# Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Ham
This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Ham is a tender, juicy, sweet-and-savory main dish made with a fully cooked ham and a rich homemade glaze of honey, brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and warm seasonings. As the ham slowly cooks, the glaze melts into the meat and creates a glossy, caramelized coating similar to the ham shown in the picture. The slow cooker keeps the meat moist while the garlic and honey create a flavorful sauce around the bottom that can be spooned back over the ham before serving.
This recipe works especially well for holiday dinners, Sunday meals, family gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any occasion when you want an impressive main dish without spending hours standing over the stove.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 4–5 hours on LOW
**Servings:** 10–12
**Course:** Main Dish
**Cooking Method:** Slow Cooker
## Ingredients
### For the Ham
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham, about 6–8 pounds
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons pineapple juice or orange juice
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
### Optional for a Thicker Glaze
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons cold water
### Optional Garnish
– Fresh rosemary
– Fresh thyme
– Extra honey glaze from the slow cooker
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and pat the outside dry with paper towels.
If your ham has a thick layer of fat, you can trim off some of the excess, but leave a thin layer because it helps keep the ham moist while it cooks.
If you are using an unsliced ham, use a sharp knife to lightly score the surface in a diamond pattern. Do not cut too deeply into the meat.
If you are using a spiral-cut ham, you do not need to score it.
### Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of a large 6- to 8-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Place the ham into the slow cooker with the cut side facing downward.
If the ham is slightly too large for the slow cooker, you may carefully trim a small portion so the lid can close securely.
### Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple or orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Whisk until the brown sugar begins dissolving and everything is well combined.
The glaze should be thick, glossy, sweet, slightly tangy, and aromatic.
### Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Slowly pour about two-thirds of the honey garlic mixture over the ham.
Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the glaze over the entire surface.
For spiral ham, gently separate some of the slices and allow a little glaze to drip between them. This helps flavor the inside of the ham instead of only coating the outside.
Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
### Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours.
Because most hams sold for this type of recipe are already fully cooked, you are mainly reheating the ham while allowing it to absorb the glaze.
Avoid cooking it much longer than necessary because overcooking can cause even slow-cooked ham to become dry.
### Step 6: Baste During Cooking
After approximately 2 hours, carefully open the lid.
Use a large spoon to collect some of the sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker and spoon it over the top of the ham.
Pour the reserved glaze over the ham as well.
Cover and continue cooking.
If possible, baste the ham one or two additional times before it finishes cooking.
### Step 7: Check the Temperature
The ham is ready when the center is hot and the internal temperature reaches approximately 140°F for a fully cooked ham being reheated.
Insert the thermometer into a thick section of meat without allowing it to touch the bone.
### Step 8: Make the Glaze Thicker
Carefully transfer the cooked ham to a serving platter.
Pour approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan.
Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
For a naturally reduced glaze, simmer for approximately 5–8 minutes.
For an extra-thick glaze, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir until smooth.
Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.
### Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Brush the thickened honey garlic sauce generously over the ham.
Allow the ham to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing.
Spoon additional warm glaze over individual slices when serving.
## Description
The main attraction of this recipe is the balance between salty, smoky ham and the sweet, sticky glaze.
Honey gives the surface its beautiful shine, while brown sugar helps create a deeper caramel flavor. Maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness, but it does not overpower the savory character of the ham.
Garlic is particularly important. Instead of tasting like an ordinary sweet holiday ham, the fresh garlic gives the glaze a savory background that balances the sugar.
Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar add acidity, preventing the sauce from becoming overly sweet. The small amount of smoked paprika complements the naturally smoky flavor of the meat.
During slow cooking, juices from the ham combine with the glaze at the bottom of the cooker, producing a rich sauce that becomes even better when reduced.
The result is tender slices of ham with juicy centers and a dark, glossy exterior.
## Recipe Notes
Always check the label on your ham before cooking. This recipe is designed primarily for a fully cooked ham.
The exact cooking time may vary depending on the weight and shape of the ham and the size of your slow cooker.
A spiral-cut ham absorbs more glaze because the sauce can travel between the slices.
Bone-in ham generally provides excellent flavor and presentation, but boneless ham can also be used.
If your ham is particularly salty, avoid adding any additional salt to the glaze.
Pineapple juice gives the glaze a slightly fruity flavor, while orange juice creates a brighter citrus flavor. Either works well.
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less-sweet glaze.
## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham
Do not continuously remove the slow cooker lid. Every time the lid is opened, heat escapes and the cooking process slows down.
Cook on LOW rather than HIGH whenever possible. Low heat gently warms the ham and gives the glaze more time to develop.
Make sure the lid closes properly. If the ham is too tall, trim it slightly rather than leaving the slow cooker uncovered.
