Crock Pot Brown Sugar Ham: Easy Holiday Recipe

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The aroma of a sweet and savory ham slowly cooking is a holiday dream come true. Making a brown sugar ham in a crock pot is surprisingly simple, freeing up your oven for other dishes and ensuring a moist, flavorful centerpiece for your feast. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion. — Bob's Meats: Santa Clarita's Premier Butcher Shop

Why Use a Crock Pot for Ham?

Using a crock pot, or slow cooker, to cook your ham offers several advantages:

  • Moisture: The slow, gentle cooking process helps retain moisture, preventing the ham from drying out.
  • Convenience: Set it and forget it! Free up oven space for other holiday dishes.
  • Flavor Infusion: The extended cooking time allows the brown sugar glaze to deeply penetrate the ham, creating a rich, sweet, and smoky flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • 1 (5-7 pound) boneless or bone-in cooked ham
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Optional: Pineapple slices, maraschino cherries for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ham: If your ham is too large for your crock pot, trim it down to fit. You can also score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground cloves until well combined.
  3. Glaze the Ham: Place the ham in the crock pot. Pour the brown sugar glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to coat all sides. If desired, tuck pineapple slices and maraschino cherries around the ham.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
  5. Baste Occasionally: During the last hour of cooking, baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the crock pot every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Ham

  • Choose the Right Ham: A fully cooked ham is best for this recipe. You can use either a boneless or bone-in ham, but make sure it fits in your crock pot.
  • Don't Overcook: Overcooking the ham will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
  • Add a Kick: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Brown sugar ham pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, including:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Sweet potato casserole
  • Green bean casserole
  • Mac and cheese
  • Dinner rolls

Enjoy Your Delicious Ham!

Making a brown sugar ham in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to create a memorable holiday meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the convenience of slow cooking, makes this recipe a winner every time. Enjoy! — Ken Malloy Harbor Park: A Guide To LA's Hidden Gem