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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Pork » Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham

by Sarah Olson on November 16, 2021 | Updated July 27, 2022 79 Comments

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You can’t go wrong with Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham for the holiday dinner. Tender ham that has a brown sugar glaze along with pineapple and a touch of dijon mustard.

You can make the entire holiday dinner in slow cookers! I make mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce in my extra slow cookers.

slow cooker with large ham in it, pineapples on top.

Why Make Brown Sugar Ham?

One bite of this recipe, and you will be in love. The combination of ham, brown sugar and pineapple is a classic, and it tastes fantastic. Make it for dinner at home or serve it at a holiday dinner and watch it disappear.

You might be wondering why to use the slow cooker when it is faster to heat it in the oven. It is quicker to heat the ham in the oven; however, using the slow cooker makes the entire process hands-off. You do not have to worry about dealing with the cooking process, and you can leave it to cook while you are busy with your day. Also, using the slow cooker helps the ham from drying out. The slow cooker keeps the moisture in the ham and gives you an incredibly tender, flavored brown sugar ham.

How to make crockpot ham:

Ingredients

ingredients for brown sugar ham on a table
  • What kind of ham? Use either a pork shoulder picnic ham, bone-in spiral cut ham or black forest ham. Though, any ham will work great. Look for 6-7 pound ham, if you get one any larger you will need to cut a piece off the smaller end of the ham for it to fit in the crockpot. Make sure your ham is “cooked“, not raw (very rare to find a raw ham, just want to be clear though that this recipe is for a cooked ham). If you are in question about if your ham is cooked or raw, ask your butcher or see this article on how to tell if your ham is fully cooked.
  • Mustard – Yellow, Dijon or stone ground. Not sure about adding mustard? Mustard adds tang to the ham and cuts down on the sweetness. Though, you can skip it if you don’t like mustard. Maille Dijon Mustard is my go to for recipes, you can find it a most grocery stores.
  • Brown Sugar – Some recipes call for many cups of brown sugar, you do not need to overdo it! Just a half-cup of brown sugar sweetens ham perfectly.
  • Pineapple – Use crushed, tidbits or rings! Any will do. I use a different kind every time I make this ham. Be sure to add the juices from the can.

Step By Step Directions

4 images showing how to top ham with mustard, brown sugar and pineapple.

Step One: Add the ham to the slow cooker; if your ham is too large, cut the smaller end off. Use that ham for breakfast later in the week.

Step Two: Spread the mustard over the ham.

Step Three: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mustard. The mustard, brown sugar, and pineapple juice will create a brown sugar glaze for the ham and simmer around it.

Step Four: Next, add the pineapple and juices. Place the lid on the slow cooker and then cook the ham for 5 hours on low. Be sure not to remove the lid and let the heat out. The short cooking time is because the ham is already cooked and needs to be warmed. You can overcook a ham, so time this correctly. When the cooking time is up slice and serve!

Warmed ham in crockpot

Sides for ham:

Ham is one of those fantastic mains that plenty of side dishes go well with; here are my favorites.

  • Slow Cooker Baked Beans – Try this! Even for the holidays, it is really a treat!
  • Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes – This recipe makes a large batch and is very decadent.
  • Slow Cooker Creamed Corn – Tastes nothing like canned! This is filled with whole corn kernels and cream cheese.
  • Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole – A holiday tradition, and easily made in the crockpot.
sliced ham with pineapple on a plate

Recipe FAQS

Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can replace the honey with brown sugar. Use 1/4 cup of honey in place of the 1/2 cup of brown sugar.

How to Use Leftovers

With a ham this size, you are bound to have leftovers. You can enjoy the leftovers cold, right from the refrigerator, or use it on sandwiches. You can use the ham in soup such as Ham and Beans or 15 Bean Soup with Ham.

Will a ham fit in my slow cooker

The first thought a lot of people have is will this ham fit in my slow cooker. If you have a 6-quart slow cooker, the answer is most likely yes. As long as the ham is around 6-7 pounds, it should fit inside your slow cooker. You can always cut one end of the ham off to make it work. (I use that piece for breakfasts).

How much ham per person?

If the ham has a bone in it, you will need to figure a 1/2 pound per person if it is boneless, 1/3 pound per person. If you are serving turkey as well, you can cut back even more. It is always nice to have leftovers or send leftovers with your guests, so don’t stress too much if you buy a larger ham.

How to reheat ham:

You can reheat the ham either in the microwave if you are heating up small amounts like slices. Another option is to reheat the slices in a frying pan. This creates a different flavor by caramelizing the glaze.
If you have a large amount of ham to reheat you can heat it in the oven, place the ham in a baking dish and add about a 1/2 inch of water. Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes per pound.

How to store ham leftovers?

