Name: Slow Cooker Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (6-8 lbs); ⅓ cup bourbon; ½ cup brown sugar (dark or light); ¼ cup honey; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick); 1 cup apple juice (or cider); Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each); Optional: fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish

This Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham is a crockpot delight! Juicy ham slow-cooks in a sweet, bourbon-infused glaze. Effortless, flavorful, and tender, it’s perfect for any occasion—let the slow cooker create a succulent, irresistible meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Ham Size: Fit it snug—trim if needed for the crockpot.
Low Heat: Cook on low—keeps it juicy and tender.

Glaze Baste: Spoon juices over hourly—deepens flavor.
Bourbon Burn-Off: Simmer glaze first—mellows alcohol, enhances taste.
Rest Well: 10 minutes post-cook—easier slicing, juicier bites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to absolutely adore this Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham—it’s a slow cooker treasure that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy celebration and your taste buds dance with joy! You’ll love how the crockpot turns a humble ham into a succulent masterpiece, bathed in a rich, sweet bourbon-brown sugar glaze that’s both indulgent and heartwarming. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want a hands-off meal with big flavor, or those special gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen—just set it and let the slow cooker weave its magic.

The bourbon adds a subtle, smoky depth, while the brown sugar caramelizes into a sticky, irresistible coating, leaving you with a tender, juicy ham that’s effortless yet feels like a gourmet treat. Pair it with your favorite sides, drizzle with that luscious glaze, and you’ve got a versatile, crowd-pleasing winner that’s ideal for family dinners, holidays, or a quiet night in—its bold taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture will make it a favorite. This recipe’s sweet, boozy bliss will steal your heart—pure, slow-cooked perfection every time!

Yield: Serves 12

Slow Cooker Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham

Boozy, sweet ham in bourbon-brown sugar glaze—crockpot yum!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (6-8 lbs)
⅓ cup bourbon
½ cup brown sugar (dark or light)

¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
1 cup apple juice (or cider)
Salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each)

Optional: fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Hey there, let’s whip up a Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham in the crockpot that’ll make your dinner easy and oh-so-tasty! Grab that big, beautiful ham—give it a quick rinse if it’s salty, and trim any excess fat so it fits nice and cozy in your slow cooker. Place it in there, flat side down—ready to soak up some goodness!
In a small saucepan, mix the bourbon, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (or powder), and cinnamon—set it over medium heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until it’s smooth and the alcohol mellows out a bit.

Let it cool slightly—this glaze is about to bring the wow! Pour the apple juice around the ham in the crockpot—keeps it juicy—then spoon half that warm glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides and into every crevice. Pop the lid on, set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 if you’re in a rush), and let it work its slow-cooking charm—your house is gonna smell amazing!
If you’ve got time, peek in every couple hours and spoon some of that juicy glaze from the bottom over the ham—keeps it moist and bursting with flavor. When it’s done—tender and practically falling apart—carefully lift it out onto a platter with tongs or a big spoon—look at that shine! Pour the leftover glaze and juices into the saucepan, simmer it for 5-7 minutes until it thickens into a sticky, dreamy coating, then drizzle it over the ham or serve it on the side.
Let it rest for 10 minutes—makes slicing a cinch—then carve it up, sprinkle with fresh rosemary or parsley if you’ve got it, and dig into this slow-cooked treat—it’s sweet, boozy, and oh-so-succulent!

Notes

Simmer glaze first—softens bourbon’s edge, blends flavors!
Baste if you can—keeps it juicy all over.
Perfect for leftovers—sandwiches, soups, or breakfast hashes!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 77Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 7mgSodium 171mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 0gSugar 15gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Ham: Bone-in, fully cooked—shank or butt, 6-8 lbs.

Bourbon: Good quality—adds depth, not overpowering.
Brown Sugar: Dark or light—rich sweetness for glaze.
Honey: Sticky sweetness—maple syrup swaps in.

Dijon Mustard: Sharp tang—yellow mustard works too.
Garlic: Fresh minced or powder—savory kick.
Cinnamon: Pinch or stick—warm spice note.

Apple Juice: Keeps it moist—cider or water subs.

Variations and Substitutions

This ham loves a remix! Swap bourbon for whiskey, rum, or apple cider—shifts the flavor vibe. No brown sugar? Use molasses, white sugar, or skip for less sweet. Trade honey for agave or omit—still glazes nicely. Add heat with cayenne, chili flakes, or hot sauce—spices it up! Use orange juice instead of apple juice—citrus twist. Gluten-free? It’s naturally there—just check mustard. Boost flavor with cloves, thyme, or a splash of soy sauce—serve with roasted potatoes, greens, or biscuits for a fuller meal. This recipe bends to your pantry and taste buds—make it yours!