Cooking a large cut of meat can take up valuable oven space during a busy meal. This crockpot maple brown sugar ham moves the main dish to the countertop. You start with a fully cooked spiral ham and heat it gently in a sweet braising liquid.
The slow cooker keeps the meat moist as it warms. The brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice blend together to create a sweet glaze that coats the slices. It takes about 15 minutes to assemble before the slow cooker does the rest of the work.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham
- Rubbing the brown sugar directly between the slices helps the sweetness penetrate the meat before the liquid is added.
- Placing the ham flat side down ensures the widest part of the meat sits in the liquid and stays moist.
- Basting the meat during the last hour of cooking builds a sticky glaze on the outside of the ham.
Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham Ingredients
- Spiral-cut ham: Choose a precooked ham that fits your slow cooker. A 7-quart or 8-quart oval slow cooker works well for this size. Discard any glaze packets that come with the meat.
- Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar also works and gives the glaze a deeper molasses flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for a rich, natural flavor.
- Pineapple juice: Bottled or canned pineapple juice both work. You can also use the juice drained from canned pineapple rings.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham
Step 1: Prepare the ham
Remove the ham from its packaging. Throw away any plastic netting or glaze packets included in the wrapper. Place the meat into a large 7-quart slow cooker with the flat side resting on the bottom.
Step 2: Add the sugar and liquids
Press the brown sugar onto the outside of the ham. Gently separate the slices and rub some of the sugar between them. Pour the maple syrup and pineapple juice over the top.
Step 3: Slow cook and baste
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the meat cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature. Open the lid during the final hour and use a turkey baster or large spoon to coat the meat with the juices from the bottom of the pot.
Storage Tips for Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger batches in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham
- If your ham is slightly too large for the lid to close tightly, cover the top of the slow cooker tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil before resting the lid on top.
- Food safety reminder: Pork whole cuts must reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest.
- Save the leftover bone to make soup or broth later in the week.
What to Serve with Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham?
Serve this with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or soft dinner rolls. A side of scalloped potatoes also pairs well with the sweet glaze.
Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham Recipe FAQs
Can I cook this on high heat?
Heating a precooked ham on high can dry out the meat. It is better to use the low setting so it warms gently.
What if I buy an uncut ham?
You can use an uncut, fully cooked ham. Score the outside in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife so the sugar and syrup can soak in.
Can I thicken the juices into a gravy?
Yes. Pour the leftover juices into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk in a slurry made of equal parts cornstarch and water, then cook until thickened.
Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Ham
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut ham bone-in or boneless, 7 to 8-pound / 3.2 to 3.6 kg
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed, 200 g
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup 120 ml
- 2 cups pineapple juice 470 ml
Instructions
- Remove the ham from all packaging and discard any included flavor packets or plastic netting.
- Place the ham flat side down in a 7-quart or 8-quart slow cooker.
- Rub the packed brown sugar all over the outside of the ham. Use your fingers to press the sugar gently into the pre-cut slices.
- Pour the pure maple syrup over the ham.
- Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the slow cooker and over the meat.
- Cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker about 1 hour before it finishes cooking.
- The ham is ready when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C).
- Carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board. Let it rest for 3 minutes before carving and serving.
