Tender, sweet, and impossibly juicy, this slow cooker ham is the ultimate fuss-free centerpiece for your holiday feast or Sunday supper.
Simmered in a rich brown sugar and honey glaze, the spiral-cut ham absorbs deep flavor with minimal effort and maximum reward.
What You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Ham
- Bone-in spiral cut ham (8 lb.) – The star of the show; pre-sliced for easy serving and perfect for absorbing flavor from the glaze.
- Brown sugar (½ cup) – Brings a deep molasses sweetness that caramelizes as it cooks.
- Honey (½ cup) – Adds floral notes and balances the saltiness of the ham with sticky sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (¼ cup) – Cuts through the sweetness with a tangy bite that enhances the overall glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon) – Offers subtle warmth and a touch of holiday spice.
- Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon) – Adds depth and earthiness that complements both the meat and the glaze.
- Water (½ cup) – Helps to dissolve the glaze ingredients and ensures moisture during the slow cooking process.
How to Make This Irresistible Slow Cooker Ham
Start by placing the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker, trimming if needed to fit snugly with the lid closed.
Next, make the glaze by heating the brown sugar, honey, mustard, spices, and water until smooth and glossy. Pour it generously over the ham.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, basting occasionally for maximum flavor infusion. Once done, the ham should reach an internal temp of 140°F.
For an optional finishing touch, reduce the leftover glaze on the stovetop to a syrupy consistency and drizzle over the ham before serving.
Pro Tips to Make Your Slow Cooker Ham Shine
For even cooking, make sure the ham fits well inside your slow cooker—trim a portion if necessary, then tuck it alongside the main cut. Basting once per hour helps layer on flavor and keeps the ham juicy throughout.
Using Dijon mustard might seem unusual, but it balances the sweetness with a tang that keeps the glaze from being cloying. For an extra depth of flavor, swap in maple syrup for half the honey or use a touch of apple cider in place of water.
For a beautifully browned top, pop the cooked ham under the broiler for 2–3 minutes just before serving. The glaze will caramelize and add a gorgeous finish.
How to Store and Reheat Your Slow Cooker Ham
Cool any leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
To freeze, slice the ham and store it with a bit of glaze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to four months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Leftover ham also makes incredible sandwiches, soups, and breakfast scrambles—don’t let a single slice go to waste!
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 8 lb. bone-in spiral-cut ham
- ½ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup dijon mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Position the ham inside the cooker with the cut side facing downward. Place the lid on top to confirm that the ham fits snugly; if the lid doesn’t close properly, trim a small portion from the top of the ham and nestle it beside the main portion.
- In a medium saucepan, blend together the brown sugar, honey, water, dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved, approximately 5 minutes. Evenly pour this glaze over the ham.
- Secure the lid and set the cooker to LOW. Let the ham cook undisturbed for 4 to 6 hours, spooning the juices over the meat once every hour during the cooking process. Ensure the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 140°F (60°C) before serving.
- For a thicker glaze, pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until it reaches the desired consistency.
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