Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

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The warm aroma of brown sugar, pineapple, and cloves fills the kitchen as this slow cooker ham gently simmers to tender perfection. Sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth juicy, this dish is more than just a holiday staple, it’s a slow-cooked love letter to comfort food.

Perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or just when you need something spectacularly simple, this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is low-effort and high-reward. With only a few pantry ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that feels like it’s been roasting in a gourmet kitchen all day, no oven required.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 lbs)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pineapple slices (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Place the ham cut-side down in a large slow cooker.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and garlic powder. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it gets into the crevices.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until heated through and the ham is tender.
Baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker every 1–2 hours for maximum flavor.
Once cooked, transfer the ham to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Optional: Garnish with pineapple slices before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The Story Behind the Sweetest Slow Cooker Ham

When it comes to comfort food with a festive twist, few dishes are as beloved as a brown sugar glazed ham. Whether it’s adorning the table at Easter, Christmas, or Sunday family dinner, this sweet and savory masterpiece has stood the test of time. Using a slow cooker to prepare ham isn’t just convenient—it guarantees a tender, juicy texture that’s infused with every layer of rich flavor.

This particular recipe for Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham blends the robust umami of smoked ham with the caramel-like sweetness of brown sugar, honey, and the tropical tang of pineapple juice. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and looks as impressive as it tastes.

But before diving into how to make it, let’s explore what makes this dish truly special.

Why Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a Classic

Glazed ham has long been associated with celebrations and holidays. In the U.S., it’s a fixture at Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. In fact, the tradition of glazing ham dates back to the early 1900s when commercial sugar became more widely available. The glaze would help preserve the ham and add flavor, creating a crusty, caramelized coating that offset the saltiness of cured pork.

The brown sugar glaze adds a signature depth, more complex than white sugar. It creates that sought-after sticky crust when cooked long and slow. Adding pineapple juice and honey brings acidity and floral sweetness, while Dijon mustard and warm spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring the balance that turns this from an average ham into a showstopper.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Savory, and Spiced

What sets this ham apart is the careful layering of flavors. Here’s how each element contributes:

Ham: The base. A fully-cooked, bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe, giving you both great flavor and juicy texture. The bone helps retain moisture and intensify flavor during the slow cooking process.
Brown Sugar: Provides molasses-rich sweetness that deepens as it caramelizes.
Honey: Floral and golden, honey melts into the glaze, adding both thickness and gloss.
Pineapple Juice: A key acidic component, it balances the sweetness and enhances the ham’s saltiness.
Dijon Mustard: A hidden hero. It cuts through the sugar with a gentle sharpness.
Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: These warming spices add complexity. Clove is classic with ham, while cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the sweet side of the glaze.
Garlic Powder: Adds umami undertones without overpowering.

The end result? A tender, juicy ham with a sticky-sweet exterior and a perfectly seasoned interior.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

You might be used to baking ham in the oven, and that certainly works. But using a slow cooker offers distinct advantages:

Hands-Off Cooking: Once the ham and glaze are in the slow cooker, your work is mostly done.
Even Heat: The consistent low temperature allows the glaze to infuse into the meat slowly and evenly.
No Oven Space Required: Perfect for holidays when your oven is already filled with sides, pies, and more.
Super Tender Result: The moist heat of a slow cooker is ideal for keeping ham juicy, especially when reheating a pre-cooked ham.

Tips for Choosing the Right Ham

To make this recipe shine, you want to start with a good-quality ham. Here’s what to consider:

Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in ham is ideal for flavor and presentation. Plus, the leftover bone makes a fantastic base for soups and stews.
Spiral Cut: These are pre-sliced for easy serving but may dry out faster. If using one, make sure to baste frequently.
Smoked or Cured: A smoked ham gives a deeper flavor, while cured hams tend to be saltier. Choose based on your taste preference.
Size: A 6–8 lb ham serves around 10–12 people. Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate it.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a versatile centerpiece. You can serve it in a formal setting or keep it cozy and casual. Some classic sides to accompany the ham include:

Scalloped Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes
Roasted or Glazed Carrots
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Green Bean Almondine or Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Mac and Cheese (a family favorite!)
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

To freshen things up, a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the sweetness of the ham.

For drinks, consider pairing with white wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, or a sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic option.

How to Use Leftover Ham

Got leftovers? You’re in luck. This ham is just as delicious the next day and can be repurposed in so many ways:

Ham and Cheese Sliders on Hawaiian rolls
Breakfast Quiche or Omelets with chopped ham and cheese
Ham Fried Rice with veggies and eggs
Ham and Bean Soup using the leftover bone
Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Ham Cobb Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Storage & Reheating Tips

To store your ham safely:

Refrigerate in shallow containers or wrap tightly with foil/plastic wrap.
Freeze by slicing and storing in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (covered with foil), or in a microwave using a lower setting to avoid drying it out.

Baste with reserved glaze when reheating for extra flavor and moisture.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Substitutions

Want to tweak the flavor? Try these substitutions:

Maple Syrup instead of honey for a darker sweetness
Apple Juice instead of pineapple for a fall flavor
Whole Grain Mustard for more texture in the glaze
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free but always double-check mustard or spice labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease.

A Holiday Centerpiece Worth Repeating

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a no-fail recipe that delivers every time. It fills your home with a mouthwatering aroma, looks impressive on the table, and most importantly, tastes like pure comfort.

The balance of sweet and savory, the hint of spice, and the low-and-slow cooking method combine to create a ham that’s moist, flavorful, and sure to have your guests reaching for seconds, and asking for the recipe.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, low-effort, high-reward dish, this ham checks every box. Whether it’s the holidays or a cozy Sunday, your slow cooker is your secret weapon to achieving the perfect glazed ham without the stress.

Add this recipe to your regular rotation or bookmark it for your next celebration. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven.

Delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a good glaze, a trusty slow cooker, and a little patience to create something unforgettable.