Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to the aroma of a perfectly cooked ham filling your kitchen. This crockpot ham recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal effort on your part. The beauty of cooking ham in a slow cooker lies in its simplicity. You’ll spend just minutes preparing everything, then let the crockpot do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.

This brown sugar glazed ham emerges tender, juicy, and caramelized to perfection. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The sweet and savory glaze creates a beautiful sticky coating that keeps guests coming back for seconds. Trust us – this will become your go-to ham recipe for years to come.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g serving:

• Calories: 145 kcal
• Protein: 21 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fat: 4 g

*Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the type of ham and amount of glaze used.*

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (3-4 kg / 7-9 lbs)
• 200 g (1 cup) brown sugar, packed
• 120 ml (½ cup) honey
• 60 ml (¼ cup) Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 240 ml (1 cup) pineapple juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by selecting a slow cooker large enough to accommodate your ham. A 6-quart or larger model works best for most spiral-cut hams.

Line the bottom of your crockpot with aluminum foil for easier cleanup later. This step is optional but highly recommended, as the sugary glaze can stick to the ceramic insert.

2. Prepare the Ham

Remove your ham from its packaging and discard any flavor packets that may be included. Pat the ham dry with paper towels to help the glaze adhere better.

Place the ham flat-side down in your prepared slow cooker. If your ham is too tall, you can cut it in half horizontally and stack the pieces.

3. Create the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until smooth and well incorporated.

Add the apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the mixture. Stir until you have a thick, glossy glaze with no lumps remaining.

4. Apply the Glaze

Pour approximately two-thirds of the glaze over the top of your ham. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over all surfaces.

Make sure to work the glaze between the spiral slices for maximum flavor penetration. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later during cooking.

5. Add the Pineapple Juice

Carefully pour the pineapple juice around the base of the ham. This liquid creates steam during cooking and helps keep the meat incredibly moist.

The pineapple juice also adds a subtle tropical sweetness that complements the brown sugar glaze beautifully. Don’t pour it directly over the ham, as this will wash away your glaze.

6. Slow Cook the Ham

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Cook the ham for 4-5 hours, depending on its size.

A general rule is about 1 hour per pound on low heat. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F) for pre-cooked hams.

7. Baste During Cooking

About halfway through cooking, carefully open the lid and baste the ham. Use the juices that have collected at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Apply the remaining reserved glaze at this point as well. This creates multiple layers of flavor and ensures a beautifully caramelized exterior.

8. Rest and Serve

Once your ham reaches the proper temperature, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Pour the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a small saucepan. Simmer it for 5-10 minutes to create a thicker sauce for drizzling over the sliced ham.

Tips for Variations or Side Dishes

Flavor Variations:

Try substituting maple syrup for honey to create a deeper, more robust sweetness. You can also add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an adult twist on this classic recipe.

For a spicier version, incorporate a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. The heat balances wonderfully with the sweet glaze.

Perfect Side Dishes:

Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural pairing that allows you to soak up every drop of that delicious glaze. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes also complement the ham’s sweetness.

Classic green bean casserole or honey-glazed carrots make excellent accompaniments. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Fresh dinner rolls or cornbread are essential for making ham sandwiches with any leftovers. Mac and cheese is another crowd-pleasing side that both kids and adults will love.

Serving Suggestions

Present your crockpot ham on a large serving platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices. The visual appeal adds to the overall dining experience.

Serve the reduced cooking liquid in a gravy boat alongside the sliced ham. This allows guests to add as much or as little extra glaze as they prefer.

For casual gatherings, set up a ham sandwich station with slider buns, various mustards, and cheese. This interactive serving style keeps guests engaged and makes feeding a crowd effortless.

If you’re serving this for a holiday dinner, carve the ham at the table for a dramatic presentation. The steam rising from the meat and the glistening glaze will have everyone reaching for their plates.

FAQ

1. Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! A boneless ham works perfectly fine in this recipe. However, bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during the long cooking process. If using boneless, reduce your cooking time by about 30 minutes to prevent drying out.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to keep the meat moist.

3. My ham is too big for my slow cooker – what should I do?

Simply cut the ham in half horizontally to make it fit. Stack the pieces with the cut sides facing inward to prevent them from drying out. You can also trim away some of the outer portions to use for other recipes.

4. Can I cook the ham on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, you can cook the ham on HIGH for 2-3 hours instead. However, the LOW setting produces more tender, evenly cooked results. The extended cooking time allows the flavors to develop more fully and keeps the meat exceptionally juicy.

5. The glaze isn’t caramelizing properly – how can I fix this?

If you want a more caramelized finish, remove the ham during the last 30 minutes and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Alternatively, you can reduce the cooking liquid on the stovetop until thick and syrupy, then brush it over the ham before serving.