If you love fuss-free recipes that still taste like a celebration, these slow cooker brown sugar ham bites are a must-try. Inspired by the classic glazed ham many of us remember from holiday tables, this recipe transforms it into bite-sized pieces that are sweet, savory, and perfect for entertaining. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, the slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender, sticky ham bites with a rich, glossy glaze that’s irresistible. Ideal for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight treat, this dish is one you’ll turn to again and again.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham Bites
Servings: 8 as an appetizer, 4–6 as a main
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fully cooked boneless ham, cut into 1-inch cubes | 2 to 2 1/2 pounds |
| Light brown sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Pineapple juice (or apple juice) | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard) | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
- Prepare the ham: Trim excess fat if desired, then cut the ham into roughly 1-inch cubes, making sure the pieces are fairly even for uniform heating.
- Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard until mostly dissolved and smooth.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Place the ham cubes into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the ham and gently stir to coat as evenly as possible.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 1 1/2–2 hours. The ham is already cooked, so you’re warming it and letting the glaze thicken.
- Stir and reduce glaze if needed: About halfway through, gently stir the ham to redistribute the glaze. For a thicker, stickier sauce, remove the lid at the end and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Transfer the ham bites and glaze to a serving bowl or small chafing dish. Serve warm with toothpicks as an appetizer, or spoon over sides if serving as a main dish.
Variations & Tips
For a smoky twist, replace half of the pineapple juice with barbecue sauce and add a pinch of smoked paprika. For more tang, swap a few tablespoons of juice with apple cider vinegar and increase the mustard. Add 1–2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat. Spiral-sliced ham works too—just cut into strips or chunks and adjust cooking time for thinner pieces. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the ham earlier to prevent drying, and hold it on WARM before serving if needed. To balance sweetness, stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or a teaspoon of soy sauce at the end.
