Christmas Appetizer Favorite
ADVERTISEMENT
Looking for a savory-sweet dish that’s comforting, nostalgic, and ridiculously simple? These Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham Bites are the answer. Inspired by the holiday glazed ham but reimagined into tender, bite-sized morsels, they deliver rich, salty-sweet flavor with just four ingredients—and zero stress.
ADVERTISEMENT
No roasting. No basting. No babysitting. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and return to glossy, sticky, fork-tender bites that vanish at game days, holiday parties, or weeknight dinners.
ADVERTISEMENT
Christmas Appetizer Favorite
(Serves 6–8 as a main, 10–12 as an appetizer)
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 lbs | Fully cooked boneless ham | Cut into 1½-inch cubes (spiral-cut, deli ham steaks, or leftover holiday ham) |
| 1 cup | Light brown sugar | Packed |
| ½ cup | Apple cider vinegar | Or pineapple juice for a milder tang |
| ¼ cup | Dijon mustard | Or whole grain mustard for texture |
Pro Tips 💡
- Skip honey ham or pre-glazed ham—they’re too sweet and may burn.
- Cut cubes evenly so they cook uniformly and hold their shape.
- Don’t drain the fat—it enriches the glaze with flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep & Combine
- Place ham cubes in a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, vinegar, and mustard until smooth.
- Pour over ham and toss gently to coat.
- Cook Low & Slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours.
- Stir once halfway through to redistribute the glaze.
- Remember: ham is already cooked—you’re just warming and glazing.
- Serve with Style
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer bites to a serving dish, leaving excess liquid behind.
- (Optional: reduce leftover liquid on the stove for a thicker glaze.)
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for color.
Serving Ideas That Shine
- As an Appetizer:
Serve in a cast-iron skillet with toothpicks. Pair with cheddar cubes, dill pickles, and buttery crackers for a DIY ham & cheese board. - As a Main Dish:
Spoon over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice to soak up the sauce. Top with crispy fried onions for crunch. - As Sliders:
Tuck into brioche slider buns with coleslaw. Drizzle with extra glaze for indulgence.
Perfect Pairings
🥗 Vinegar-based slaw (balances the sweetness)
🥦 Roasted green beans with garlic
🥬 Crisp green salad with mustard vinaigrette
