Description of this recipe
This 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Ham is the definition of effortless comfort food. With just a fully cooked spiral ham and brown sugar, this recipe transforms a simple cut of meat into a tender, juicy, and flavor-packed main dish that tastes like it has been carefully tended to for hours.
As the ham slowly cooks, the brown sugar melts and caramelizes, creating a rich, sweet glaze that seeps into every slice. The natural juices of the ham combine with the sugar to form a sticky, savory-sweet coating that enhances the meat’s flavor without overpowering it. The result is a perfectly balanced dish with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a beautifully glazed finish.
This recipe is perfect for holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, but it is also simple enough to prepare for weekly meals or meal prep. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy cooks who still want a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Why you will love this recipe
You will love this recipe because it requires only two ingredients and almost no prep work, yet delivers incredibly rich and comforting flavors. It is practically foolproof, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a stress-free cooking experience.
The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ham to become incredibly tender while soaking up the sweet brown sugar glaze. It is also versatile—you can serve it as a centerpiece for a holiday feast or use leftovers in sandwiches, salads, or breakfast dishes.
Another reason to love this recipe is how well it feeds a crowd. With minimal cost and effort, you can create a dish that satisfies many people and leaves you with delicious leftovers.
Ingredients:
1 (8 lb) bone-in spiral sliced ham (fully cooked)
2 cups brown sugar, divided
Preparation:
step 1
Begin by preparing your slow cooker. Pour 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar evenly across the bottom. This creates a sweet base that will melt and form a rich glaze as the ham cooks. Make sure the sugar is spread out to avoid clumping.
Step 2:
Place the spiral sliced ham into the slow cooker, positioning it flat side down if possible. This helps the ham sit evenly and absorb the caramelized sugar more effectively. If the ham is large, you may need to trim slightly or adjust it to fit securely inside the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the ham. This top layer will melt down during cooking, coating the surface and seeping into the slices for maximum flavor.
Step 4:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for about 8 hours. During this time, the ham will heat through, become incredibly tender, and absorb the sweet glaze. If you are short on time, you can cook it on low for 5 to 6 hours, but avoid high heat to prevent drying out the meat.
Step 5:
Once the ham is fully heated and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Slice or shred the meat as desired, then return it to the slow cooker juices. Let it soak briefly so the meat absorbs even more of the flavorful glaze before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this slow cooker ham as the centerpiece of a holiday meal alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans. It also pairs wonderfully with dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up the sweet juices.
For everyday meals, use the ham in sandwiches, wraps, or breakfast dishes like omelets and hash. The sweet and savory flavor makes it incredibly versatile for leftovers.
You can also serve it with a simple salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips:
Choose a high-quality spiral ham for the best results, as the slices allow the glaze to penetrate deeply. If your ham is too large for your slow cooker, you can trim it slightly or cut it into sections.
Avoid adding extra liquid, as the ham will release its own juices during cooking. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent heat.
For a slightly more complex flavor, you can add a pinch of spices like cinnamon or cloves, though the recipe is designed to shine with just two ingredients.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
8 hours
Total Time:
8 hours 5 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 360 per serving
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 1100mg
Conclusion
This 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Ham is proof that simple recipes can deliver extraordinary results. With minimal preparation and just a slow cooker, you can create a dish that is tender, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are preparing a holiday feast or looking for an easy meal solution, this recipe offers convenience without sacrificing taste. The caramelized brown sugar glaze elevates the ham into a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Once you try this method, it is likely to become your go-to way of preparing ham, thanks to its simplicity and consistently delicious results.
Questions and Answers about this recipe
- Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham. However, bone-in ham tends to be more flavorful and juicy during slow cooking. - Do I need to add any liquid to the slow cooker?
No, additional liquid is not necessary. The ham releases its own juices as it cooks, which combine with the brown sugar to form a glaze. - Can I cook this on high instead of low?
It is not recommended to cook on high, as it can dry out the ham. Low and slow cooking ensures the best texture and flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. - What can I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, soups, omelets, casseroles, or even added to pasta dishes for extra flavor.
