Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in spiral cut ham (5–7 lbs)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the Ham in the Slow Cooker

Begin by placing the bone-in spiral-cut ham flat side down into the slow cooker.

Positioning the ham flat side down helps it sit securely while cooking and allows the glaze and natural juices to collect around the meat.

2. Prepare the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, add the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.

Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

The glaze combines several different flavors: brown sugar and honey provide sweetness, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar add tanginess, while cinnamon and cloves give the ham a warm, aromatic flavor.

3. Add the Glaze

Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham.

Because the ham is spiral cut, allow some of the glaze to run naturally between the slices. Also let it flow around the bone so the flavorful mixture can work its way through the ham as it cooks.

Take a moment to distribute the glaze as evenly as possible over the exposed surface.

4. Slow Cook the Ham

Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

Cook the ham on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.

About halfway through the cooking time, baste the ham with the juices collected at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Basting helps redistribute the sweet and savory cooking juices over the ham and keeps the surface flavorful throughout the cooking process.

The ham should be tender once it has finished cooking.

5. Transfer the Ham

Once tender, carefully transfer the ham from the slow cooker to a serving platter.

A spiral-cut ham can be delicate after slow cooking, so use care when moving it to prevent the slices from separating too much.

Allow the ham to settle on the platter while you prepare the optional finishing glaze.

6. Make the Optional Reduced Glaze

For an extra-rich finish, spoon the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and simmer the liquid for 5–8 minutes.

As it simmers, the liquid will reduce and thicken into a richer glaze.

Once thickened, brush the glaze over the ham before slicing and serving.

This optional step concentrates the honey, brown sugar, mustard, and savory cooking juices, giving the finished ham a glossy and flavorful coating.

7. Slice and Serve

If needed, separate the spiral-cut slices carefully.

Arrange the ham on the serving platter and brush or spoon the optional reduced glaze over the top.

Serve the ham warm, with additional glaze available for spooning over individual portions.

Helpful Tips

Use the flat side down: This gives the ham a stable position inside the slow cooker.

Let the glaze reach the slices: Since the ham is spiral cut, allow the glaze to flow between the slices for more flavor throughout.

Baste halfway through: Spoon the juices from the bottom over the ham halfway through cooking to keep the surface coated.

Handle carefully: A fully cooked spiral-cut ham can become tender and delicate, so transfer it carefully from the slow cooker.

Reduce the glaze if desired: Simmering the cooking liquid for 5–8 minutes creates a thicker, richer coating for the finished ham.

Keep the lid closed: Avoid unnecessarily opening the slow cooker during cooking, since this allows heat to escape.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Very easy preparation: The glaze comes together in just a few minutes.
• Tender ham: Slow cooking creates a warm, tender centerpiece.
• Sweet and tangy flavor: Honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar create a balanced glaze.
• Warm spices: Cinnamon and cloves add a subtle aromatic flavor.
• Great for sharing: The recipe serves 8–10 people.
• Optional finishing glaze: The cooking juices can easily be reduced into an extra-rich topping.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham works beautifully as the centerpiece of a family-style dinner.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or other favorite vegetables. The sweet and savory glaze also pairs nicely with simple salads or fresh vegetable sides.

For a holiday-style presentation, arrange the sliced ham on a large platter and brush it generously with the reduced glaze. Add a little extra glaze around the slices just before serving.

The bone left from the ham can also be reserved for other cooking uses if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the ham on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes. The instructions provide both options: cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

Why is the ham placed flat side down?

Placing the ham flat side down provides a stable position and helps the glaze and cooking juices surround the meat.

Should I baste the ham?

Yes. The instructions recommend basting with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker halfway through cooking.

What does the Dijon mustard do?

Dijon mustard adds a savory, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.

Why add apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to the glaze, helping balance its sweetness and giving the finished ham a more rounded flavor.

Can I skip the optional glaze?

Yes. The reduced glaze is optional. The ham can be served after it is transferred to the platter, or you can use the cooking juices as directed.

How do I make the cooking liquid thicker?

Transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer it over medium-high heat for 5–8 minutes. The liquid will reduce and become a richer glaze.

Ingredient Highlights

Honey: Provides the main sweet element of the glaze and helps create a glossy finish.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a deeper caramel-like flavor to the glaze.

Dijon mustard: Brings a savory, tangy contrast to the sweet ingredients.

Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity that helps balance the overall flavor.

Cinnamon and cloves: Provide warm, aromatic notes that complement the ham.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bring the glaze ingredients together.