Put Ham in a Slow Cooker with These 3 Ingredients — Holiday Vibes, Any Day

Some recipes feel like a hug on a plate — and this one brings all the warmth of the holidays without any of the stress. With just three simple ingredients, you can transform an ordinary ham into a sweet, savory, slow-cooked masterpiece that tastes like something you’d serve at a family feast.

Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a random Tuesday, this 3-ingredient slow cooker ham brings those special-occasion vibes to your table, with barely any prep required. All you need is a slow cooker and a few pantry staples — and in just a few hours, your kitchen will smell like the holidays are in full swing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Only 3 ingredients
✅ Set it and forget it convenience
✅ Crowd-pleasing flavor — sweet, smoky, and perfectly glazed
✅ Perfect for leftovers (hello, ham sandwiches!)

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The 3 Simple Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless, 4–6 lbs)

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark — your choice)

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice for a citrusy twist)

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Instructions

1. Layer the Brown Sugar

Sprinkle half of the brown sugar in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Add the Ham

Place the ham on top, flat side down if using a bone-in ham. Score the surface lightly in a crisscross pattern for extra flavor (optional but pretty).

3. Add the Juice and Sugar

Pour the pineapple juice over the ham. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the top.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until heated through and glazed. Baste occasionally with the juices if you like.

5. Slice and Serve

Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon the sweet glaze over the top before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Use spiral-cut ham for easy serving and maximum glaze penetration.

• Add a few whole cloves to the ham for a classic holiday touch.

• Swap in maple syrup or honey for part of the sugar if you want a different flavor profile.

• Don’t toss the juices — they make a fantastic drizzle for veggies or mashed potatoes.

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Serving Ideas

• Pair with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.

• Make next-day sandwiches with leftover ham, mustard, and Swiss on warm rolls.

• Dice leftovers into omelets, soups, or casseroles for bonus meals all week long.

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Final Thoughts

This 3-ingredient slow cooker ham proves that holiday-level flavor doesn’t need a dozen ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again — for holidays, Sunday dinners, or just when life needs a little comfort.

So go ahead: put ham in a slow cooker, pour on the love, and serve up holiday vibes any day of the week.

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Pro Tip: This is also a great recipe for feeding a crowd — and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!