Here’s a classic and ridiculously easy slow cooker ham recipe that uses just 4 ingredients (plus water) and results in a tender, sweet, and flavorful centerpiece.
This is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or meal prep.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham
Ingredients:
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1 (5-7 lb) pre-cooked, bone-in ham (often labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”—this is key)
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1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
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½ cup Dijon mustard (or regular yellow mustard for a milder taste)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or pineapple juice if you have it)
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½ cup water or pineapple juice (for the bottom of the cooker—this doesn’t count in the 4-ingredient promise!)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Ham:
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If your ham has a thick skin or excessive fat, you can trim it, leaving about a ¼-inch layer.
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Score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife (about ¼-inch deep). This helps the glaze penetrate.
2. Make the Glaze:
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In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
3. Assemble in Slow Cooker:
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Pour the ½ cup water or pineapple juice into the bottom of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
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Place the ham flat-side down (the cut side) in the slow cooker.
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Using your hands or a spoon, pat the glaze mixture all over the top and sides of the ham, coating it thickly.
4. Cook:
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Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
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The ham is already fully cooked, so you are essentially just heating it through and allowing the flavors to meld. It’s done when it’s heated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and the edges are caramelized.
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Optional: For extra glaze, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom once or twice during cooking.
5. Serve:
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Carefully remove the ham to a cutting board or platter (it will be fall-apart tender!).
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Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
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You can strain the delicious juices from the bottom of the pot to serve as a thin au jus sauce on the side.
Tips for Success:
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Ham Size: This method works best for half-hams or small whole hams that fit in your slow cooker. Do not exceed the capacity of your cooker.
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No Peeking: Resist lifting the lid often, as the slow cooker loses heat and increases cooking time.
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Sweetener Swap: You can use maple syrup or honey for half of the brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
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Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze if you want a more “traditional” spiced ham flavor—but that would be a 5th ingredient!
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Leftovers: This ham makes incredible sandwiches, soups, and breakfast hash.
Enjoy your incredibly easy, hands-off, and delicious ham! It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.