Slow Cooker Pineapple Cherry Glazed Ham

Old-fashioned pineapple ham is the holiday centerpiece many of us grew up with. A spiral ham studded with bright pineapple rings and ruby cherries looks glossy, golden, and dressed for the occasion. It belongs just as easily on an Easter table as it does at Christmas.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Start with a spiral-cut ham and pat it dry. Even though it is fully cooked, season it generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Add garlic powder and a little smoked paprika for extra depth, creating a savory base beneath all that sweetness.

Set the ham in the slow cooker. Arrange pineapple rings over the surface and place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring, securing them with toothpicks. It has those unmistakable retro vibes and is completely charming. Then pour over a glaze made from pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle chili flakes over the ham.

As the ham cooks low and slow, the glaze settles into the spiral cuts and thickens into a glossy coating. The pineapple caramelizes at the edges, the cherries deepen in color, and the whole ham takes on that classic sweet and savory finish. Let it rest before slicing, remove the toothpicks, spoon a little extra glaze over the top. It is nostalgic, festive, and always the first thing to disappear.

How to Make Pineapple Cherry Glazed Ham

This old-fashioned pineapple ham is sweet, savory, and perfectly tender thanks to the slow cooker. A brown sugar and honey glaze caramelizes beautifully over pineapple rings and cherries for a nostalgic holiday centerpiece.

Equipments

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

• 1 spiral-cut ham, 7 to 9 pounds, fully cooked
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can pineapple rings (20 ounces), reserve juice
• Maraschino cherries
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Prep / Mise En Place

• Remove ham from packaging and pat completely dry with paper towels.
• Drain pineapple rings and reserve 1 cup of the juice.
• Pat pineapple rings and cherries dry so they adhere better to the ham.
• Measure out brown sugar, honey, vinegar, and seasonings.
• Lightly spray the inside of the slow cooker if desired for easier cleanup.

Instructions

1. Place the ham on a large cutting board. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes, gently pressing the seasoning into the surface.
2. Set the ham cut side down in the slow cooker. If needed, trim a small piece from the bottom so it sits flat.
3. Arrange pineapple rings over the top and sides of the ham. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring and secure with toothpicks.
4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
5. Pour the glaze evenly over the ham. Sprinkle a pinch of additional chili flakes over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. During the last hour, spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham once or twice to build flavor.
7. Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze over the slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve pineapple ham with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy to balance the sweetness.
• Add roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a simple green salad for freshness and color on the plate.
• Offer warm dinner rolls to soak up the extra glaze.
• For a brunch spread, pair with scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, and fresh fruit.
• The sweet and savory flavor works well with both classic holiday sides and lighter spring dishes.

Leftover Ideas

• Layer sliced ham on soft rolls with Swiss cheese and a spoonful of leftover glaze, then bake until warm and melty.
• Dice the ham and sauté it with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, then top with a fried egg for an easy breakfast.
• Chop the ham into small cubes and toss it into fried rice with leftover pineapple and green onions.
• Simmer leftover ham and the bone with white beans, carrots, celery, and broth for a hearty soup the next day.

A slow cooker pineapple ham takes the stress out of hosting. While it gently heats and glazes, you are free to focus on the sides, the guests, and the conversation.