Friday, December 26, 2025

Holiday Table Hero — Just 4 Ingredients


  Imagine a holiday centerpiece that requires barely any effort, frees up your oven, and earns you rave reviews. This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham is exactly that—a foolproof, set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece. With just four pantry staples, you get a ham that’s unbelievably tender, coated in a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes to perfection. It’s the ultimate hack for a stress-free, spectacular meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

  • Effortless Elegance: 5 minutes of prep for a stunning main dish.

  • Oven-Free: Keeps your kitchen cool and frees up crucial oven space for sides.

  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet brown sugar and tangy Dijon.

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours low | Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

  • 1 (5-7 lb) bone-in ham, spiral-cut or traditional

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • ½ cup pineapple juice

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ham: Place your ham flat-side down in your slow cooker.

  2. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard until a smooth, thick glaze forms.

  3. Glaze & Cook: Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, coating it as much as possible. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the ham is heated through and fall-apart tender.

  4. Baste (Optional): For an extra flavorful crust, spoon the juices from the bottom of the pot over the ham once or twice during cooking.

  5. Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve drizzled with the incredible glaze from the pot.

Serving Suggestions & Pro Tips:

  • The Perfect Plate: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted sweet potatoes. Add a pop of green with garlicky green beans or a crisp salad. Don’t forget warm rolls to soak up the glaze!

  • Flavor Twists: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper to the glaze for a hint of heat, or stud the ham with cloves before cooking for a classic aroma.

  • Can I use a boneless ham? Yes! Reduce cooking time slightly and check for doneness after 5 hours on low.


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