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Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe Easy Pineapple Glaze

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An easy and flavorful slow cooker ham glazed with a sweet and tangy brown sugar bourbon pineapple sauce. Perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 6–8 pounds)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup good-quality bourbon
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • About 12 whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)

Instructions

  1. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. If using whole cloves, stud them into the intersections of the diamond cuts. (About 10 minutes)
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, bourbon, crushed pineapple (with juice), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until smooth and glossy. (5 minutes)
  3. Place the ham flat-side down into the slow cooker. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, coating all surfaces. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  4. About halfway through cooking, carefully lift the lid and baste the ham with the glaze pooled at the bottom using a basting brush or spoon. (Optional but recommended)
  5. Once the slow cooker timer is up, turn it to HIGH and cook uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to thicken and caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Transfer the ham to a serving platter and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Spoon leftover glaze over slices for extra flavor.

Notes

If glaze is too thin at the end, simmer it in a small saucepan for 5 minutes to thicken. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. For a dairy-free or low-sugar option, reduce brown sugar or substitute with coconut sugar. Whole cloves are optional but add a classic touch. Final caramelization step is important for sticky, glossy finish but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker ham, brown sugar bourbon glaze, pineapple glaze, spiral ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, bourbon glazed ham

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/slow-cooker-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-ham-recipe-easy-pineapple-glaze/