This Slow Cooker Garlic Brown Sugar Ham is an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for holidays and special occasions. Slow-cooked to perfection with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, this ham turns out juicy, tender, and packed with irresistible flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a beautifully glazed ham with rich caramelized flavors and juicy, fall-apart tenderness. This Slow Cooker Garlic Brown Sugar Ham is the ultimate holiday or Sunday dinner centerpiece with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Instead of fussing over the oven, let the slow cooker do all the work. The brown sugar and honey glaze melts into the ham, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, while the garlic and Dijon mustard add depth. Slow cooking allows the ham to absorb all the goodness, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
Whether you’re serving this for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting family meal, this recipe guarantees compliments and second helpings. Plus, the leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches, soups, and breakfast dishes!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham gives the best flavor and texture. Spiral-cut hams are great for easy serving.
- Layer the Flavors: Make sure to rub the brown sugar mixture all over the ham to evenly distribute the sweetness.
- Use a Slow Cooker Liner: This makes cleanup effortless! If you don’t have one, spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Baste Often: Basting the ham every hour keeps it juicy and allows the glaze to fully soak in.
- Broil for a Caramelized Finish: For an extra-glossy and sticky glaze, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.
Slow Cooker Garlic Brown Sugar Ham
This Slow Cooker Garlic Brown Sugar Ham is tender, juicy, and perfectly glazed, making it ideal for holidays or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Take your ham out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. If using a spiral-cut ham, place it cut side down in your slow cooker.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, pineapple juice, melted butter, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Coat the Ham: Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies. Use a basting brush or your hands to rub the glaze all over.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Every hour, spoon the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham for extra flavor.
- Optional Broiling: For an extra-sticky glaze, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with more glaze, and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
- Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra glaze over the top, and serve warm with your favorite sides!
Notes
- If your ham is too large for the slow cooker, trim the bottom or cover with foil and leave the lid slightly ajar.
- Cooking time varies depending on ham size—use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Nutrition Information
Yield
10Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 239Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 33mgSodium 260mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 0gSugar 34gProtein 3g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Ham: Use a fully cooked, bone-in ham (8-10 lbs) for the best flavor. Bone-in hams retain more moisture and provide deeper taste. Spiral-cut hams work well since they allow the glaze to seep into the layers.
- Brown Sugar: The star of the glaze, creating a rich caramelized coating. Dark brown sugar offers a deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works too.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps create a thick, sticky glaze.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the ham with a subtle savory contrast to the sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Balances the sweetness with a touch of tang and complexity.
- Ground Cinnamon & Cloves: These warm spices complement the brown sugar and honey, giving the ham a cozy, festive flavor.
- Pineapple Juice: Enhances the sweetness and keeps the ham ultra-moist. Apple cider can be used as a substitute.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze cling to the ham.
Variations and Substitutions
- For a Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for extra depth.
- For a Maple Flavor: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a hint of heat.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute pineapple juice with orange juice for a fresh, bright flavor.
- No Slow Cooker? Bake the ham in a roasting pan covered with foil at 325°F for 2-3 hours, basting occasionally.
- Glaze Variations: Instead of Dijon mustard, try grainy mustard or a mix of mustard and balsamic vinegar.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
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