The only way I do Easter
The only way I do Easter! is a easy American recipe that serves 10. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Jen L Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $86.00 total, $8.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 whole Pre-Cooked Bone-In Ham (6‑8 lb smoked ham, fully cooked)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed)
- 1 cup Crushed Pineapple (Canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup Honey (Mild or clover honey)
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (Pure maple syrup for extra caramelization)
- 8 pieces Pineapple Rings (Canned, drained; optional for garnish)
- 1 cup Maraschino Cherries (Pitted and drained)
- 20 pieces Toothpicks (To secure fruit on ham; optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Ham
Place the pre‑cooked ham in the slow cooker, skin side down. If desired, score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate.
Time: PT5M
Make the Sweet Glaze
In a mixing bowl combine brown sugar, crushed pineapple, honey, and maple syrup. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Time: PT5M
Add Glaze and Fruit
Pour the glaze over the ham, spreading it evenly. Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top, securing each with a toothpick.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 2 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
Time: PT2H
Finish and Serve
When the time is up, carefully remove the ham with tongs and place it on a serving platter. Use a ladle to drizzle the remaining juices over the top. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free syrup), Not Vegetarian, Not Vegan
Allergens: Pork, Honey, Pineapple, Cherries
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pre-Cooked Bone-In Ham: Turkey ham, Pork loin roast
- Instead of Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar, Turbinado sugar
- Instead of Crushed Pineapple: Fresh crushed pineapple, Pineapple juice reduction
- Instead of Honey: Agave nectar, Maple syrup
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Corn syrup, Golden syrup
- Instead of Pineapple Rings: Fresh pineapple slices, Mango rings
- Instead of Maraschino Cherries: Dried cherries (rehydrated), Fresh pitted cherries
- Instead of Toothpicks: Small skewers
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Ladle
- Serving Platter
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Scoring the ham surface (optional) for glaze penetration.
- Ensuring the glaze fully coats the ham before cooking.
- Securing pineapple rings and cherries with toothpicks.
- Cooking on HIGH for the full 2 hours without lifting the lid.
- Resting the ham before slicing.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the ham reaches 140 °F (60 °C) for safe serving.
- Baste the ham with the pan juices halfway through cooking for an extra glossy finish.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, finish the ham under a broiler for 3‑5 minutes after slow‑cooking.
Troubleshooting
The glaze is too watery and doesn’t thicken.
Simmer the glaze in a saucepan for 5‑10 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker to reduce excess liquid.
The ham turns out dry.
Make sure the ham is fully submerged in the glaze; add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice if needed.
Fruit slides off during cooking.
Secure each piece with a toothpick and press gently into the glaze before the cooking cycle begins.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store sliced ham in an airtight container with leftover glaze for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag; keep for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before using.
- The ham can be cooked a day early, cooled, and reheated gently in the oven at 300 °F (150 °C) for 20‑30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of sweet glazed ham in Easter celebrations in the United States?
In many American households, a sweet‑glazed ham has become a centerpiece of Easter brunch and dinner, symbolizing abundance and the end of Lent. The tradition blends European cured‑ham customs with American love for sugary fruit glazes, making it a festive, crowd‑pleasing dish.
What regional variations of Easter ham exist within American cuisine?
Southern cooks often use brown sugar and mustard, while Mid‑Atlantic families favor pineapple and cherry glazes like this recipe. In the Pacific Northwest, maple‑glazed ham with apple slices is popular, reflecting local fruit production.
How is a honey pineapple glazed ham traditionally served in an Easter meal?
The ham is typically sliced thick, arranged on a large platter, and drizzled with the warm sweet glaze. It is served alongside side dishes such as deviled eggs, roasted vegetables, and spring salads, making it the main protein of the holiday spread.
What occasions besides Easter is a sweet glazed ham appropriate for?
This honey‑pineapple glazed ham works well for Christmas, Thanksgiving leftovers, birthday celebrations, or any gathering where a festive, easy‑to‑serve protein is desired.
What makes honey pineapple glazed ham special in American holiday cuisine?
The combination of caramelized brown sugar, tangy pineapple, and bright cherries creates a balance of sweet‑savory flavors that contrast with the salty ham, delivering a glossy, festive appearance that is both visually striking and delicious.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic Easter ham glaze versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, and sometimes mustard. Acceptable substitutes are maple syrup for honey, apricot preserves for pineapple, or agave nectar for honey, allowing flexibility while keeping the sweet‑savory profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making honey pineapple glazed ham in a slow cooker?
Common errors include lifting the lid too often, which releases steam and prevents caramelization, not scoring the ham which limits glaze penetration, and using too much liquid that makes the glaze watery. Follow the recipe’s timing and keep the lid sealed for best results.
Why does this recipe use a slow cooker on HIGH instead of baking the ham in the oven?
The slow cooker provides gentle, even heat that keeps the ham moist while allowing the sugary glaze to caramelize without burning. Baking at high oven temperatures can dry out the meat, whereas the slow‑cooker method is hands‑off and perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Can I make the honey pineapple glazed ham ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the ham as directed, let it cool, then refrigerate it in an airtight container with the leftover glaze for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (300 °F) or a microwave, adding a splash of the saved glaze to keep it moist.
What does the YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes for everyday meals and special occasions, often highlighting quick weeknight dishes, holiday classics, and comfort food with clear step‑by‑step video instructions.
How does the YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen's approach to holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jen L Kitchen emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, using tools like slow cookers and one‑pan methods to reduce prep stress. Unlike channels that rely on elaborate plating, Jen L Kitchen showcases practical tips for serving large groups while keeping flavors authentic and festive.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
