Dinner gets easier with this slow cooker glazed ham. A fully cooked ham simmers gently in a sweet and tangy glaze until the meat turns tender and juicy. It needs very little hands-on time, so you can focus on the rest of your meal.
The flavor is sweet, a little smoky, and slightly tangy from the mustard. The outside becomes sticky and caramelized, while the inside stays moist. It works well for holidays, Sunday dinners, or a relaxed weeknight meal.
This recipe is beginner friendly. Your main jobs are mixing the glaze and setting the timer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal hands-on time
- Juicy and tender every time
- Budget-friendly cut that feeds a crowd
- Sweet, savory glaze the whole family enjoys
- Easy to scale up or down
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked boneless ham, about 4 to 5 pounds
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice, or apple juice as a substitute
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, optional
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves, optional
Helpful Ingredient Notes
- Check the label. Fully cooked hams only need reheating.
- Dijon adds depth, but yellow mustard also works.
- Pineapple juice adds gentle sweetness and keeps the ham moist.
Kitchen Equipment
- Slow cooker, 6-quart or larger
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Trim the rind or excess fat from the ham if needed, so it fits the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth and pourable.
- Place the ham cut side down in the slow cooker. Pour about half the glaze over the top and sides.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the ham reaches 140 degrees F in the thickest part.
- Spoon the pan juices over the ham every hour. The surface should look glossy and darken slightly.
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Pour the remaining juices into a small saucepan. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened, then spoon over the slices.
Expert Tips
- Avoid overcooking: Check the internal temperature early, since slow cookers vary.
- Fit the ham: Trim it slightly if the lid does not close easily.
- Make it richer: Stir a spoonful of molasses into the glaze for deeper flavor.
- Save time: Mix the glaze the night before and refrigerate it in a jar.
Variations
- Maple Glaze: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Kid Friendly: Skip the cloves and cinnamon for a milder taste.
- Lower Sugar: Use half the brown sugar and add a little extra mustard for tang.
What to Serve With
- Mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles
- Green beans with garlic
- Honey cornbread
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Iced tea or sparkling apple cider
- Apple crisp or vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices gently in a covered pan with a splash of water until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bone-in ham?
Yes. Bone-in hams work well, but they may need a little more time. Always check the internal temperature.
Do I need to thaw a frozen ham first?
Yes. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator before cooking for even heating.
Can I cook the ham on high?
You can, but low heat keeps the meat more tender. Check the temperature after 2 hours on high.
Why is my glaze too thin?
Simmer the juices in a saucepan for a few minutes. They thicken as they reduce.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook the ham, slice it, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a little glaze before serving.
Is it safe to slow cook a fully cooked ham?
Yes, as long as it reaches 140 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm.
Nutrition
Approximate values per serving of about 4 ounces:
- Calories: about 320
- Protein: about 26 g
- Fat: about 14 g
- Carbs: about 20 g
- Fiber: about 0 g
- Sugar: about 18 g
- Sodium: about 1,100 mg
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
Conclusion
This slow cooker glazed ham is a simple way to bring comfort and sweetness to your table. Give it a try this weekend and see how easy it can be. Leave a comment to tell me how it turned out, and rate the recipe if you enjoyed it. Browse more recipes on our site for your next family dinner.
