This Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham delivers a sweet, sticky crust and tender meat with minimal effort. The slow cooker does the work, making it perfect for holidays or Sunday dinner. You’ll love this honey glazed ham for its juicy flavor and hands-off cooking.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
- Hands-off cooking: Walk away for hours while it cooks.
- Next-level juiciness: Gentle steam keeps it tender and succulent.
- Flavor powerhouse glaze: Sweet, spicy, and glossy with a perfect crust.
- Frees oven space: Cook sides while the ham slow cooks.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 (approx. 3-4 lb) fully cooked, bone-in half ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice or apple juice
Tools: 6-quart or larger slow cooker, small saucepan, sharp knife, pastry brush
Notes: A bone-in ham provides more flavor than boneless. The ham is fully cooked, so we’re just warming and glazing it.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 280 kcal |
| Protein: | 25 g |
| Fat: | 10 g |
| Carbs: | 22 g |
| Fiber: | 0 g |
Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours on Low | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- What kind of ham should I buy? Look for a “fully cooked,” “bone-in” half ham, preferably spiral-cut. The bone adds immense flavor, and the spiral cuts allow the glaze to seep into every nook and cranny. A fully cooked ham is essential for food safety in a slow cooker.
- Can I adjust the glaze sweetness? Absolutely. If you prefer a less sweet ham, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly. For a tangier kick, add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard. The glaze is very forgiving, so feel free to taste and tweak as you whisk it together.
- Why the juice in the bottom of the slow cooker? That quarter cup of pineapple or apple juice isn’t just for flavor—it creates a steamy environment that keeps the ham incredibly moist from the bottom up and provides a delicious base for any pan juices or gravy you might want to make later.
- Don’t skip the scoring. If your ham isn’t pre-scored, taking a sharp knife to create a diamond pattern on the fat cap is a game-changer. It gives the glaze more surface area to cling to and creates those beautiful, caramelized edges that are the hallmark of a great glazed ham.
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Step 1: First, prepare your ham. If it’s not pre-spiral cut, use a sharp knife to score the fat cap in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4-inch deep. This isn’t just for looks—it helps the glaze penetrate and creates more of those delicious, crispy bits. Place the ham, flat-side down, directly into your slow cooker. Pour the pineapple or apple juice into the bottom of the cooker, around the ham. This little pool of liquid will steam up and keep the very bottom of the ham from drying out, adding a subtle fruity note to the overall aroma.
Step 2: Now, let’s make that glorious glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Whisk it together as it heats up. You’ll notice the brown sugar will dissolve and the mixture will start to bubble slightly around the edges. Let it simmer gently for just 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth and fragrant. The smell is incredible—warm, spicy, and sweet all at once.
Step 3: It’s glazing time! Using a pastry brush, generously brush about two-thirds of the warm glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into all the scored lines and spiral cuts. You want a good, thick coating. The warmth of the glaze will help it spread easily and start to seep into the meat right away. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker.
Step 4: Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 3-4 hours. I don’t recommend the high setting, as it can cause the exterior to toughen before the inside is properly warmed through. The low and slow method is key for that fall-apart tenderness. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, you’ll do a final glaze. Carefully remove the lid (watch for steam!) and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. This second layer will create a beautiful, dark, and sticky crust. Pop the lid back on for the final half hour of cooking.
Step 5: The ham is ready when it’s heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 140°F and the glaze is beautifully caramelized. To serve, carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Don’t forget to pour those amazing, concentrated juices from the bottom of the slow cooker into a gravy boat—they are liquid gold to drizzle over the sliced ham or mashed potatoes!
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store sliced ham in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months in freezer bags.
- Reviving: Reheat gently in a covered dish with a splash of juice or broth.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- Classic Scalloped Potatoes — The creamy, cheesy sauce is a perfect textural contrast to the sweet, salty ham.
- Garlic Roasted Green Beans — A simple, savory side that adds a fresh, crisp element to the rich plate.
- Homemade Buttery Rolls — Essential for sopping up every last bit of that incredible honey glaze and pan juices.
Drinks
- A Crisp Chardonnay — Its bright acidity and slight oakiness cut through the fat and sweetness of the ham beautifully.
- Sparkling Apple Cider — A non-alcoholic option that mirrors the fruity notes in the glaze and adds a festive fizz.
- Dark & Stormy Cocktail — The ginger beer and dark rum provide a spicy kick that stands up to the robust flavors.
Something Sweet
- Warm Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream — The warm spices in the pie are a natural extension of the cinnamon and clove in the ham glaze.
- Lemon Pound Cake — A slice of this bright, dense cake offers a lovely, tart finish that cleanses the palate.
- Simple Berry Trifle — The lightness of the berries and cream is a refreshing end to a rich and satisfying meal.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a ham that’s too large for your slow cooker. If the ham is pressed tightly against the sides and lid, it won’t cook evenly and the glaze can become messy. A 3-4 lb half ham is usually the perfect size for a standard 6-quart model.
- Applying all the glaze at the beginning. I’ve messed this up before too… if you use all the glaze at the start, the sugars can burn over the long cooking time. Saving a portion for that final 30 minutes ensures a perfect, un-burnt, glossy finish.
- Skipping the liquid in
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Make the perfect Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham with minimal effort. This easy recipe yields a juicy, tender ham with a sweet, sticky glaze. Get the recipe now!
Ingredients
For the Ham and Glaze
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1 fully cooked, bone-in half ham (approx. 3-4 lb)
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1/2 cup honey
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1/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
-
1/4 cup pineapple juice or apple juice
Instructions
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First, prepare your ham. If it’s not pre-spiral cut, use a sharp knife to score the fat cap in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4-inch deep. Place the ham, flat-side down, directly into your slow cooker. Pour the pineapple or apple juice into the bottom of the cooker, around the ham.01
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Now, let's make that glorious glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Whisk it together as it heats up. Let it simmer gently for just 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth and fragrant.02
-
It's glazing time! Using a pastry brush, generously brush about two-thirds of the warm glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into all the scored lines and spiral cuts. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker.03
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Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, you’ll do a final glaze. Carefully remove the lid and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Pop the lid back on for the final half hour of cooking.04
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The ham is ready when it's heated all the way through to an internal temperature of 140°F and the glaze is beautifully caramelized. To serve, carefully transfer the ham to a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Pour those amazing, concentrated juices from the bottom of the slow cooker into a gravy boat.05
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