This slow cooker 4-ingredient Amish ham and corn is the kind of sweet and savory dinner that feels like a hug at the end of a long day. It’s inspired by the simple farm-style meals my grandmother made every spring, when leftover holiday ham met jars of sweet corn from the pantry. Everything simmers low and slow into tender chunks of ham surrounded by bright yellow corn in a glossy, buttery broth. With just four ingredients and almost no prep, it’s a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Serve this ham and corn in shallow bowls so everyone can spoon up the golden juices. It’s wonderful ladled over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a scoop of white rice to soak up the buttery broth. Add a simple green side like steamed green beans, a tossed salad, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness. Warm dinner rolls, cornbread, or crusty bread are perfect for dipping into the savory-sweet juices. For a homier touch, finish with a light fruit salad or sliced fresh apples to keep the meal feeling fresh and not too heavy.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Amish Ham and CornServings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds fully cooked ham, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 cups frozen sweet corn kernels (or canned, drained)
1 cup apple juice or apple cider
1/4 cup salted butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
Add the corn to the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, spreading it into an even layer so it covers the base.
Place the ham chunks on top of the corn, nestling them in so the meat and corn are mixed but the ham still sits mostly above the bottom of the cooker.
Pour the apple juice or apple cider evenly over the ham and corn. This will create the sweet base for the glossy, buttery broth as it cooks.
Dot the top with the pieces of salted butter, spacing them around so they can melt down into the ham and corn and create a rich, golden cooking liquid.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the ham is very tender and the corn is soft and juicy. The broth should look glossy and lightly thickened from the melted butter and ham juices.
Gently stir the ham and corn together right before serving, making sure each scoop has plenty of ham, corn, and buttery broth. Taste and, if needed, add a pinch of salt or a small splash of extra apple juice to brighten the flavor.
Ladle the hot ham and corn into bowls, making sure to spoon some of the rich golden juices over the top. Serve warm straight from the slow cooker, keeping it on the WARM setting if your family will be eating in shifts.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly less sweet version, swap half of the apple juice for low-sodium chicken broth; you’ll still get a cozy, buttery broth but with a milder sweetness. If your family likes a little extra richness, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking to make the broth creamier. For picky eaters who prefer things plain, use a very mild ham and stick with frozen sweet corn; you can also serve the ham and corn separately from the broth so kids can control how much juice they get. To add more texture, toss in 1 to 2 cups of diced potatoes under the corn layer (no need to peel if you’re using thin-skinned potatoes), but note this will technically add another ingredient. If you’re watching sodium, choose a lower-sodium ham and unsalted butter, then season lightly at the end. A small pinch of black pepper or dried thyme stirred in right before serving gives a subtle savory note without changing the basic 4-ingredient nature of the dish. Leftovers reheat well in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of extra apple juice or water to loosen the broth; they’re delicious spooned over toast or baked potatoes for an easy second-night meal.
