Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

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This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich brown sugar and honey glaze. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite is juicy, tender, and infused with warm spices, making it an irresistible dish for any special occasion. Ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this ham requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The combination of pineapple juice, honey, and warm cinnamon creates a delightful caramelized crust, while the slow cooker locks in moisture. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a meal that feels festive and indulgent.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (7-9 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

  1. Place the ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
  2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
  3. Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender.
  5. Occasionally baste the ham with the glaze to enhance the flavor.
  6. Once done, remove the ham and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  7. Pour the remaining glaze over the sliced ham before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

Introduction

 Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is one of the easiest yet most flavorful dishes you can prepare for the holidays or a special occasion. It combines the natural richness of ham with a sweet and slightly tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice. The slow cooker ensures that the ham stays moist, tender, and infused with deep flavors without requiring constant attention. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to serve a show-stopping main dish without the hassle of oven monitoring, this slow cooker ham recipe is for you. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or even Sunday dinners, this dish is a time-saver while delivering a restaurant-quality meal.

The History and Popularity of Glazed Ham

Ham has been a staple in celebrations for centuries, particularly in European and American households. Traditionally, baked ham was slow-roasted in an oven and basted with honey, brown sugar, or fruit-based glazes. The method of glazing ham with sugar can be traced back to the early European traditions, where meats were preserved with sugar, honey, and salt. As slow cookers became more popular, especially in the U.S. during the 1970s, home cooks began adapting their favorite ham recipes for the crockpot. This method not only simplified the cooking process but also resulted in incredibly tender and flavorful ham, making it a preferred choice for busy households.

Why This Recipe is the Best

1. Convenience & Ease

  • Unlike oven-roasted ham, this slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it. With just a few minutes of preparation, you can let the crockpot do all the work while you focus on other holiday preparations.

2. Juicy & Tender Ham

  • The biggest concern when cooking ham is dryness. The slow cooking process helps the meat retain moisture, ensuring a juicy, fall-apart texture.

3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

  • The combination of brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard creates a rich, caramelized glaze that enhances the natural saltiness of the ham.

4. A No-Oven Alternative

  • During the holiday season, when the oven is often occupied with other dishes like roasted vegetables or baked desserts, using the crockpot frees up valuable oven space.

5. Great for Leftovers

  • This ham tastes just as amazing the next day! You can use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or even breakfast hash.

The Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

1. Ham

  • A fully cooked bone-in ham works best for this recipe because the bone helps retain moisture, and the natural flavors are more intense.

2. Brown Sugar

  • This is the key ingredient for the glaze, as it caramelizes beautifully, adding depth and a slightly molasses-like sweetness to the ham.

3. Honey

  • Honey enhances the glaze with natural floral sweetness and pairs perfectly with the brown sugar.

4. Pineapple Juice

  • This ingredient provides acidity, which helps balance the sweetness of the glaze and tenderizes the ham.

5. Dijon Mustard

  • The slight tanginess from Dijon mustard cuts through the sweetness and adds a subtle complexity to the glaze.

6. Cinnamon & Cloves

  • These warm spices add a gentle holiday aroma and a slight spiced undertone to the ham, making it even more festive.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Choosing the Right Ham

  • Opt for a bone-in ham for better flavor and moisture retention.
  • If you prefer a smaller cut, a spiral-cut ham is also a great choice because it allows the glaze to seep between the layers.

2. Preparing the Glaze

  • Mix brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl until well combined. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed before adding them to the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cooking the Ham

  • Place the ham flat-side down in the crockpot to allow it to soak up the glaze.
  • Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it coats the entire surface.
  • Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, basting occasionally to distribute the flavors.

4. Finishing Touches

  • Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Pour any remaining glaze over the ham slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with both classic and modern side dishes. Here are a few great options:

Classic Pairings:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Green bean casserole
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Honey-glazed carrots
  • Dinner rolls

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Options:

  • Garlic butter roasted asparagus
  • Cauliflower mash
  • Brussels sprouts with bacon
  • Cabbage stir-fry

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers:

  • Ham and cheese sliders – Perfect for a quick lunch!
  • Breakfast hash – Dice up the ham and sauté with potatoes and eggs.
  • Ham and bean soup – A comforting way to use leftover ham bone.
  • Omelets or frittatas – Add ham to your morning eggs for extra protein.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Spiral-Cut Ham?

  • Yes! A spiral-cut ham absorbs the glaze beautifully and makes serving easier. However, reduce the cooking time slightly as it cooks faster.

2. What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?

  • You can substitute apple juice, orange juice, or even cola for a similar sweet-acidic effect.

3. Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?

  • Yes! Cook the ham on Pressure Cook (Manual) mode for 10 minutes per pound, then do a natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.

4. How Do I Store Leftover Ham?

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a must-have recipe for holidays and gatherings. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also delivers restaurant-quality flavors that will impress your guests. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this slow cooker ham guarantees a stress-free, delicious meal with minimal effort. So, next time you’re planning a family dinner or festive celebration, let the crockpot do the work while you enjoy the company of your loved ones. Give this recipe a try and make your holiday feast unforgettable!

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