Slow Cooker Peach Cowboy Candy Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a deeper color and more concentrated flavor, you can stir the ingredients once midway through the cooking time. This ensures that every piece of ham is evenly coated with the peach and jalapeño glaze, preventing any dry spots on the top layer. Be careful when stirring to keep the peach slices intact.

If you prefer a slightly caramelized finish, you can transfer the cooked ham and sauce to a baking sheet after the slow cooker cycle is complete. Place it under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This step adds a nice charred edge to the ham and further thickens the sauce.

Variations

• Pineapple Variation: Substitute the peaches with fresh or canned pineapple chunks. The acidity of the pineapple pairs exceptionally well with the heat of the candied jalapeños, creating a tropical twist on the classic cowboy candy flavor profile.
• Extra Spicy Variation: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture before layering. This increases the heat level significantly for those who prefer a more intense spicy kick in their glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze.

Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them into an airtight container.

Keep the ham submerged in the sauce to prevent it from drying out while stored in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, the leftovers will maintain their quality and flavor for up to three days when refrigerated.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

Prepare the dish as instructed, then allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick during storage.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, ideally accompanied by simple sides that do not compete with the bold sweet and spicy flavors. Steamed white rice, a light green salad, or roasted root vegetables make excellent pairings.

The sauce is quite flavorful, so spooning extra glaze over the rice or vegetables is highly recommended to tie the meal together.

For a casual presentation, place the slow cooker insert directly on a trivet on the table, allowing guests to serve themselves.

Provide a slotted spoon to help drain excess syrup if preferred, or a regular spoon for those who enjoy the extra sauce. Garnish with a few fresh parsley leaves if you want to add a touch of color to the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Peach Cowboy Candy Ham

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb cooked ham chunks
• 1 cup peach slices
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup candied jalapeño rings in syrup

Instructions

1. Place the chunks of cooked ham into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Evenly layer the peach slices over the ham, then sprinkle the brown sugar over the top to ensure a sweet base for the glaze.
2. Spoon the candied jalapeño rings along with their syrup over the peaches and ham. This will infuse the meat with a balance of heat and sweetness as it cooks slowly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham is hot and the sauce is thickened. Serve warm on a plate, ensuring each serving includes plenty of the peach and jalapeño glaze.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

30 g

Sodium

950 mg

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