Description
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Steaks are a sweet, savory, and incredibly easy family dinner made with thick slices of ham simmered in a rich, buttery honey glaze. The combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice creates a delicious sauce that coats every slice with irresistible flavor.
This comforting crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, Easter, Christmas, or holiday gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can make tender, juicy ham steaks that taste wonderful alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery green beans.
The slow cooker gently warms the ham while the sweet glaze develops a beautiful glossy finish. For extra caramelization, the finished ham can be briefly broiled before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours on LOW
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Ingredients For the Ham Steaks
- 3 thick-cut, fully cooked ham steaks (approximately 2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Thickening the Glaze
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 4–6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Arrange the Ham Steaks
Place the fully cooked ham steaks inside the slow cooker, slightly overlapping them as shown in the picture.
Arrange them evenly so the glaze can flow between the slices.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and optional cinnamon.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
Pour pineapple juice over the ham steaks.
Drizzle the prepared honey glaze evenly over each slice.
Add small pieces of butter on top and sprinkle with black pepper.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, until the fully cooked ham is heated through to 140°F (60°C) if it is in its original USDA-inspected packaging. For repackaged or leftover cooked ham, heat to 165°F (74°C).
Avoid overcooking because ham steaks can become dry.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Carefully transfer the warm ham steaks to a serving platter.
Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the sauce.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Brush the thickened glaze generously over the ham steaks.
For caramelized edges, broil briefly on an oven-safe tray for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Serve warm with extra glaze.
Tips and Notes
1. Choose Fully Cooked Ham: This recipe is designed for ready-to-eat ham steaks, not raw pork.
2. Avoid Overcooking: Slow cooking should gently heat the ham without drying it out.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar for a less sweet glaze.
4. Add Pineapple: Pineapple rings make a delicious optional addition.
5. Use Real Honey: Honey gives the sauce its beautiful golden shine.
6. Make It Ahead: Prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate until needed.
7. Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and consume within 3–4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Can I Use Spiral-Cut Ham Instead?
Yes, but cooking time depends on the size of the ham. Heat according to the product’s instructions and verify the internal temperature.
Can I Replace Honey with Maple Syrup?
Absolutely! Maple syrup creates a delicious, slightly different sweetness.
Do I Need to Add Water?
No. Pineapple juice and the glaze provide enough liquid for this recipe.
Can I Cook Ham Steaks on HIGH?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 1–1½ hours, checking the internal temperature early.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooled ham in an airtight container for up to 2 months for best quality.
Servings and Nutrition
Servings: 6
Serving Size: Approximately 5 ounces of ham with glaze
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 1,250 mg |
Nutrition varies depending on the ham brand, sodium content, and amount of glaze consumed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious honey-glazed ham steaks with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli, or buttery dinner rolls.
For a holiday dinner, pair them with green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and homemade cornbread.
Sweet, buttery, tender, and coated in a beautiful honey brown sugar glaze, these slow cooker ham steaks make an easy, comforting meal the whole family will enjoy! ❤️
