Brown Sugar Ham

Name: Brown Sugar Ham (Slow Cooker)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs brown sugar; 1 (8 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham; 1 orange, sliced for garnish; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, for garnish

This slow cooker brown sugar ham uses just two ingredients—a fully cooked bone-in ham and brown sugar—to create a tender, juicy main course with a sweet caramelized glaze that develops over hours of low cooking.

⚡Slow Cooker

🌍American 🏷️Slow cooker ham 🏷️Brown sugar ham 🏷️Easter ham 🏷️Ham Pork

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Total

8h 5m

Servings

12

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$11–$18

Recipe Source

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Ingredients

2 lbs brown sugar
1 (8 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham
1 orange, sliced for garnishoptional
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, for garnishoptional

4 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Pour about half of the brown sugar into the bottom of a large slow cooker and spread it into an even layer.
2
Place the ham on top of the brown sugar.
3
Pour the remaining brown sugar over the top of the ham, pressing it gently to adhere.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
5
Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter. Spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the cooker over the ham.
6
Garnish with fresh orange slices and rosemary sprigs, if desired. Carve and serve.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Add the brown sugar gradually during the first hour of cooking so it dissolves and creates a glaze rather than burning on the bottom.
Use the slow cooker's low setting for more even cooking and better texture; high heat can dry out the exterior.
Reserve pan drippings at the end—they make an excellent glaze for serving or can be reduced into a sauce.
Let the ham rest for 10 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain juices.

Substitutions

Brown sugar → dark brown sugar (deeper molasses flavor) or light brown sugar (milder sweetness)
Fresh rosemary garnish → thyme or sage (optional, for different herb profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover ham wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven, covered, for 20–30 minutes.

Equipment

slow cooker (6–8 quart capacity recommended)

Common Questions

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless ham works, but bone-in ham adds flavor and helps retain moisture during the long cook. Reduce cooking time by 30–45 minutes if using boneless.

How long does brown sugar ham take to cook?

An 8 lb bone-in ham takes approximately 6–8 hours on low in a slow cooker, or 3–4 hours on high. Check internal temperature (140°F) to confirm doneness.