There’s a certain kind of warmth that fills the kitchen when the sweet aroma of Slow-Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham wafts through the air. Imagine coming home after a long day, only to find that the delicious meal you’ve been dreaming of is waiting for you, cooked to tender perfection with minimal effort. That’s the beauty of this recipe!
As we gather around the table for the holidays or special family dinners, this dish becomes more than just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings loved ones together. The spiral-cut ham, kissed by a delightful glaze of brown sugar, honey, and apple cider, offers a symphony of flavors – sweet, tangy, and just a hint of smokiness. Best of all, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on creating memories instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
Join me as we dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that not only makes entertaining a breeze but also elevates your dining experience to new heights. Let’s get started!
Why is Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham ideal?
Effortless cooking: With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll spend more time enjoying the feast than preparing it.
Flavor bomb: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and apple cider creates a sweet, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham.
Crowd pleaser: This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, effortlessly impressing guests with its rich flavor and stunning presentation.
Flexible substitutions: Customize the glaze with optional ingredients like pineapple or different sweeteners based on your family’s preferences.
Easy cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash, so you can spend more time indulging in the meal with loved ones.
Elevate your holiday dining with this Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham that pairs perfectly with festive sides!
Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Ingredients
• Perfect for holiday feasts!
For the Ham
- Spiral-Cut Ham (4-6 lb) – This main protein offers easy slicing, and opting for a bone-in variety enhances the flavor.
For the Glaze
- Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and ensures a delightful caramelization; substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Honey (1/3 cup) – Contributes additional sweetness and depth; maple syrup serves as a tasty alternative.
- Apple Cider (1 cup) – Provides a complementary acidity and sweetness; feel free to swap it with orange juice for a bright citrus note.
- Dijon Mustard (1/4 cup) – Offers a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness; yellow mustard can be used instead for a milder taste.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp) – Introduces a subtle smokiness to the glaze; if you prefer, use regular paprika as a substitute.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp) – Enhances savory depth; consider fresh minced garlic for a more vibrant flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile; avoid fine salt to prevent over-salting.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat; no substitutions needed here.
For Garnish
- Parsley (optional) – A fresh herb that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color to your serving platter.
Get ready to savor each delightful bite of this Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, a dish that melts in your mouth and is perfect for any gathering!
How to Make Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
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Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, apple cider, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended and set aside.
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Prepare the Ham: Place the spiral-cut ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it sits flat. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to coat all surfaces thoroughly.
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Cook It Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for about 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the ham reaches an internal temperature of 120ºF. Remember to baste it with the glaze every hour to keep it moist and flavorful.
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Slice and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and slice along the spiral cuts. Arrange the slices on a serving platter, drizzling with any leftover glaze and pan juices for that extra touch of deliciousness.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Variations
Embrace your culinary creativity and transform this beloved dish into something uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
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Pineapple Twist: Add crushed pineapples to the glaze for a sweet, tropical flavor that complements the ham beautifully. The juicy bursts of pineapple will elevate every bite.
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Coconut Sugar: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option. It provides a caramel-like flavor while keeping your recipe health-conscious and delicious.
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Maple Magic: Swap honey for maple syrup to impart a warm, earthy sweetness. Maple pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, enriching the flavor profile of your ham.
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Citrus Burst: Replace apple cider with fresh orange juice for a bright, zesty twist. It adds an exciting, citrusy note that balances the sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an unexpected heat that elevates the glaze’s flavor. Just a dash will transform your dish into a warming, inviting experience.
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Herbal Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for a fragrant touch. These herbs will bring a lovely aromatic quality to your ham.
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Bourbon Glaze: For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze. The rich flavor will enhance the sweet and savory profile, creating a sumptuous dish.
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Chipotle Smokiness: Incorporate chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy edge. This will give your ham an intriguing depth and warm kick, perfect for adventurous palates.
Storage Tips for Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to ensure freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen ham in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 275°F for about 10 minutes per pound, ensuring it’s warm throughout.
Glaze Preservation: If you have extra glaze, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week; it’s perfect for drizzling over your slices of Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham when reheating!
What to Serve with Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
Imagine a beautifully set table where each dish complements the rich, sticky sweetness of your glazed ham. These side offerings will elevate your meal from delicious to unforgettable!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting base, perfectly soaking up the delicious ham juices. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints.
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Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts adds a delightful contrast to the sweet glaze of the ham, while the garlic brings a savory depth to every bite.
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Cornbread Stuffing: With its slightly sweet and crumbly texture, cornbread stuffing pairs wonderfully, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors from the ham and stuffing.
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Fresh Spinach Salad: Bright greens tossed with citrus vinaigrette offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the ham, enhancing the overall experience with crispness and zest.
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Apple Crisp for Dessert: A warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings the meal full circle, echoing the sweet apple cider in the ham glaze while providing a delightful finish.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of refreshing sparkling apple cider complements the flavors without overpowering, creating a festive atmosphere for any gathering.
Embrace these pairings to craft a memorable meal, ensuring every aspect of your dining experience is satisfying and heartfelt!
Make Ahead Options
These Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the glaze (mix brown sugar, honey, apple cider, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook. The ham itself can also be placed in the slow cooker, coated with the glaze, and stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the slow cooker without needing to waste time on prep. Trust me, it will still be just as delicious and tender!
Expert Tips for Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
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Thaw Completely: Ensure your ham is fully thawed before cooking to achieve even heating and make slicing easier.
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Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; this prevents overcooking and keeps your ham moist and tender.
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Baste Regularly: Remember to baste your ham with the glaze every hour to lock in moisture and enhance the flavor of your Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham.
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Cleanup Shortcut: Line your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner to make cleanup a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to add crushed pineapples to the glaze for a tropical twist or swap apple cider for your preferred fruit juice to customize the flavor.
Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ham for my recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing a ham, opt for a spiral-cut variety, ideally weighing between 4-6 pounds. A bone-in ham will enhance the flavor and ensure juiciness. Check for flexibility in the packaging and avoid hams that have excessive dark spots or dried-out edges.
How should I store leftover Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
Very! Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure you refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to keep it fresh and safe for your next meal.
Can I freeze the ham, and how do I do it properly?
Of course! To freeze your ham, first, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What temperature should the ham be when it’s done cooking?
Great question! The ham should reach an internal temperature of 120ºF to ensure it’s warm enough to serve but still juicy. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process.
Can I modify the glaze ingredients if I have allergies?
Absolutely! If you have allergies to honey, consider using maple syrup for sweetness. For those avoiding apple cider, feel free to substitute with orange juice for a refreshing twist. Just be cautious with any other ingredients if you or your guests have specific dietary restrictions.
What if my ham is dry after cooking?
Very! If your ham turns out dry, this might happen for several reasons, such as overcooking or insufficient baste during cooking. To prevent this in the future, ensure you baste the ham every hour with the glaze and monitor the temperature closely. If you find yourself facing a dry ham, try simmering it in some apple cider for 10-15 minutes before serving to add moisture back in.
Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for Effortless Holiday Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, apple cider, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well blended and set aside.
- Prepare the Ham: Place the spiral-cut ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it sits flat. Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, coating all surfaces thoroughly.
- Cook It Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for about 6 hours, basting it with the glaze every hour.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and slice along the spiral cuts. Drizzle with any leftover glaze and pan juices.