Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Recipe

This effortless Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Recipe is a juicy and fall-apart tender main dish, which uses carbonated cola and sweet pineapple rings to create a natural glaze. It’s a stress-free holiday centerpiece, cooking slowly to perfection while you attend to other preparations.

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Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Ingredients

The Meat:

• 1 (6 to 7 pound) Picnic Ham: This cut is typically uncooked or partially cooked and contains the bone. It requires a long cooking time to become tender, unlike a pre-cooked spiral ham. Note: Ensure it fits in your slow cooker (6-quart or larger usually required).

The Sweet Glaze Elements:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) can Pineapple Rings: You will use both the fruit (for garnish and flavor) and the reserved juice (for steaming liquid).
• 1 (16 ounce) can Cola-flavored Carbonated Beverage: Brands like Pepsi or Coca-Cola work best. The high sugar content caramelizes the exterior, while the acidity and carbonation help break down the connective tissue in the pork.

How To Make Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple

1. Prep the Cooker: Ensure your slow cooker crock is clean. No greasing is strictly necessary as the ham releases fat, but a liner makes cleanup easier.
2. Position the Ham: Place the picnic ham into the slow cooker. Crucial Step: Place the fattier side facing down. As the fat renders, it will baste the meat from the bottom up and prevent the meat from scorching against the heating element.
3. Attach the Fruit: Open the can of pineapple rings, reserving the juice. Using toothpicks, secure the pineapple rings all over the top and sides of the ham.
4. Add Liquid: Pour the reserved pineapple juice over the ham. Next, slowly pour the cola into the bottom of the slow cooker (try not to wash the pineapple rings off).
5. Slow Cook: Cover the pot with the lid. Cook on Low for 7 to 10 hours. The exact time depends on the shape of your ham and your specific slow cooker. The meat is done when it is tender and pulls away from the bone easily.
6. Serve: You can lift the ham out to slice it (remove toothpicks first!), or if it is very tender, shred it into chunks directly in the pot and mix it with the juices and cooked pineapple.

Recipe Tips

• Picnic vs. Spiral: This recipe is designed for a picnic ham (shoulder). If you try this with a pre-sliced spiral ham, it will dry out in 7 hours. Spiral hams only need 3-4 hours on Low just to warm through.
• The “Cola” Factor: Do not use diet soda. The artificial sweeteners can develop a bitter aftertaste when heated for long periods. You need the real corn syrup/sugar for the glaze effect.
• Thickening the Sauce: The liquid left in the pot will be thin. For a sticky glaze, transfer 2 cups of the liquid to a saucepan, simmer vigorously until reduced by half, and brush it over the ham before serving.
• Salt Warning: Hams are cured and salty by nature. Do not add extra salt to this recipe. The sweetness of the pineapple and soda is intended to balance the sodium.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the thin, sweet ham juices.
• Green Bean Casserole: A savory side to contrast the sweet meat.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A classic holiday pairing.
• Hawaiian Rolls: Use leftovers to make “sliders” with the shredded meat.

How To Store Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ham (removed from the bone) in an airtight container with some of the juices for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: Ham freezes exceptionally well. Dice or slice the meat and freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Great for future omelets or split pea soup.

Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 35g
• Sugar: 10g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (4 oz meat).

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