Cooker Brown Sugar Ham
Put a ham in the crockpot with brown sugar and let it cook low and slow.
So easy. So good. Only 2 ingredients.
📝 Introduction
Some recipes are complicated. This is not one of them.
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham is one of those magical dishes where simplicity creates incredible flavor. With just ham and brown sugar, the slow cooker does all the work — transforming it into a tender, juicy, sweet-and-savory masterpiece.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or when you want something impressive with almost zero effort.
🍯 Description
This ham turns out:
Fork-tender and juicy
Coated in a rich caramelized brown sugar glaze
Slightly sticky, sweet, and savory
Perfectly sliceable and crowd-pleasing
As it cooks low and slow, the brown sugar melts into the ham’s natural juices, creating a glossy glaze that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
🌍 Origin and Cultural Significance
Glazed ham has deep roots in American holiday traditions, especially during Easter and Christmas celebrations across the United States. The practice of curing and preserving pork dates back centuries in Europe before becoming a staple in American kitchens.
In many Southern households, slow-cooked ham is a symbol of gathering, celebration, and hospitality. It’s commonly served alongside classic comfort dishes and brings families together around the table.
Today, the slow cooker version modernizes that tradition — maintaining the flavor while simplifying the process for busy home cooks.
🛒 Ingredients Quantity (Serves 8–12)
1 fully cooked spiral or bone-in ham (6–8 pounds)
1 to 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
That’s it!
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Ham
Remove packaging and place ham flat-side down in the slow cooker.
Trim slightly if needed to fit (do not remove bone).
2️⃣ Add the Brown Sugar
Rub brown sugar generously over the entire surface of the ham.
Gently press it into the slices if using spiral-cut.
3️⃣ Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours.
Baste occasionally with juices if possible.
4️⃣ Optional Glaze Finish
For a thicker glaze, transfer ham to a baking dish.
Spoon juices over the top and broil 3–5 minutes until caramelized.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Spoon extra glaze over each serving.
➕ Optional Additions
While delicious with only two ingredients, you can enhance it with:
Pineapple slices
Honey or maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Ground cloves
A splash of orange juice
Crushed garlic
💡 Tips for Success
✔ Use a fully cooked ham (you’re reheating, not raw cooking)
✔ Cook on LOW to prevent drying out
✔ Don’t add water — the ham creates its own juices
✔ Spoon glaze over slices before serving
✔ Leftovers make incredible sandwiches
🥗 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 320–380
Protein: 24g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15–20g
Sodium: High (varies by ham type)
Values vary depending on ham size and sugar amount.
🏁 Conclusion
This recipe proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something unforgettable. Two ingredients. One slow cooker. Hours of incredible aroma.
It’s the kind of dish people assume took far more effort than it actually did.
⭐ Recommendation
If you need a guaranteed holiday win or an effortless main dish for guests, this is your go-to recipe. It’s beginner-friendly, stress-free, and nearly impossible to mess up.
Just be prepared — once you make it, you may be assigned “ham duty” forever.
🌿 Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To enjoy this classic while keeping balance in mind:
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad
Pair with whole grains instead of sugary sides
Choose a lower-sodium ham if available
Practice portion awareness
Traditional comfort foods can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle — especially when shared with people you love.
If this sounds like something you’d try…
All I ask in return is one simple word:
Yum. 😄
