Brown Sugar Glazed Slow Cooker Ham Recipe

Need a wholesome, family-friendly dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare? This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is hearty, delicious, and almost entirely hands-off—everything cooks in your slow cooker for tender, juicy results.

Scrumptious Glazed Ham, Made Easy in the Crockpot

Ham isn’t just for holidays—it’s perfect year-round. A slow-cooked ham is simple to prepare, tastes fantastic, and freezes well for quick meals later. Using a Crockpot keeps the meat moist and tender without heating up the oven or standing over the stove. The glaze in this recipe—made with orange juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, garlic, and Dijon mustard—adds a bright, sweet, and slightly tangy finish.

Which Cut of Ham Is Best?

For this recipe, a half ham between six and nine pounds works well. Spiral-sliced hams are convenient for serving, but you can use any fully cooked, wet-brined grocery-store ham (butt or shank portion). Avoid dry-aged country ham for this method—those are much saltier and not suited to this glaze-style slow cooking.

The Ingredients

You can cook ham with just ham and water, but to get the glossy, flavorful glaze described here you’ll need a few extras:

• Ham: Spiral-cut, hickory-smoked ham is recommended for flavor and easy serving.
• Orange Juice: Adds acidity and brightness; pineapple or apple juice, or water with lemon, can be substituted.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark both work—dark offers a stronger molasses note.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural depth and sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and complexity; other mustards may be used if preferred.
• Garlic Powder: A small amount for savory balance.
• Cinnamon: Optional, but it complements the sugar and smoky ham.
• Garnish: Sliced oranges and fresh rosemary, optional for presentation.

How to Make It, Step by Step

This recipe is straightforward and great to start early in the day so dinner is ready with minimal effort.

1. Make the glaze. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cinnamon. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 4–5 minutes.
2. Arrange the ham. Place the ham in the slow cooker with the flat side down. Pour the glaze over the ham and use a baster or pastry brush to coat the top thoroughly.
3. Cook on low. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste the ham with glaze every hour for the best flavor and moisture.
4. Serve. Transfer the ham to a serving platter and brush with another coat of glaze. Serve extra glaze on the side and garnish with orange slices and rosemary if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Ham

• Check the label: Hams labeled without added water generally indicate higher quality.
• Use a meat thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature between 145–160°F for safe, juicy slices.
• Portion guidance: Plan about 3/4 pound per person for bone-in ham or 1/2 pound per person for boneless.
• Slicing options: Spiral-sliced and boneless hams are easiest to serve. A bone-in shank is easier to slice than the butt.
• Slow cooker size: A 7-quart slow cooker fits most half hams; for larger hams, use a bigger cooker or tent the top with foil if needed.
• Thicken the glaze: After cooking, simmer leftover glaze and whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) until thickened for a glossy finish.

Variation Ideas

Try these simple twists to change the flavor profile:

• Pineapple: Use crushed pineapple in juice instead of orange juice for a tropical glaze.
• Honey: Substitute honey for brown sugar and maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• Apple butter: Use apple juice and apple butter in place of orange juice and brown sugar for a fall-inspired glaze; omit the cinnamon if you prefer.

What to Serve with Ham

Ham pairs well with many side dishes. Classic choices include pasta salad, roasted vegetables, and creamy casseroles. Leftovers are versatile—use the bone for soup or chop slices for sandwiches and salads.

• Pasta salad: A chilled macaroni or pasta salad balances the savory ham.
• Vegetable casserole: A cheesy zucchini and squash casserole complements the sweet glaze.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, radishes, or root vegetables make colorful, flavorful sides.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Wrap the whole ham in plastic wrap or foil for refrigeration, or slice and store pieces in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for about 2 months. Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze