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Ingredients You'll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its short ingredient list. You only need three ingredients, making it especially convenient when you want an easy meal.
3 to 4 Pounds Fully Cooked Boneless Ham
Use a fully cooked boneless ham and cut it into slices approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick.
Boneless ham is convenient because it's easy to slice, arrange, and serve.
Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to warm it gently while allowing it to absorb the flavors of the onions and brown sugar.
3 Large Sweet Yellow Onions
Sweet yellow onions, such as Vidalia onions, are ideal for this recipe.
As they slowly cook, they become soft, tender, and naturally sweet. They also release moisture that helps create the flavorful juices at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Slice the onions thinly from root to tip so they cook evenly.
½ Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
Brown sugar provides sweetness and helps create the delicious glaze that coats the ham and onions.
Light brown sugar works particularly well because it adds a gentle molasses flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the ham.
Pack the sugar into the measuring cup and break up any lumps before adding it to the slow cooker.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
You don't need any special equipment to prepare this easy slow cooker dinner.
Gather the following:
5- to 7-quart slow cooker
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cup
Vegetable peeler
Serving platter
Large serving spoon or tongs
A 5- to 7-quart slow cooker provides enough room to arrange the sliced onions and ham comfortably.
How to Make Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions
This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Once everything is arranged in the slow cooker, you can let it cook while you take care of the rest of your day.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Onions
Peel the three large sweet yellow onions.
Place them on a cutting board and slice them thinly from root to tip.
Separate the slices gently with your fingers so they don't remain in large clumps.
Spread the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker.
They will create a flavorful bed for the ham as everything cooks.
Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar
Measure ½ cup of packed light brown sugar.
Sprinkle it evenly over the sliced onions.
If the brown sugar contains any lumps, break them apart with your fingers before distributing it.
Try to cover the onions as evenly as possible so the sweetness is spread throughout the cooking juices.
Step 3: Arrange the Ham Slices
Cut the fully cooked boneless ham into slices approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick if it hasn't already been sliced.
Nestle the ham slices on top of the onions.
Arrange them in a mostly single layer, allowing them to overlap slightly if necessary.
The ham should sit comfortably on the bed of onions, allowing the juices to circulate during cooking.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Place the lid securely on the slow cooker.
Cook according to your preferred setting:
LOW: 5–7 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until the ham is heated through and the onions are soft and caramelized.
Because the ham is already fully cooked, avoid cooking it longer than necessary, as excessive heating can make the slices dry.
For food safety, reheat previously cooked ham to 165°F.
Step 5: Let the Ham Rest
Once cooking is complete, turn the slow cooker to WARM or switch it off.
Allow the ham to rest in the cooking juices for approximately 10 minutes.
This gives the flavors a little more time to come together and makes serving easier.
Step 6: Serve With Sweet Caramelized Onions
Carefully arrange the warm ham slices on a serving platter.
Spoon the soft, sweet onions generously over the top.
Finish by drizzling some of the flavorful cooking juices over the ham.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Ham
A few simple tips will help you get tender ham and deliciously sweet onions every time.
Choose Sweet Onions: Vidalia or other sweet yellow onions are excellent choices because they become wonderfully tender and flavorful during slow cooking.
Slice the Onions Evenly: Thin, evenly sliced onions cook more consistently and create a better texture.
Use Fully Cooked Ham: This recipe is designed for fully cooked boneless ham. Fresh, uncooked ham requires different cooking instructions and times.
Don't Skip the Onion Layer: Arranging the onions across the bottom of the slow cooker helps create a flavorful base for the ham.
Distribute the Brown Sugar Evenly: Spreading the sugar over the onions allows it to melt into the cooking juices.
Avoid Overcooking: Fully cooked ham only needs to be reheated. Cooking it longer than necessary can affect its texture and moisture.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the ham to rest in the juices for 10 minutes helps the slices stay flavorful and moist.
Spoon the Juices Over the Ham: Don't leave the delicious onion mixture behind. The cooking juices add wonderful flavor to every serving.
Easy Variations and Additions
Although the original recipe uses only three ingredients, there are several ways to customize it if you want to experiment.
Add a Little Dijon Mustard
For a slightly tangy flavor, add a small amount of Dijon mustard to the brown sugar before sprinkling it over the onions.
The mustard balances the sweetness and complements the savory ham.
Use Honey Instead of Some Brown Sugar
If you enjoy a honey-sweetened glaze, replace a portion of the brown sugar with honey.
This creates a slightly different sweetness and adds a lovely flavor to the cooking juices.
Add Pineapple
Pineapple pairs beautifully with ham.
Add a few pineapple chunks to the slow cooker if you enjoy a sweet, fruity flavor.
Keep in mind that this changes the original three-ingredient recipe.