Ham is one food item that can go a little longer in the fridge (longer than turkey). You can store your extra ham in ziplock bags in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to three months.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

Slice of brown sugar ham on plate with pineapple on top.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham

4.97 from 66 votes
Slow Cooker Ham with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple. A classic recipe perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 15
Calories: 492kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 6 – 7 lb. picnic pork shoulder ham, spiral ham or black forest this ham will say ready to eat, not raw and uncooked
  • 1/8 cup mustard yellow, dijon or stone ground (Maille dijon mustard is my favorite)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 20 oz. can pineapple – tidbits, crushed or rings DO NOT DRAIN
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Add the ham to the slow cooker. Spread over the mustard. Pat over the brown sugar. Now pour over the pineapple with it's juices.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours. Don't open the lid while it cooks, so heat doesn't escape.
  • Slice and serve with pineapple and juices. 
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

How much ham per person?
If the ham has a bone in it, you will need to figure a 1/2 pound per person if it is boneless, 1/3 pound per person. If you are serving turkey as well, you can cut back even more. It is always nice to have leftovers or send leftovers with your guests, so don’t stress too much if you buy a larger ham.
Can I freeze the leftover ham?
Yes, place the ham in ziplock bags, squeeze out the air. Freezer for up to three months. Thaw in fridge. Use in your favorite recipes.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Use 1/4 cup honey in place of the brown sugar for a different flavoring.
My ham will not fit in my slow cooker!
If your ham is too large, cut off the smaller end portion. Use that extra ham in a another recipe.
How to reheat ham: 
  • You can reheat the ham either in the microwave if you are heating up small amounts like slices.
  • Another option is to reheat the slices in a frying pan. This creates a different flavor by caramelizing the glaze.
  • If you have a large amount of ham to reheat you can heat it in the oven, place the ham in a baking dish and add about a 1/2 inch of water. Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes per pound.
 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 2179mg | Potassium: 578mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 3.5mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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    Filed Under: Dinner, Holidays, Pork

    Comments

    1. Shony says

      December 17, 2022 at 11:11 am

      What can I use to sustitute for the musturd?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 17, 2022 at 11:33 am

        You can leave it out.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          December 18, 2022 at 5:31 am

          Thank you!

    2. Tony says

      November 22, 2022 at 5:56 pm

      I bought an 8.87 lb. ham cuz that was the smallest the store had, will it take longer to cook and more of the recipe,

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 22, 2022 at 6:31 pm

        It will take longer. I would check to see if it fits, often I can’t get hams that big to fit, and can’t cut it down because of the bone. Just add a little more of everything, doesn’t need to be exact. It will take 6-7 hours on low.

        Reply
    3. Wanda Crabtree says

      June 15, 2022 at 3:25 pm

      This is so delicious my whole family loves it. Thank you. You have excellent taste.

      Reply
    4. Christine Lloyd says

      December 26, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner on Boxing Day. It was so easy but delicious. My grandson, age 5, said it was the best ham he has ever eaten. It really was very tasty but after a busy Christmas day I loved the simplicity. Thank you.

      Reply
    5. Michelle Grimsley says

      December 9, 2021 at 8:29 pm

      Can I use this same recipe for a Boston butt

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 10, 2021 at 8:31 am

        Yes, though a boston butt will take 7 hours on high or 10-12 on low for it is raw.

        Reply
    6. JoAnne says

      April 5, 2021 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for this recipe!For years my family has purchased Honey Baked Hams for the holidays . They were always expensive but in recent years have become way beyond our budget. I bought a 6-lb half ham for less than 10.00 and used your recipe. It was delicious and a hit with the family.This is going to be my go-to recipe for ham from now on!

      Reply
    7. Nada says

      April 2, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      Can I use a can ham. I’m going make your recipe for Easter.

      Reply
    8. Lynn says

      January 28, 2021 at 8:35 am

      Can I use bone in uncooked ham& how long?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 28, 2021 at 9:16 am

        Yes, are you sure your ham isn’t cooked 99% of all hams in the us are precooked and just need to be heated and the same time should work for your ham.

        Reply
    9. Kathie says

      December 26, 2020 at 7:12 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yea!!!! This ham is awesome. I made it for Christmas dinner and it was very moist and delicious. I will never made a ham in the oven again. Thank you so much Sarah. Keep the great recipes coming.

      Reply
    10. Kay Nettles says

      December 19, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Could I use whole cloves with this recipe?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 19, 2020 at 11:12 am

        Yes, that will work fine!

        Reply
    11. Lisa A Morse says

      December 10, 2020 at 8:40 am

      I am curious if you use the pineapple in syrup or just juice????

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 10, 2020 at 9:04 am

        In juice, but you can use either.

        Reply
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