Brown sugar ham is so easy to make, why wait for a holiday?
Slow-cooked boneless ham is coated in a rich glaze of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup, creating a perfectly tender and flavorful dish.

Holly’s Hearty Ham Highlights
- Flavor: Brown sugar, Dijon, and maple syrup infuse the ham with slow-cooked flavors.
- Difficulty: So easy! Prep the ham, add glaze, and cook. That’s it.
- Recommended tools: A Crockpot is a must, of course. An instant-read meat thermometer is also great for determining doneness.
- Time-Saving Tip: Cook once and enjoy hot or cold brown sugar ham all week.
Crockpot Ham Ingredients
Ham: Most hams are pre-cooked so just look for one that will fit the crockpot without pressing against the sides. A spiral ham is a great option for easy serving.
Glaze: Brown sugar, Dijon, and maple syrup melt into a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the savory flavor of ham.
Recipe Variations: Swap out the maple syrup for ½ cup of orange marmalade, apricot preserves, or apple jelly for an extra sweet glaze. Pour up to ½ cup of pineapple or orange juice in the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the ham as this makes a delicious sauce for drizzling over the top.
How to Make Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham
- Place scored ham in the crockpot.
- Whisk glaze ingredients together and pour over ham (full recipe below).
- Cover and cook ham to 140°F.
- Slice and serve with juices on top.
Ham Hints and Hacks
- For perfect portions, calculate ¼ to ⅓ lb of boneless ham per person and ⅓ to ½ of bone-in ham per person.
- Score the top of the meat ⅛” across the top of the ham so the glaze cooks into the meat. Whole cloves can be pressed into the scored intersections for more depth of flavor and visual appeal.
- Test doneness with a meat thermometer. Crockpot brown sugar ham should be cooked to 140°F before resting.
- Always let meat rest before slicing. This allows the juices to recirculate back into the meat, preserving all those tasty juices.
Hearty Leftover Helpings
- Keep leftover crockpot brown sugar ham in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Enjoy ham cold in a sandwich, dice some for a frittata, or reheat slices in the microwave and serve with leftover sauce.
- Slices can be stacked between sheets of parchment paper and then placed in a zippered bag and frozen for up to two months.
Tasty Crockpot Entrees
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Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked boneless ham (about 2 pounds)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup dijon mustard or grainy mustard
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Place ham in the crock pot and score the top of the ham with a knife making a grid pattern about 1 inch apart from each other.
- Whisk together remaining ingredients until completley mixed and pour over ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until ham reaches an internal temperature of 140˚F.
- Slice and ham and serve, drizzling leftover juices on top.
Notes
- Allow ham to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to better retain the juices.
- Keep lid on during the first 2 hours in order to properly steam the ham.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ham can be frozen and will keep for 2 months in the freezer.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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