Add Fresh Black Pepper
A little freshly ground black pepper can balance the sweetness and add a gentle savory note.
Try Smoked Paprika
For a subtle smoky flavor, sprinkle a small amount of smoked paprika over the ham before cooking.
Add Garlic
A little minced garlic can provide another layer of savory flavor that complements the sweet onions.
What to Serve With Amish-Style Ham
This sweet and savory ham pairs beautifully with many classic comfort-food side dishes.
Here are some delicious ideas:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their smooth texture is perfect for soaking up the sweet onion cooking juices.
Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add freshness and balance the richness of the ham.
Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the brown sugar and onions.
Buttered Egg Noodles: Serve the ham alongside tender noodles for a hearty family dinner.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni makes a wonderful comfort-food pairing.
Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is delicious alongside the sweet and savory ham.
Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes add a satisfying texture to the meal.
How to Store Leftover Ham
Allow leftover ham and onions to cool slightly before transferring them to airtight containers.
Store the ham together with some of the cooking juices to help maintain moisture.
Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days.
For the best quality, keep the onions and ham covered with some of the flavorful sauce.
How to Reheat Leftover Ham
The easiest way to reheat leftover ham is in a covered skillet.
Place the ham slices and some of the onion juices into a skillet over medium-low heat.
Cover and warm gently, turning the slices as needed until heated through to 165°F.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Place the ham and onions in a microwave-safe dish, add a spoonful of cooking juices, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until thoroughly warmed.
Avoid overheating because this can dry out the ham.
Can You Freeze Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions?
Yes! Leftover ham can be frozen for convenient future meals.
Allow the ham and onions to cool completely.
Transfer them into freezer-safe containers or bags, including some of the cooking juices to help prevent the ham from drying out.
Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for the best quality.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sliced ham instead of a whole boneless ham?
Yes. Thick-cut ham slices can work well. Try to use slices that are approximately ¾ to 1 inch thick so they hold their shape during slow cooking.
Do I need to add water or broth to the slow cooker?
The original recipe doesn't require additional liquid. The onions release moisture as they cook, while the ham contributes flavorful juices.
Can I use regular yellow onions instead of sweet onions?
Yes. Regular yellow onions will work, although they may have a stronger flavor and won't be quite as sweet as Vidalia onions.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes. Dark brown sugar will give the cooking juices a deeper molasses flavor. Light brown sugar provides a milder sweetness.
Can I cook this recipe on HIGH instead of LOW?
Absolutely. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, checking that the ham is heated through and the onions are tender.
Why is my ham dry?
Ham can become dry if it is cooked for too long. Since the recipe uses fully cooked ham, the goal is to reheat it gently rather than cook it from raw.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
You can slice the onions and prepare the ham ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble the slow cooker shortly before cooking.
Can I make this recipe with bone-in ham?
The original recipe calls for boneless ham, but a suitable fully cooked bone-in ham can also be used if it fits comfortably in your slow cooker. Cooking time may vary depending on its size and thickness.
What should I do with leftover sweet onions and cooking juices?
They're delicious spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or leftover ham sandwiches. You can also use them to add flavor to other meals.
Final Thoughts
This Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions is a wonderful reminder that delicious family meals don't have to involve complicated ingredients or hours of preparation.
With just three simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create tender, flavorful ham surrounded by sweet, soft onions and a rich brown sugar glaze.
It's an easy recipe for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, holiday meals, and family gatherings when you want something comforting without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, and warm dinner rolls for a meal everyone will enjoy.
And don't forget to spoon plenty of those sweet caramelized onions over every slice!
Printable Recipe Card
Amish-Style Ham with Sweet Onions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes on LOW
Servings: Not specified
Slow Cooker Size: 5–7 quarts
Ingredients
3 to 4 pounds fully cooked boneless ham, cut into ¾- to 1-inch-thick slices
3 large sweet yellow onions, such as Vidalia, thinly sliced
½ cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
Peel the sweet yellow onions and slice them thinly from root to tip.
Scatter the sliced onions evenly across the bottom of a 5- to 7-quart slow cooker.
Sprinkle the packed light brown sugar evenly over the onions, breaking up any clumps.
Arrange the thick ham slices on top of the onions in a mostly single layer, overlapping slightly if necessary.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the ham is heated through and the onions are soft and caramelized.
Turn the slow cooker to WARM or switch it off and let the ham rest in the juices for approximately 10 minutes.
Arrange the ham slices on a warm serving platter.
Spoon the sweet caramelized onions and cooking juices generously over the ham.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Use fully cooked boneless ham for this recipe.
Vidalia onions are an excellent choice because of their natural sweetness.
No additional water or broth is required.
Avoid overcooking the ham to help maintain its moisture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
For food safety, reheat leftover ham to 165°F.
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