Slow Cooker Sweet Tea Ham with Lemon Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern before adding the lemon slices. This creates more surface area for the brown sugar and tea reduction to penetrate, resulting in a more deeply flavored exterior crust that adds a wonderful texture to the final dish.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, carefully pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan after the ham is done.

Simmer the liquid over medium-high heat until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then brush this concentrated glaze over the sliced ham just before serving for a professional, glossy finish.

Variations

• Spicy Sweet Tea Ham: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture before cooking to introduce a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the tea.
• Herb Infused Ham: Tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme under the lemon slices before covering the slow cooker. The herbal notes add an earthy complexity that pairs wonderfully with the citrus and tea glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze sliced ham in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices gently in a pan with a splash of water or the reserved sauce until warmed through.

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

For best results, keep the leftover juices in a separate container and drizzle them over the meat when reheating to prevent it from drying out, ensuring the ham remains as succulent as it was on the first day.

This dish is excellent for making ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and then simply place it into the slow cooker base when you are ready to start cooking.

This makes it an ideal option for stress-free meal preparation for busy weeks or holidays.

Serving ideas

Serve the sliced ham on a warm platter, fanned out to show off the tender texture of the meat. Accompany the dish with simple sides such as roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the ham glaze and provide a well-rounded meal for your guests.

For a casual presentation, place the platter in the center of the table and allow guests to serve themselves. Provide a small bowl of the reserved cooking juices on the side so everyone can add extra flavor to their plates.

The combination of the citrus-scented meat and the sweet, savory sauce makes for a truly memorable main course.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sweet Tea Ham with Lemon

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

Ingredients

• 4 lb boneless half ham
• 2 medium lemons, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups sweet tea

Instructions

1. Place the boneless half ham cut-side down into the base of the slow cooker. Arrange the thin lemon slices evenly over the top of the ham to provide a bright citrus infusion. Generously sprinkle the brown sugar over the lemons and the sides of the ham, then pour the sweet tea carefully into the bottom of the slow cooker insert to create the braising liquid.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the ham on the low setting for approximately 4 hours. This slow, steady heat ensures the meat remains moist and absorbs the flavors of the tea and lemon. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking process to maintain a consistent temperature. Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Once the ham reaches the required temperature, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a carving board. Let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent. Fan the slices on a serving platter and spoon the reduced sweet tea sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

11 g

Sodium

1200 mg

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