The first time the aroma of brown sugar and cinnamon filled my kitchen, I felt an instant wave of comfort and nostalgia. As the slow cooker worked its magic, I reminisced about family gatherings where a succulent, glazed ham was the centerpiece—always the star of the show.
You won’t believe how effortlessly this Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar can become your new go-to dish. Perfect for any occasion, from easy weeknight meals to festive celebrations, this recipe melds sweet and savory notes that dance together on your palate. The glaze—crafted from light brown sugar, honey, and a hint of Dijon mustard—wraps the ham in a delicious embrace, ensuring that each slice is packed with flavor.
With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and walk away, allowing the dish to transform into something truly special. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds while you bask in the glory of a hassle-free meal! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to bring joy to your table.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar
- This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar is the epitome of ease, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time before the slow cooker takes over.
- The harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone raving at your next gathering.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even casual nights in.
- With its stunning glaze and tender texture, this dish is visually impressive and will elevate any meal without the fuss of complicated cooking techniques.
Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar Ingredients
For the Ham
• Bone-in ham – a 6-10 pound ham is ideal for this recipe, ensuring plenty of tender meat for everyone.
For the Glaze
• Light brown sugar – this sweetener gives the ham that irresistible caramelized finish.
• Honey – adds a natural sweetness and beautiful shine to the glaze.
• Dijon mustard – offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon – gives a warm, aromatic edge to the flavor profile.
• Apple cider vinegar – adds a hint of acidity to enhance the overall taste of your Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar
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Gather ingredients: Start by collecting all the necessary items: your bone-in ham, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar for a delightful glaze.
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Mix the glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a luscious glaze for your ham.
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Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This technique helps the glaze seep into the meat, enhancing flavor and moisture—make sure to penetrate the outer layer without cutting too deep.
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Apply the glaze: Generously rub the prepared glaze all over the scored ham, ensuring that it gets into every cut and nook. This is where the magic begins—the more glaze, the merrier!
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Cook in the slow cooker: Place the beautifully glazed ham in your slow cooker. Cover it securely and set the heat to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the ham is tender and heated through.
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Slice and serve: Once cooked, take the ham out and let it rest briefly before slicing. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the slices for that extra burst of flavor.
Optional: Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal that impresses.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar is a fantastic option for meal prepping, saving you valuable time on busy days! You can prepare the glaze (made with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients and store the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. If you prefer, you can also score the ham a day ahead to allow the flavors to penetrate. When you’re ready to cook, rub the chilled glaze over the ham and place it in the slow cooker as usual. The ham will turn out just as delicious, making your mealtime a breeze!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ham w/ Brown Sugar?
A beautifully glazed ham deserves sides that elevate its sweetness and richness, creating a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, smooth texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly, soaking up the glaze’s delightful sweetness.
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Garlic Roasted Asparagus: This vibrant green vegetable adds a crisp crunch and earthy flavor that balances the ham’s sweetness.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots echo the glaze on the ham, adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
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Warm Bread Rolls: Fluffy, freshly baked rolls are perfect for mopping up any delicious glaze that may end up on your plate.
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Apple Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp apples and a tangy vinaigrette offers a bright contrast to the savory ham.
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Sweet Potato Casserole: The creamy texture and rich sweetness of this dish beautifully complement the savory notes of the ham.
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Traditional Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and a hit of acidity, making it an excellent palate cleanser alongside the hearty ham.
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Sparkling Cider: This drink’s crisp, effervescent qualities enhance the meal and pair well with the sweet flavors of the ham.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with these classic treats that everyone will love – a nostalgic finish for your gathering.
Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own by exploring some delicious twists and substitutions that will elevate your Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar.
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Maple Syrup: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a rich, unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with ham.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the glaze for an intriguing heat that contrasts the sweetness.
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Pineapple Glaze: Replace apple cider vinegar with pineapple juice for a fruity twist that enhances the tropical feel of the dish.
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Brown Sugar Alternatives: Use coconut sugar or agave syrup if you’re looking for a lower-glycemic sweetener option that still caramelizes well.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh rosemary or thyme with the glaze for an aromatic herbal note that complements the savory ham perfectly.
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Apple Cider Swap: Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper, tangy flavor that adds complexity to the glaze.
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Nuts for Crunch: Add crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed ham during the last hour of cooking for a delightful texture contrast.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into your glaze for a subtle smokiness that enhances the flavor profile of the ham.
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar
Fridge: Store leftover Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s cooled down before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the sliced ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw the ham in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in the oven, covered, at 325°F until warmed through, drizzling with a bit of remaining glaze for extra taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always ensure your bone-in ham is fully thawed before cooking to achieve even heating throughout.
- A common mistake is not scoring the ham deeply enough, which can prevent the glaze from fully penetrating the meat.
- When mixing your glaze for the Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar, stir until all ingredients are well combined and smooth for optimal flavor.
- Remember to check the internal temperature of the ham; it should reach at least 140°F for safe consumption before serving.
Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting your bone-in ham, look for one between 6 to 10 pounds. A ham with a rosy pink color and minimal dark spots on the surface indicates freshness. If you’re aiming for a fully flavored dish, ask your butcher for a grade A ham, as this usually ensures a tender and juicy end product.
What’s the best way to store leftover Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar?
To store leftover ham, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be consumed within 3 days for the best taste. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing, as this helps maintain its flavor and texture. If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing is a great option!
Can I freeze the Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar?
Certainly! To freeze your ham, slice it into portions for easy thawing later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. This technique prevents freezer burn and allows the ham to last up to 3 months while preserving its flavors.
What should I do if my ham is dry after cooking?
If you find your ham turns out dry, worry not! This can happen if it’s overcooked. To fix this, drizzle some warm glaze over the slices when serving, or serve with a homemade gravy. It’s crucial to monitor the cooking time—leaving it on low for the suggested 6-8 hours should yield tender meat, but always check it at the 6-hour mark to ensure it isn’t overdone.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! If you’re conscious of allergies, be aware that this recipe contains honey and Dijon mustard, which could trigger reactions in some individuals. For a kid-friendly alternative, you can substitute the mustard with a touch more honey or some barbecue sauce. Moreover, if you’re curious about feeding pets, keep in mind that ham should generally be a rare treat for dogs and is not advisable for cats.
Slow Cooker Ham W/ Brown Sugar
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather ingredients: Start by collecting all the necessary items: your bone-in ham, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar for a delightful glaze.
- Mix the glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a luscious glaze for your ham.
- Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This technique helps the glaze seep into the meat, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Apply the glaze: Generously rub the prepared glaze all over the scored ham, ensuring that it gets into every cut and nook.
- Cook in the slow cooker: Place the beautifully glazed ham in your slow cooker. Cover it securely and set the heat to low. Let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the ham is tender and heated through.
- Slice and serve: Once cooked, take the ham out and let it rest briefly before slicing. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the slices for that extra burst of flavor.
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