Description

Craving a tender, flavorful ham that practically cooks itself? Slow Cooker Ham transforms a cured, bone-in picnic ham into a succulent centerpiece with a sweet brown sugar glaze, all with minimal effort. This recipe yields 24 servings, perfect for holiday feasts, large gatherings, or leftovers

Ingredients

Scale

Slow Cooker Ham uses just two ingredients for a flavorful, fuss-free result. Here’s what you’ll need for 24 servings:

2 cups packed brown sugar: Creates a sweet, caramelized glaze.
1 (8-pound) cured, bone-in picnic ham: Juicy, savory base that’s easy to prepare.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Picnic Ham: Cured and bone-in for rich flavor and tenderness; perfect for slow cooking.
Brown Sugar: Melts into a sticky, sweet glaze that complements the savory ham.

Substitutions and Variations

Brown Sugar: Swap with 1 ½ cups maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness; reduce to 1 cup for less glaze.
Picnic Ham: Use a bone-in shoulder ham or spiral-cut ham (check size to fit slow cooker); adjust cooking time for smaller hams (6-7 pounds, 6-7 hours).
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; confirm ham is gluten-free (most cured hams are).
Flavor Variations:
- Spiced Slow Cooker Ham: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or cloves to the brown sugar.
- Maple-Mustard Ham: Mix ¼ cup Dijon mustard with 1 cup maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Pineapple-Glazed Ham: Add ½ cup crushed pineapple or pineapple juice to the slow cooker.
- Spicy Slow Cooker Ham: Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes with the brown sugar.
- Herb-Infused Ham: Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary to the glaze.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 (8-pound) cured, bone-in picnic ham.
Ensure the ham fits in your slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended); trim if needed.

Tip: Check slow cooker size; a picnic ham is typically wider than a spiral ham, so trimming may be necessary.

Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker

Spread 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Place the ham flat side down on the brown sugar.
Rub the remaining ½ cup brown sugar over the top and sides of the ham.

Tip: Press brown sugar firmly to adhere; ensure ham is centered for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 8 hours, until the ham is tender and heated through (internal temperature should reach at least 140°F/60°C for pre-cooked ham).

Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat; no basting is needed as the sugar melts into a glaze.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Serve hot, about ⅓ pound per serving, with glaze spooned from the slow cooker.

Tip: Slice against the grain for tenderness; reserve glaze for drizzling or dipping.