Ingredients
Serves 10–12 as appetizer
2 to 2½ lbs (900–1,130 g) fully cooked boneless ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
(Choose honey-glazed or smoked—avoid overly salty “deli” ham)
1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
(Dark brown adds molasses depth; light yields brighter sweetness)
½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened pineapple juice
(Or apple juice for milder flavor—no “pineapple drink” with added sugar)
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
(Grey Poupon or Maille—adds tang and emulsifies the glaze)
→ Sub yellow mustard for milder heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
Trim excess fat (a thin rim is fine—adds flavor).
Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes—critical for even glazing.
Pat dry with paper towels (helps glaze adhere).
2. Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon until smooth and syrupy (1–2 min). Sugar won’t fully dissolve—but that’s okay; it melts in the cooker.
3. Layer & Cook
Place ham in a 4–6 qt slow cooker. Pour glaze over top.
Gently stir 2–3 times—just to coat (don’t overmix; breaks ham).
Cover. Cook on LOW 3–4 hours (ideal for tender, juicy bites) or HIGH 1.5–2 hours (faster, slightly firmer texture).
4. Thicken (Optional but Recommended)
At 2.5 hours (LOW) or 1 hour (HIGH), stir gently to redistribute glaze.
For sticky, spoonable sauce: Uncover, cook on HIGH 15–20 min more, stirring once. Glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Serve Warm
Transfer to a chafing dish or shallow bowl.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or orange zest.
Serve with toothpicks—elegant and mess-free.
Tips for Perfect Gravy
(Note: This is the gravy—but for a bourbon-caramel drizzle, simmer 2 Tbsp glaze + 1 Tbsp bourbon 2 min. Cool slightly; drizzle over ham.)
Serving Suggestions
On a rustic wooden board with cornichons and Dijon
Skewered with pineapple chunks and marinated cherries
Over buttermilk biscuits for a savory-sweet slider
Paired with sparkling cider or dry Riesling
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate (in glaze) up to 4 days. Reheat gently in slow cooker or 350°F oven 15 min.
Freeze (without glaze) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight; reheat with fresh glaze.
Do not freeze in glaze—sugar crystallizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned ham?
Not recommended—too salty and spongy. Use deli-style or shank/center-cut ham.
No pineapple juice?
Sub apple cider or ¼ cup orange juice + ¼ cup water.
Make it spicier?
Add ½ tsp smoked paprika or 1 minced chipotle in adobo to the glaze.
Allergy Information
Contains: Pork, soy (in most ham—check label).
Gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free.
Nutrition Facts
(Per ¼-cup serving, 1 of 24)
Calories: 90 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g (sat 1g) | Carbs: 8g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 7g | Sodium: 420mg
Final Thought
There’s magic in the simplicity—how four humble ingredients, given time and warmth, transform into something deeply comforting, deeply shared. As steam rises from the slow cooker, carrying the scent of brown sugar and spice, you’ll understand: this dish isn’t about impressing.
It’s about gathering.
It’s about the quiet pride in a recipe that’s stood the test of time—and the joy of watching it vanish, bite by perfect bite, into the hands of those you love.
So set the cooker. Stir once. And savor the kind of holiday magic that needs no fanfare—just a toothpick, and a full heart.
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