Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Ham – The Perfect Holiday Main Dish
Introduction
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and tender ham recipe that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Ham is your answer! Juicy, sweet, and perfectly glazed, this dish is ideal for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving — but simple enough for any special family dinner. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll create a melt-in-your-mouth ham with a sticky, caramelized glaze everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering brown sugar honey ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need:
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1 (4–5 pound) bone-in ham
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup honey
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1/2 cup pineapple juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Unwrap your bone-in ham and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Place the ham cut side down inside your slow cooker. This allows the juices and glaze to soak through the meat for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice until smooth. The mixture should be thick and glossy — this will form the rich, sticky glaze that coats your ham beautifully.
Step 3: Coat the Ham
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it covers all sides. Use a spoon or brush to spread it into any crevices so every bite gets infused with that sweet, tropical flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook the ham:
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On Low for 6–8 hours, or
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On High for 3–4 hours,
until the ham is heated through and incredibly tender.
The glaze will thicken as it cooks, soaking into the ham for a juicy, caramelized finish.
Step 5: Baste for Extra Flavor
If you can, baste the ham every 2 hours using the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps the ham stay moist and enhances its flavor with every layer of sweetness.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
When done, carefully remove the ham and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle some of the remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the top for an irresistible glossy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
For a Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
Add a Smoky Flavor: Use smoked ham or mix 1 teaspoon smoked paprika into the glaze for that classic BBQ depth.
Try Different Juices: Replace pineapple juice with orange or apple juice for a different fruity note.
Add a Tangy Balance: Mix in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard to the glaze — it adds a zesty touch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Make It Crispier: For a caramelized finish, transfer the cooked ham to a baking dish and broil it for 3–5 minutes to thicken and darken the glaze slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your slow cooker honey ham with classic sides like:
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Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes
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Roasted or buttered vegetables
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Homemade dinner rolls
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Fresh green beans or asparagus
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A refreshing side salad with vinaigrette
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm slices in a skillet with a little glaze or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Only 4 simple ingredients
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Hands-free slow cooker convenience
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Sweet, savory, and tender every time
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Perfect for holiday gatherings or easy dinners
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Leftovers are great for sandwiches, omelets, or soups