Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham

Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham is one of those beautifully effortless dishes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but in reality, the slow cooker does nearly all the work. This recipe transforms a simple ham into a succulent, caramelized, and irresistibly sweet-savory centerpiece coated in a glossy brown sugar glaze. The steam from the slow cooker keeps the ham incredibly moist, while the brown sugar, pineapple, and warm spices infuse every slice with rich, holiday-worthy flavor.

This dish fits perfectly into any season or occasion—Easter brunch, Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving potlucks, Sunday suppers, or even an easy meal-prep option that provides leftover ham for sandwiches and casseroles. The aroma of the sweet glaze mingling with smoky ham is nothing short of comforting and nostalgic. It’s the kind of recipe that brings families to the table and creates memories with every slice.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s practically foolproof while delivering results that feel gourmet. The ham stays juicy, the glaze becomes thick and syrupy, and the overall flavor is pure comfort. The use of the crockpot eliminates the stress of oven timing, especially during holidays when your oven is already overloaded. Another bonus? It frees up your hands and time, letting you focus on sides, desserts, or simply spending time with family.

The combination of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and warm spices like cloves creates a perfectly balanced glaze that elevates even the most basic ham. With minimal ingredients and maximum payoff, this recipe always feels like a warm hug in food form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect for holidays and gatherings—convenient, beautiful, and delicious.
• Incredibly tender thanks to the slow, gentle cooking process.
• Hands-off preparation—set it and forget it.
• Budget-friendly when using bone-in hams that feed a crowd.
• Leftovers are incredibly versatile for breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals.
• A stunning glazed finish without needing oven-baking.

If you’re looking for a dish that impresses with minimal effort, this is it.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 4 hr 10 min – 6 hr 10 min
• Servings: About 10–12 servings
• Calories: ~350–450 kcal per serving (varies by ham and glaze amount)
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American Comfort / Holiday Cuisine

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 lbs)
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
• 4–6 pineapple slices (optional garnish)
• 1–2 tbsp butter (optional for richness)

Quick Directions

1. Rub ham with brown sugar.
2. Mix pineapple juice, honey, and mustard; pour over ham.
3. Add spices and butter.
4. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, basting occasionally.
5. Reduce glaze (optional) and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

• If the ham has a rind or thick fat cap, score it lightly to help the glaze soak in.
• Place the ham flat-side down in the crockpot.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

• In a bowl, whisk together:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Honey (or maple syrup)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Cinnamon and cloves
• Pour this mixture all over and around the ham.

Step 3: Add the Brown Sugar

• Pat the brown sugar directly onto the ham, letting it coat as much surface as possible.
• Add butter around the ham if using.

Step 4: Slow Cook

• Cover and cook:
  • LOW: 5–6 hours
  • HIGH: 3–4 hours
• Baste the ham with its juices every 1–2 hours for a richer glaze.

Step 5: Reduce the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• Remove ham and transfer juices to a saucepan.
• Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened into a syrupy glaze.

Step 6: Slice & Serve

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

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve your Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Dinner rolls
• Macaroni and cheese
• Roasted vegetables
• Scalloped potatoes
• Green beans or asparagus
• Stuffing or sweet potato casserole

It’s ideal as a holiday table centerpiece or as an everyday comforting dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Use a bone-in ham for juicier slices and better flavor.
• Don’t overcook—ham is already cooked; you’re reheating and glazing it.
• Tilt the ham if the lid doesn’t close fully; foil can help seal gaps.
• Use a liner for easy cleanup, especially with sticky glazes.
• Baste often if you want a deeper caramelized flavor.

Variations

1. Maple-Glazed Ham

Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of nutmeg.

2. Spicy Brown Sugar Ham

Add 1–2 tbsp sriracha or red pepper flakes.

3. Cola-Glazed Ham

Replace pineapple juice with cola or Dr Pepper for a rich, caramelized flavor.

4. Apple Cider Ham

Use apple cider instead of pineapple juice for a festive autumn version.

5. Honey Mustard Ham

Increase Dijon mustard to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup honey.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator:

• Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep glaze separately for best texture.

Freezing:

• Freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
• Freeze whole ham only if stored tightly wrapped.

Reheating:

• Warm in a covered dish at 300°F (150°C) or gently in a pan with a splash of glaze or broth.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow Cooker (6–8 quart for large hams)
• Knife and cutting board
• Basting spoon
• Small saucepan (if reducing glaze)

Conclusion

Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham is the epitome of effortless elegance. It’s deliciously sweet, tender, juicy, and perfect for feeding a crowd with very little effort. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply want a satisfying, flavorful meal, this recipe delivers every time. With a glossy glaze, a melt-in-your-mouth texture, and endless versatility, it’s a dish that brings warmth and celebration to any table.