When it comes to effortless comfort food, few dishes can compete with a 2-ingredient Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham. This recipe is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients can create big flavor. Whether you’re preparing a holiday centerpiece, feeding a crowd, or just want an easy weeknight dinner with leftovers to spare, this slow cooker ham delivers tender, juicy results every time—with almost no prep.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking ham, this recipe is about to become your go-to solution. No complicated glazes, no basting every 20 minutes, and no oven space required. Just a slow cooker, a ham, and brown sugar.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ham is already cured and flavorful, meaning it doesn’t need much enhancement. Brown sugar complements the saltiness of the ham, melting into a sweet, sticky glaze as it cooks low and slow. The crockpot traps moisture, ensuring the ham stays juicy while allowing the sugar to caramelize gently.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy holidays like Easter or Christmas
- Potlucks and family gatherings
- Meal prep and leftovers
- Beginner cooks or anyone short on time
With only two ingredients, there’s very little room for error.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 fully cooked ham
You can use a spiral-cut ham, boneless ham, or bone-in ham. Sizes between 3–6 pounds work best for most crockpots.
1–2 cups brown sugar
Light or dark brown sugar both work. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
That’s it—no butter, no honey, no spices required.
Choosing the Right Ham
Because this recipe relies on the ham’s natural flavor, quality matters. Look for a fully cooked, cured ham, not a raw or fresh ham. Spiral-cut hams are especially convenient because they absorb the brown sugar glaze beautifully and are easy to serve.
If your ham is too large to fit in the crockpot, don’t worry—you can trim it slightly or gently wrap it to fit. Many people place a small ball of foil under the ham to help it sit evenly.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Add the Ham
Place the ham flat-side down into the crockpot. If it’s a spiral ham, keep it intact to help retain moisture.
Step 3: Add the Brown Sugar
Pour the brown sugar evenly over the top of the ham, pressing it gently into the surface. As the ham cooks, the sugar will melt and combine with the ham’s juices to form a rich glaze.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. The ham is ready when it’s heated through and tender.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully remove the ham, slice, and spoon the glaze from the crockpot over the top before serving.
Cooking Tips for Best Results
- Don’t add liquid. The ham will release plenty of juices on its own.
- Keep the lid on. Opening the crockpot releases heat and slows cooking.
- Avoid overcooking. Since the ham is already cooked, you’re mainly reheating it. Overcooking can dry it out.
- Use LOW, not HIGH. Slow cooking allows the sugar to melt smoothly without burning.
Optional Add-Ins (If You Want to Customize)
While the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, you can easily dress it up if desired:
- Pineapple slices or chunks for a sweet-tangy twist
- A splash of pineapple juice or orange juice for extra moisture
- A pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon for holiday warmth
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added depth
These are entirely optional—the ham is delicious as-is.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Ham
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides, such as:
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Macaroni and cheese
- Dinner rolls or cornbread
- Scalloped potatoes
The sweet glaze balances savory and salty side dishes perfectly.
Leftover Ideas
One of the best things about making ham is the leftovers. Store any extra ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Use leftovers for:
- Ham and cheese sandwiches
- Breakfast omelets or scrambles
- Ham and bean soup
- Fried rice or pasta dishes
- Ham sliders with dinner rolls
The brown sugar glaze adds extra flavor to every leftover dish.
Storage and Reheating
To store:
Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container.
To reheat:
Warm slices gently in the microwave with a spoonful of glaze, or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat.
Avoid overheating, as ham can dry out quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 2-Ingredient Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s stress-free, foolproof, and perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you’re looking for a no-fail ham recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this is it. Sometimes, simple really is best.