Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

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🍯 Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

A sweet, savory, and incredibly tender ham made effortlessly in the slow cooker. This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham slowly cooks in a rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a juicy centerpiece perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions.

📝 Description

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is one of the easiest ways to prepare a flavorful, tender ham with minimal effort. The ham slowly warms and absorbs a sweet glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and spices. As it cooks, the glaze thickens and coats the ham, creating a sticky, caramelized finish.

Because it cooks low and slow, the ham stays incredibly moist and flavorful.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

  • 1 fully cooked spiral ham (6–8 pounds)

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup honey

  • ½ cup pineapple juice or apple juice

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp cloves (optional)

  • 2 tbsp butter

Optional additions:

  • Pineapple slices

  • Maraschino cherries

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Slow Cooker

Place the ham flat-side down in the slow cooker.

2️⃣ Make the Glaze

In a bowl mix:

  • brown sugar

  • honey

  • pineapple juice

  • Dijon mustard

  • cinnamon

  • cloves

3️⃣ Add the Glaze

Pour the glaze over the ham. Sprinkle additional brown sugar on top if desired.

4️⃣ Cook

Cover and cook:

  • LOW: 4–5 hours

  • HIGH: 2–3 hours

Baste the ham with juices every hour if possible.

5️⃣ Thicken the Glaze (Optional)

Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken.

6️⃣ Serve

Slice the ham and drizzle the thickened glaze over the top.

🍽 Servings

8–10 servings

Perfect for:

  • Holiday dinners

  • Easter

  • Christmas

  • Family gatherings

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 21 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 1150 mg

Values may vary depending on ham brand.

🌿 Benefits

✔ High-quality protein source
✔ Easy slow cooker preparation
✔ Great for feeding a crowd
✔ Leftovers can be used for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles
✔ Holiday-quality flavor with minimal work

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Use a fully cooked spiral ham for best results.

  • If your ham is too large, trim slightly to fit the slow cooker.

  • Cooking longer than needed can dry the ham, so monitor the time.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

⭐ Add pineapple slices for a classic sweet ham flavor.
⭐ Baste the ham occasionally to keep it juicy.
⭐ For extra caramelization, broil slices for 3 minutes before serving.
⭐ Use the leftover glaze as a sauce.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an unsliced ham?

Yes, but spiral ham absorbs glaze better and is easier to serve.

Can I freeze leftover ham?

Yes. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

How do I keep ham from drying out?

Cook on LOW heat and keep it covered with glaze.

What can I do with leftovers?

Use for:

  • ham sandwiches

  • ham and potato soup

  • breakfast omelets

  • casseroles

Can I make the glaze thicker?

Yes, simmer the juices with 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with water.

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