This slow cooker Mississippi-style deli ham is the kind of low-effort dinner that saves the day on a busy weeknight. It takes the familiar tangy, buttery, pepperoncini flavor profile of Mississippi-style recipes and simplifies it with sliced deli ham, so you get a tender, savory main dish with almost no prep. It is especially handy when you want something warm and comforting without dealing with a big roast or a sink full of dishes.
Serve this ham piled onto toasted sandwich buns, over mashed potatoes, or spooned over buttered egg noodles to catch all the flavorful juices. It also works really well with simple sides like green beans, roasted carrots, mac and cheese, or a crisp salad if you want to balance the richness.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Mississippi-Style Deli Ham
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds sliced deli ham
1 packet au jus gravy mix
1 stick unsalted butter
1 12-ounce jar pepperoncini, with some of the brine
Directions
1. Lightly separate the sliced deli ham and layer it evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker insert so the seasoning can spread throughout the meat.
2. Sprinkle the au jus gravy mix evenly over the ham, then place the stick of butter on top in a few pieces.
3. Pour the pepperoncini and about 1/4 cup of the brine over everything. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the ham is hot, tender, and infused with the buttery, tangy juices.
4. Gently stir or toss the ham in the cooking juices before serving, then use tongs to pile it onto buns or spoon it over your favorite side.
Variations & Tips
Make it sandwich-style: Pile the hot ham onto toasted brioche buns or hoagie rolls and add provolone or Swiss cheese for an easy, diner-style sandwich dinner.
Watch the salt level: Deli ham and au jus mix are both salty, so there is usually no need to add extra salt. If your ham is especially cured or smoky, use a little less of the seasoning packet to keep the flavor balanced.
Use the right cook time: Since the ham is already cooked and sliced thin, it does not need all day in the slow cooker. A shorter low cook keeps it tender and juicy instead of overly firm around the edges.
Add a little richness or heat: For a more classic Mississippi-style flavor, you can stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end for a slightly creamy sauce, or add extra pepperoncini if your family likes a brighter tangy kick.