Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steaks

Description

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steaks are a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or holiday gatherings. Thick-cut ham steaks are slow-cooked in a rich glaze made with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and warm spices, creating tender slices coated in a sweet and savory sauce. As the ham slowly cooks, the glaze caramelizes into a glossy coating that enhances the natural smoky flavor of the meat without drying it out. This effortless recipe requires only a few minutes of preparation before the slow cooker takes over, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests. The finished ham is juicy, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, green beans, dinner rolls, or scalloped potatoes. Leftovers are equally delicious and can be sliced for sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, omelets, or salads. Whether you’re serving a cozy family dinner or preparing a holiday feast, this slow cooker ham recipe delivers classic comfort with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients For the Ham

• 2 large bone-in ham steaks (about 2–2½ pounds total)

For the Brown Sugar Glaze

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Ham

Place the ham steaks in the slow cooker. If necessary, slightly overlap them so they fit comfortably.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cinnamon until smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Ham

Pour the glaze evenly over the ham steaks, using a spoon or pastry brush to coat every surface thoroughly.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours. Since the ham is already fully cooked, the goal is to gently heat it while allowing the glaze to develop rich flavor.

Step 6: Baste

About halfway through cooking, spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like a thicker glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced, or whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and cook until glossy.

Step 8: Rest

Transfer the ham steaks to a serving platter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9: Serve

Spoon the warm glaze generously over the ham and garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, dinner rolls, rice, or scalloped potatoes.

Tips, Notes & Q&A

Tips

• Thick-cut ham steaks stay juicier during slow cooking.
• Avoid overcooking since the ham is already fully cooked.
• Add pineapple rings during cooking for a sweet tropical variation.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked ham in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
  Q: Can I use a boneless ham instead of ham steaks?
  Yes. A small boneless fully cooked ham works well using the same glaze. Increase the cooking time if needed depending on size.
  Q: Can I make the glaze sweeter?
  Absolutely. Add a little extra honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
  Q: What side dishes pair well with glazed ham?
  Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, roasted carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, buttered corn, rice, or fresh dinner rolls are all excellent choices.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 6

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 1,180mg