Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is one of those timeless holiday classics that brings warmth, comfort, and irresistible aromas to your home. Slow-cooked ham becomes luxuriously tender, juicy, and infused with the sweetness of brown sugar, the subtle tang of pineapple, and the rich depth of warm spices.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or simply a weekend family dinner, this dish never fails to impress. The beauty of this recipe is how effortless it is. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy stress-free cooking while preparing other dishes or simply enjoying time with loved ones.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal work. The slow-cooking method ensures that the ham stays tender and juicy, never drying out like it sometimes can in the oven.
The glaze thickens beautifully and creates a mouthwatering coating around the ham that everyone loves. Another reason this recipe is a favorite is its practicality.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
This crockpot ham is a must-try dish because it is foolproof, incredibly flavorful, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or cooking for your family, this recipe guarantees impressive results.
It requires almost no cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners, yet it tastes like a gourmet-quality entrée.
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
4 to 6 hours on Low
or
2 to 3 hours on High
Servings
10 to 12 servings
Calories
Approximately 320 calories per serving (varies by ham brand and glaze thickness)
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7 to 8 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pineapple juice
1⁄4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: pineapple slices for extra sweetness
Cooking Directions
- Place the ham cut-side down in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic powder.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours until warmed through and tender.
- Baste the ham with the glaze every 1 to 2 hours for best flavor.
- Optional: transfer the glaze to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
- Slice and serve with extra glaze.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Prepare the glaze by mixing brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, vinegar, and spices until smooth.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker with the flat, cut side facing down.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring some glaze goes between the slices if spiral-cut.
- Cover and cook as instructed.
- During cooking, lift the lid quickly to baste the ham with the liquid for deeper flavor.
- When fully heated and tender, carefully remove the ham and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Reduce glaze on stovetop if desired.
- Slice the ham and serve warm with glaze.
How to Serve This Recipe
Serve this crockpot ham with the thickened brown sugar glaze spooned generously over each slice. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, dinner rolls, stuffing, cornbread, or holiday salads. It can also be served with pineapple slices or fresh herbs for presentation. Leftovers can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Recipe Tips
Do not overcook; since the ham is already cooked, you are reheating it.
For thicker glaze, simmer it on the stovetop after cooking.
Spiral-cut hams absorb more glaze.
Use a liner in your crockpot for easier cleanup.
Baste often for deeper caramel flavor.
Choose a ham that fits comfortably in your crockpot.
Variations
Spicy Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup and add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
Orange Glazed Ham: Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice and add orange zest.
Bourbon Ham: Add 1⁄4 cup bourbon to the glaze for rich, smoky flavor.
Apple Cider Ham: Replace pineapple juice with apple cider and add a pinch of nutmeg.
Brown Butter Glaze: Brown 3 tablespoons butter and whisk into the glaze mixture.
Freezing and Storage Time
Refrigerator: Store sliced ham and remaining glaze in airtight containers for 4 to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in sealed freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave with added glaze or broth to keep moist.
Special Equipment Needed
Crockpot or slow cooker
Cutting board
Sharp carving knife
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Optional: saucepan for thickening glaze
Conclusion
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is a simple yet spectacular recipe that brings beloved holiday flavors to life with almost no effort. The slow cooker transforms an ordinary ham into a tender, succulent centerpiece coated in a gorgeous, sweet-savory glaze. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing a comforting family meal, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time. Its versatility, ease, and rich flavor make it a dish worth keeping in your cooking rotation year-round.
If you’d like, I can also create a printable version or pair it with recommended sides or desserts.
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Crockpot Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is one of those timeless holiday classics that brings warmth, comfort, and irresistible aromas to your home. Slow-cooked ham becomes luxuriously tender, juicy, and infused with the sweetness of brown sugar, the subtle tang of pineapple, and the rich depth of warm spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Place the ham cut-side down in the crockpot.
-
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic powder.
-
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham.
-
Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or on High for 2 to 3 hours until warmed through and tender.
-
Baste the ham with the glaze every 1 to 2 hours for best flavor.
-
Optional: transfer the glaze to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
-
Slice and serve with extra glaze.
