Make a flawless juicy ham for special occasions with our 2-ingredient slow cooker ham recipe.
A 2-ingredient slow cooker ham recipe that's brilliantly simple yet yields exquisite results. Brown sugar's sweetness melds with savory ham perfection, slow-cooked to succulent tenderness. Versatile in pairings, from classic scalloped potatoes to a maple-glazed carrot side. Proper storage ensures freshness, and a gentle oven reheat maintains the ham's delightful flavor. Elevate the visual appeal by scoring and glazing for a stunning presentation that matches the taste!
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham
Preparing a delicious ham with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors to share with your loved ones is a breeze. Below, you’ll find the complete recipe with easy-to-follow instructions. Here’s what you can expect when you try out this highly-rated recipe:
Start by spreading brown sugar on the bottom of the slow cooker, then place the ham flat-side down. Next, evenly spread the remaining sugar all over the ham. For extra flavor, you can add crushed pineapple or pineapple juice (optional).
How Long to Cook Ham with a Slow Cooker
To cook the ham, cover it and let it cook on low heat for six to eight hours. If you have a smaller ham that is around 4-5 pounds, then you can reduce the cooking time to about four hours. Once the ham is cooked, make sure that the internal temperature reads at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Ham
Flavorful slow cooker ham is a perfect centerpiece for your meal. It pairs well with comforting sides like
- scalloped potatoes
- old-fashioned green bean casserole
- maple-glazed carrots
- bean salad
How to Store Slow Cooker Ham
If you have cooked ham and want to store it in the fridge, it’s safe to do so for up to four days. It is best to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic to keep it fresh. To reheat, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and warm the ham until it is thoroughly heated through.
If you want to freeze leftover ham, wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Let's start with the fact that sugar in any form cannot be considered a healthy product: it ages our cells, promotes fat accumulation in the body, causes insulin spikes, is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance and diabetes (and this is just a small part of the effects that sugar has on the body). In addition to this, I will not tire of reminding you that the combination of saturated animal fats with simple carbohydrates (simply put - with sugar) is one of the most dangerous combinations of nutrients for health. Ham itself is not the most easily digestible product (because it already contains heavy animal protein and fat), and in combination with sugar (especially with a fairly large amount of sugar), this dish becomes simply a carbohydrate-fat bomb. I cannot recommend it as a dish for maintaining health even for those who are not interested in losing weight but are aiming to gain weight (you will, of course, gain weight, but this is not quite a healthy way to reach your goal).
Spread 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar in slow cooker.
Place ham on the brown sugar, flat side down. Trim to fit.
Rub the remaining brown sugar onto the ham using your hands.
“This recipe requires you to cover and cook the dish on low heat for a duration of 8 hours.”
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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Want to enhance the visual appeal of your slow cooker ham? Before serving, consider scoring the ham's surface in a crosshatch pattern and brushing on a glaze made from a mix of Dijon mustard, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes until the glaze caramelizes, creating a stunning presentation that's as impressive as the taste!
