Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Dijon Pulled Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the ham chunks in the pineapple juice and Dijon mustard mixture for up to two hours in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker. This step helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more seasoned final dish. Remember to always keep raw meat refrigerated during the marination process to maintain food safety and quality.

If you find the sauce needs a bit more zing, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes after shredding the ham. These additions can brighten the flavor profile and cut through the richness of the brown sugar. Always adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure the balance of sweet, savory, and acidic notes remains exactly to your personal preference.

Variations

• Spicy Dijon Pulled Ham: Add two tablespoons of hot sauce or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the ham for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Herb Pulled Ham: Incorporate four cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of dried thyme into the slow cooker to add an aromatic, savory dimension to the sweet glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of liquid until hot, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the pulled ham will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to the container to prevent the meat from drying out, and heat gently until warmed through to ensure the texture remains tender and enjoyable.

This recipe is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting for a day. You can cook the ham completely, shred it, and store it in its sauce in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it a perfect option for meal prepping or for hosting, as it requires minimal attention once guests arrive.

Serving ideas

Serve the pulled ham warm, piled high on soft brioche buns or slider rolls for a classic sandwich experience. The sweetness of the brown sugar and the tang of the Dijon mustard pair beautifully with a crisp coleslaw or a side of pickles, providing a refreshing crunch that complements the tender meat.

This dish is also excellent served alongside mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables for a heartier, more traditional dinner plate.

For a lighter serving option, consider spooning the pulled ham over a bed of fresh greens or using it as a topping for a grain bowl. The versatile flavor profile makes it suitable for various accompaniments, from simple steamed vegetables to more elaborate sides like mac and cheese.

Regardless of how you choose to present it, the combination of sweet and savory flavors ensures that this dish will be a hit at any table.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Dijon Pulled Ham

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless ham, cut into large chunks
• 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Place the chunks of boneless ham into the insert of the slow cooker. Scatter the sliced sweet onions over the top of the ham to ensure even distribution during the cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the ham and onions. In a small pitcher, whisk together the pineapple juice and Dijon mustard, then pour the mixture over the contents of the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the ham is tender enough to pull apart. Shred the meat using two forks directly in the slow cooker, incorporating the juices and onions. Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

850 mg

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