Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense caramelized finish, you can transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet after it finishes in the slow cooker and place it under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent the sugars from burning, as they can transition from caramelized to charred very quickly. This optional step adds a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the tender, juicy interior of the meat.

If you find that your glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking process, you can carefully remove the ham and simmer the remaining liquid in a small saucepan over medium heat for several minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

This reduction process intensifies the flavor of the bourbon and brown sugar, creating a more concentrated syrup that is perfect for drizzling over the ham slices just before serving to guests.

Variations

• Spiced Bourbon Ham: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves to the brown sugar mixture for a warmer, holiday-inspired flavor profile. The spices complement the sweetness of the bourbon perfectly.
• Honey Bourbon Ham: Substitute half of the brown sugar with clover honey. This variation adds a distinct floral sweetness and an even shinier, more viscous glaze that clings beautifully to the ham slices.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water until warmed through.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, place the ham slices and the remaining glaze into an airtight container. Properly stored, the ham will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain moisture and prevent the meat from absorbing other odors present in your refrigerator, which helps preserve the delicate balance of the bourbon-infused glaze.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can prepare the ham entirely and store it in the refrigerator. To serve, gently reheat the slices in a shallow pan with a small amount of water or the reserved glaze to keep them moist. This makes it an ideal option for holiday planning, as it frees up significant time on the day of your event without sacrificing quality or taste.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a large, warmed white platter to make the deep mahogany color of the glaze stand out. Fan the slices in an overlapping circular pattern, starting from the outside and working toward the center.

This presentation makes it easy for guests to serve themselves while highlighting the beautiful texture of the spiral cuts. Drizzle a generous amount of the warm, syrupy glaze from the slow cooker over the top of the slices just before bringing the platter to the table.

Pair the ham with classic sides such as roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze. The richness of the bourbon and brown sugar pairs exceptionally well with roasted carrots or parsnips, which complement the earthy undertones of the dish.

For a more festive touch, consider garnishing the platter with a few fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, which provide a pop of color and a fresh aroma to the final presentation.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 5 lb spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 4 tbsp butter, cut into small pats

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-cut ham into the slow cooker basin, ensuring the flat side sits securely against the bottom of the insert to maintain stability during the long cooking process.
2. Evenly pack the brown sugar over the exterior of the ham using a spoon. Pour the bourbon over the sugar, then dot the top surface with the butter pats to ensure the flavors penetrate the slices as they melt.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once the time is up, use a meat thermometer to ensure the center reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before fanning the slices onto a serving platter and drizzling with the pooled sauce from the cooker.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

26 g

Sodium

1150 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.