Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham Steaks

Description

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham Steaks are an easy, comforting meal that delivers incredible flavor with very little effort. Thick-cut smoked ham steaks slowly cook in a rich blend of brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of pineapple juice until they become tender, juicy, and infused with a sweet-and-savory glaze. The slow cooker keeps the ham moist while allowing the glaze to caramelize into a delicious sauce that’s perfect for spooning over every slice. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or holiday meals when you want a satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve these flavorful ham steaks alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or buttered green beans for a hearty meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients For the Ham

• 6 smoked ham steaks (about 2 pounds)
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Pineapple rings
• Fresh thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a little butter.

Step 2: Arrange the ham steaks in the slow cooker, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, melted butter, garlic, black pepper, and smoked paprika until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Pour the glaze evenly over the ham steaks, making sure each piece is coated.

Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until the ham is hot, tender, and infused with the glaze.

Step 6: Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the cooking juices over the ham steaks to keep them moist and flavorful.

Step 7: For a thicker glaze, carefully transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 8: Return the glaze over the ham or drizzle it over each serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or pineapple if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Notes

• Use smoked ham steaks for the best flavor.
• Cook on LOW to keep the ham tender and juicy.
• Avoid overcooking since the ham is already fully cooked.
• Add pineapple slices during the last hour for extra sweetness.
• Leftover ham is delicious in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or fried rice.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooked ham for up to 2 months.

Q&A

Can I use bone-in ham steaks?
Yes. Bone-in ham steaks work just as well and often provide even more flavor.

Can I skip the pineapple juice?
Yes. Apple juice or chicken broth can be substituted, although pineapple juice gives the glaze its signature sweetness.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the glaze the night before and refrigerate it. Assemble everything in the slow cooker the next day before cooking.

What side dishes go well with ham steaks?
Mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, mac and cheese, cornbread, rice, or buttered dinner rolls all pair wonderfully.

Servings

Serves: 6

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 345
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 1,280mg