Baste the ham with the cooking juices at least once during cooking.
Do not discard the liquid in the bottom of the slow cooker. It contains concentrated ham, honey, garlic, and spice flavors and makes an excellent finishing sauce.
Let the ham rest before slicing. Resting allows the juices to settle inside the meat instead of immediately running onto the cutting board.
For a more caramelized exterior, transfer the finished glazed ham to a baking sheet and broil it for approximately 2–4 minutes. Watch it constantly because the honey and sugar can burn quickly.
## What to Serve with Honey Garlic Ham
This ham works beautifully with classic comfort-food side dishes.
Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, scalloped potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, buttered corn, macaroni and cheese, dinner rolls, or a fresh garden salad.
For a holiday dinner, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and green beans create a complete and traditional meal.
The sweet glaze also pairs especially well with slightly salty or creamy side dishes.
## Storage
Allow leftover ham to cool before storing.
Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for approximately 3–4 days.
For the best texture, store a small amount of glaze with the sliced ham. The extra sauce helps prevent the leftovers from drying out.
To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish with a spoonful of glaze or broth and warm gently.
Avoid excessively high heat because reheating for too long can dry the ham.
### Freezing
Leftover ham can also be frozen.
Place sliced ham into freezer-safe containers or bags and remove as much air as possible.
Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Ways to Use Leftover Ham
Leftover honey garlic ham is extremely versatile.
Chop it and add it to scrambled eggs or omelets for breakfast.
Use thin slices for ham and cheese sandwiches.
Add diced ham to macaroni and cheese, potato soup, pasta salad, casseroles, quiche, breakfast potatoes, or fried rice.
You can also combine chopped ham with eggs, cheese, and vegetables for an easy breakfast casserole.
## Approximate Nutritional Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the ham brand, portion size, fat content, and amount of glaze consumed.
Per serving, based on approximately 12 servings:
**Calories:** 380–450
**Protein:** 30–35 g
**Carbohydrates:** 25–30 g
**Fat:** 16–20 g
**Saturated Fat:** 6–8 g
**Sugar:** 20–24 g
**Sodium:** 1,100–1,500 mg
These figures are estimates rather than exact nutritional calculations.
## Nutritional Benefits
Ham is an excellent source of protein, which helps support normal muscle maintenance and provides long-lasting satisfaction after a meal.
Pork also naturally provides several important nutrients, including B vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
It also supplies minerals including zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and iron.
Garlic adds flavor without requiring additional salt and contains naturally occurring plant compounds.
Because cured ham can be high in sodium, portion size is important, especially for people following a sodium-restricted eating plan. Serving the ham with plenty of vegetables can help create a more balanced meal.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I use spiral ham?
Yes. Spiral ham is one of the best choices for this recipe because the honey garlic glaze can flow between the slices.
### Do I need to cook a fully cooked ham?
A fully cooked ham does not need to be cooked from raw, but it should be reheated before serving. Slow cooking also gives the glaze time to flavor the meat.
### Can I cook the ham on HIGH?
You can, but LOW is recommended because it heats the ham more gently. If necessary, HIGH may take approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the size of the ham.
### Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the glaze ingredients and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Allow the glaze to come closer to room temperature before spreading it over the ham.
### Can I leave out the maple syrup?
Yes. Replace the maple syrup with additional honey or brown sugar.
### Can I make this without pineapple juice?
Absolutely. Orange juice, apple juice, or even a small amount of water can be substituted.
### Why is my glaze thin?
During slow cooking, moisture released from the ham dilutes the glaze. Simply simmer some of the cooking liquid in a saucepan after the ham is finished. For a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch slurry.
### How do I stop the ham from becoming dry?
Use a fully cooked ham, cook it on LOW, avoid cooking it longer than necessary, and baste it with the cooking juices. Keeping the slow cooker covered also helps retain moisture.
### Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup and omit the maple syrup. Keep the mustard, vinegar, and garlic because they help balance the sweetness.
### Can I make the outside more caramelized?
Yes. After slow cooking, brush the ham generously with thickened glaze and place it under the broiler for 2–4 minutes. Stay close to the oven because the sugary glaze can caramelize very quickly.
### What size slow cooker should I use?
A 6- to 8-quart slow cooker works well for most 6- to 8-pound hams. Make sure the ham fits comfortably enough for the lid to close completely.
## Final Recipe Note
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Glazed Ham is an excellent choice when you want a centerpiece that looks impressive but requires minimal hands-on cooking. The slow cooker does most of the work, while the combination of honey, brown sugar, fresh garlic, mustard, and spices creates the deep mahogany-colored glaze and juicy finish seen in the dish. Serve it warm with your favorite potatoes and vegetables, and save any leftovers for sandwiches, breakfast dishes, casseroles, or soups the following day.
