removed from the crockpot and covered with foil to keep it warm. The juices in the crockpot can be strained and simmered on the stove to create a delicious sauce to accompany the ham.
Leftover ham can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 to 3 months. It can be used in various dishes such as sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, making it a versatile option for multiple meals.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot ham with pineapple is a versatile dish that can be served for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Easter or Christmas. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious meal:
Holiday Feast
If you're serving crockpot ham with pineapple for a holiday dinner, you can go all out with the sides. This dish frees up your oven space, so you can prepare a variety of delicious sides to accompany the ham. Some mouth-watering options include:
- Cream Cheese Corn Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
- Make-Ahead Garlic & Herb Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, asparagus, or Parmesan Green Beans
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Rolls
Casual Weeknight Dinner
For a more low-key meal, you can keep the sides simple yet tasty. Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Oven-roasted red potatoes
- Crockpot Funeral Potatoes
Leftovers
The beauty of this crockpot ham with pineapple is that it often leaves you with delicious leftovers. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Here are some creative ways to use your leftovers:
- Ham and Bean Soup
- Ham and Potato Soup or Casserole
- Ham Salad
- Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Sandwiches
- Salads
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Storage
Storing your delicious crockpot ham and pineapple is simple and will ensure your meal stays fresh and tasty for longer.
Firstly, allow your ham to cool down after cooking. It is important that you don't leave it out for too long, as this can cause bacteria to grow. It is recommended to leave it out for no more than two hours at room temperature.
Once cooled, you can store your ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze your ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for two to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy your ham again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can then warm it up in the oven or crockpot, and it will taste as good as new!
Remember, it is important to practice food safety. Always ensure your ham is piping hot before consuming, especially if it has been previously frozen. Enjoy your delicious crockpot ham and pineapple!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 3 to 6 hours to cook ham and pineapple in a crock pot. The timing varies depending on the size of the ham.
Depending on the size of your crock pot, you can use a ham that weighs between 2 to 9 pounds.
You will need pineapple, pineapple juice, brown sugar, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, and ham.
You can serve crock pot ham and pineapple with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and baked sweet potatoes. For sides, you can prepare mashed potatoes, creamed corn, or green bean casserole.
