This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fireworks Glaze is the kind of easy potluck recipe that earns a spot at every summer gathering. Using cubed fully cooked ham keeps prep simple, and the slow cooker does all the work while the sweet-savory glaze turns sticky, glossy, and full of backyard cookout flavor. It is especially handy for holiday weekends when you want something hearty and crowd-pleasing ready well before everyone settles in for fireworks.
Serve this glazed ham with baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, or soft dinner rolls for an easy holiday spread. It also pairs nicely with fresh fruit, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich glaze, and leftovers are wonderful tucked into slider buns or spooned over rice.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fireworks Glaze Ham
Servings: 8
Ingredients
8 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup apple jelly
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then add the cubed fully cooked ham.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple jelly until a thick, smooth glaze forms.
3. Pour the glaze over the ham and gently stir so the cubes are evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice if convenient, until the ham is hot and the glaze is bubbling around the edges.
5. Switch the slow cooker to warm for serving, or transfer the ham to a serving dish and spoon the extra glaze over the top.
Variations & Tips
Sweeter glaze: If your family likes a sweeter holiday ham, add an extra spoonful or two of apple jelly. It melts right into the sauce and gives the glaze a little more shine.
Milder flavor for picky eaters: Use a little less Dijon mustard if you want the glaze softer and less tangy. This is a nice trick when serving kids or guests who prefer gentler flavors.
Keep it from drying out: Since the ham is already cooked, avoid overcooking. Once it is heated through and glossy, switch to warm so the cubes stay juicy for the party.
Make it potluck-friendly: This dish travels well right in the slow cooker. If you are taking it to a gathering, keep it on the warm setting and bring a large spoon so guests can serve themselves easily.
Easy leftovers: Tuck leftover glazed ham into slider buns, breakfast scrambles, grilled cheese sandwiches, or pasta salad. The sweet-savory glaze adds lots of flavor without any extra work.