Slow cooker candied ham bites are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and smoky. Tender cubes of ham simmer in a buttery brown sugar glaze until they become sticky, caramelized, and irresistibly flavorful. They are an effortless appetizer for parties, holidays, game days, or any time you want a warm snack that guests can enjoy straight from the slow cooker.
These little bites are made with simple pantry ingredients, but the slow cooking process turns them into something special. The ham absorbs the sweetness of brown sugar and honey, a touch of tang from mustard, and the gentle heat of chili flakes or black pepper. As the sauce cooks down, it thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to every cube.
Ingredients
For the ham bites
- 2–2.5 lb (900–1,100 g) fully cooked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper, to taste
For garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra pineapple tidbits or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the ham
Cut the cooked ham into evenly sized cubes, about 1 inch each. Removing excess fat is optional, but leaving some fat on the edges helps create tender, juicy bites with crispy, caramelized sides. - Make the glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, soy sauce or Worcestershire, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes or black pepper. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick. - Add everything to the slow cooker
Place the ham cubes into the bowl of your slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top, then gently toss until all the pieces are well coated. Spread the ham into an even layer so it cooks uniformly. - Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 1½–2 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking. The glaze will gradually thicken, and the edges of the ham cubes will start to brown and caramelize. - Reduce the sauce (optional but delicious)
If you want the glaze even thicker and stickier, remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also transfer the sauce to a small pan and simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes, then pour it back over the ham bites. - Serve
Switch the slow cooker to WARM to keep the ham bites hot during your gathering. Serve them straight from the crock with toothpicks, or transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley or pineapple tidbits.
Serving ideas
Candied ham bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as:
- A party appetizer with toothpicks and a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping.
- A game-day snack alongside sliders, wings, and chips.
- A holiday side dish next to mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and rolls.
- A quick meal served over white rice, fried rice, or buttered noodles.
They also make amazing sandwich fillings. Tuck a few glazed cubes into soft rolls with coleslaw or pickles for sweet-and-savory mini sandwiches.
Tips for success
- Use fully cooked ham. This recipe is designed for leftover holiday ham or a store-bought cooked ham. The goal is to heat it through and infuse it with flavor, not to cook it from raw.
- Don’t skip the fat. A bit of fat on the ham keeps the bites juicy and helps them brown as the glaze thickens.
- Adjust sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet bite, reduce the brown sugar by 2–3 tablespoons or use more juice instead of honey.
- Make it spicier. Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Variations
- Pineapple ham bites: Add drained pineapple chunks directly into the slow cooker with the ham. The fruit absorbs the glaze and adds a tropical twist.
- Maple bourbon version: Replace part of the honey with real maple syrup and add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a deeper flavor (cook long enough that the alcohol cooks off).
- Garlic herb ham bites: Skip the pineapple juice and use chicken broth instead. Add dried Italian herbs and extra garlic for a savory, less sweet version.
Storage and reheating
Store leftover candied ham bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or juice if the sauce has thickened too much. They also freeze well; cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
These slow cooker candied ham bites are simple to prepare yet always impress. With their glossy glaze, caramelized edges, and rich, sweet-savory flavor, they are guaranteed to become a go-to recipe for parties, potlucks, and weeknight dinners alike.