Cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the ham, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and tender. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook ham with pineapple in the slow cooker, including the ingredients and equipment you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips and variations.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To cook ham with pineapple in the slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup of pineapple juice
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of pineapple rings
- 1 cup of cherry, optional
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
Choosing the Right Ham
When it comes to choosing the right ham for this recipe, there are a few things to consider. First, you’ll want to choose a bone-in ham, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You’ll also want to choose a ham that’s been cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, as this will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
Some popular types of ham that work well for this recipe include:
- Spiral-cut ham: This type of ham is cut in a spiral shape, making it easy to slice and serve.
- Bone-in ham: This type of ham is cut with the bone left in, making it more flavorful and tender.
- Country ham: This type of ham is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, making it more flavorful and tender.
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham, you’ll need to prepare it by trimming off any excess fat and scoring the surface. To score the surface, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will help to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all of the ingredients and equipment needed, it’s time to start cooking. Here are the step-by-step instructions for cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker:
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined. Add the minced garlic and whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place the ham in the slow cooker and score the surface with a sharp knife. Brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
Step 3: Add the Pineapple and Cherry
Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the ham, reserving a few for garnish. If using cherry, sprinkle it over the top of the pineapple.
Step 4: Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Baste the ham with the juices every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the pineapple rings and cherry on top, garnished with chopped fresh rosemary if desired.
Helpful Tips and Variations
Here are a few helpful tips and variations to keep in mind when cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker:
- To add some extra flavor to the ham, you can add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the slow cooker with the pineapple.
- If you prefer a sweeter ham, you can add some more brown sugar or honey to the glaze.
- To make the ham more tender, you can cook it on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 6-8 hours.
- You can also add some other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham, such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to score the surface of the ham before cooking, as this will help the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
- Don’t overcook the ham, as this can make it dry and tough.
- Make sure to baste the ham with the juices every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 per serving |
| Protein | 35g per serving |
| Fat | 24g per serving |
| Sodium | 1200mg per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 20g per serving |
Conclusion
Cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. By following the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips and variations, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and tender. So why not give it a try today?
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and easy meal. With its sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. By following the step-by-step instructions and helpful tips and variations, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and tender. So why not give it a try today?
Get Creative with Your Ham
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ham. Try adding different ingredients to the slow cooker, such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans. You can also try using different types of ham, such as spiral-cut or country ham. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own unique recipe.
Make it a Meal
Cooking ham with pineapple in the slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and easy meal. But why stop there? Try serving it with some sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also try serving it with some bread or rolls, such as dinner rolls or biscuits. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own unique meal.
What is the best type of ham to use for this recipe?
The best type of ham to use for this recipe is a boneless, pre-cooked ham. This type of ham is already cooked, so it just needs to be heated through in the slow cooker. You can use either a spiral-cut ham or a ham steak, whichever you prefer. Just make sure to choose a ham that is not too salty, as the pineapple and brown sugar will add sweetness to the dish.
If you can’t find a boneless, pre-cooked ham, you can also use a bone-in ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as a bone-in ham will take longer to heat through. You can also use a smoked ham or a glazed ham, but keep in mind that these will have a stronger flavor than a plain ham.
How do I prepare the pineapple for the recipe?
To prepare the pineapple for the recipe, you will need to slice it into rings or chunks. You can use fresh pineapple or canned pineapple, whichever you prefer. If using fresh pineapple, be sure to remove the tough outer skin and any tough or woody parts from the center of the fruit. If using canned pineapple, drain the liquid and rinse the pineapple with water before using.
You can also add other ingredients to the pineapple, such as cherries or orange slices, to give the dish more flavor and color. Just be sure to adjust the amount of brown sugar you use accordingly, as the cherries or orange slices will add natural sweetness to the dish.
Can I use other types of fruit in place of pineapple?
Yes, you can use other types of fruit in place of pineapple in this recipe. Some options include peaches, apricots, or apples. Just be sure to adjust the amount of brown sugar you use accordingly, as some fruits are sweeter than others. You can also use a combination of fruits, such as pineapple and cherries or pineapple and orange slices.
Keep in mind that using other types of fruit will change the flavor and texture of the dish, so it may not be exactly the same as using pineapple. However, the slow cooker will still do a great job of infusing the fruit with the flavors of the ham and brown sugar.
How long does it take to cook the ham in the slow cooker?
The cooking time for the ham in the slow cooker will depend on the size and type of ham you use. A boneless, pre-cooked ham will typically take 2-3 hours to heat through on low, while a bone-in ham will take 4-5 hours. You can also cook the ham on high for 1-2 hours, but this may cause the ham to dry out.
It’s always a good idea to check the ham periodically to make sure it’s not overcooking. You can do this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for a boneless ham or 160°F (71°C) for a bone-in ham.
Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham and pineapple?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker with the ham and pineapple. Some options include onions, bell peppers, or carrots. You can also add some spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to give the dish more flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of brown sugar you use accordingly, as some ingredients may add natural sweetness to the dish.
Keep in mind that adding other ingredients will change the flavor and texture of the dish, so it may not be exactly the same as the original recipe. However, the slow cooker will still do a great job of infusing the ingredients with the flavors of the ham and brown sugar.
How do I serve the ham with pineapple?
The ham with pineapple can be served as a main dish, side dish, or even as a topping for a salad or baked potato. You can serve it hot, straight from the slow cooker, or let it cool and serve it cold. You can also serve it with some additional toppings, such as chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
If you’re serving the ham as a main dish, you can serve it with some sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad. If you’re serving it as a side dish, you can serve it alongside some other dishes, such as roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, the slow cooker is perfect for making recipes ahead of time, as it allows you to cook the ingredients slowly over a long period of time. You can prepare the ham and pineapple in the morning, and then let the slow cooker do the work while you’re busy with other things.
You can also make the recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just be sure to reheat the ham and pineapple before serving, as it will be cold and congealed after refrigeration or freezing.