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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Cook the Ham

    Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 2 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.

    Time: PT2H

  5. 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

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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The only way I do Easter!

Recipe by Jen L Kitchen

A sweet, sticky ham perfect for Easter (or any holiday) made in a slow cooker with brown sugar, crushed pineapple, honey, maple syrup, pineapple rings, and cherries. The glaze caramelizes into a glossy coating while the fruit adds bright flavor and visual appeal.

EasyAmericanServes 10

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
2h 5m
Cook
18m
Cleanup
2h 48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$86.00
Total cost
$8.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot glaze with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure the pre‑cooked ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) before serving.
  • Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw meat, even though the ham is pre‑cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sweet glazed ham in Easter celebrations in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of Easter ham exist within American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is a honey pineapple glazed ham traditionally served in an Easter meal?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions besides Easter is a sweet glazed ham appropriate for?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes honey pineapple glazed ham special in American holiday cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic Easter ham glaze versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making honey pineapple glazed ham in a slow cooker?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a slow cooker on HIGH instead of baking the ham in the oven?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make the honey pineapple glazed ham ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen's approach to holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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