If you love recipes that are cozy, effortless, and crowd-pleasing, this Slow Cooker Ham is about to become your new holiday (and Sunday dinner!) favorite. I adore this recipe because it practically cooks itself, fills the whole house with a warm sweet aroma, and comes out glossy, tender, and beautifully caramelized every single time.
This ham is perfect for Christmas, Easter, potlucks, family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a stunning main dish with ZERO stress.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices (varies by ham size)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ridiculously easy — the slow cooker does all the work.
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Juicy and tender — cooking low and slow keeps the ham moist.
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Beautiful glaze — sticky, glossy, sweet, and perfect.
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Customizable flavors — honey, maple, pineapple, brown sugar… choose your style.
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Holiday-ready — looks impressive but takes almost no effort.
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Amazing leftovers — sandwiches, soups, omelets, fried rice — endless options.
Ingredients
For the Ham
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1 fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham (4–6 lbs)
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup honey or maple syrup
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¼ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
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1 cup apple juice, orange juice, or water
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2 tbsp butter
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Optional: whole cloves to stud the ham
Flavor Add-Ins (Optional But Delicious)
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1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
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½ cup crushed pineapple
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1 tbsp hot sauce for a spicy glaze
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2 tbsp soy sauce for a deeper umami touch
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham
1. Prepare the Ham
Place the ham flat-side down in the slow cooker. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, trim slightly or lean it on its side — it will settle as it cooks.
2. Make the Glaze
Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, butter, and juice in a bowl.
Pour this mixture all over the ham, making sure it coats well.
3. Slow Cook
Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender.
Baste it once or twice with the juices for extra flavor.
4. Optional: Broil for a Caramelized Finish
Transfer ham to a baking tray.
Brush with extra glaze and broil for 3–5 minutes until shiny and caramel-brown.
5. Serve
Slice, drizzle with warm glaze from the slow cooker, and enjoy immediately.
Serving Suggestions
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With mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
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On a festive dinner table with cranberry sauce
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Sliced into sliders with mustard and pickles
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With mac and cheese for a comforting meal
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On a charcuterie board with cheese and fruit
Tips & Customizations
Make It Sweet & Fruity
Add pineapple juice or peach preserves to the glaze.
Make It Spicy
Stir in chili flakes, sriracha, or chipotle paste.
Make It Smoky
Add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
Extra Moist Ham
Add an extra ½ cup juice or water to the slow cooker.
Want a Thicker Glaze?
Simmer the leftover juice in a saucepan for 5 minutes until syrupy.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 220–280
Protein: 18–22g
Fat: 10–14g
Carbs: 12–18g
(Varies based on glaze and ham type.)
FAQs
Q. Do I need to remove the rind?
Only if your ham has a very thick outer layer. Removing it helps glaze stick better.
Q. Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes! It absorbs flavors even better. Just reduce cook time slightly.
Q. Can I cook it on HIGH?
Yes — 2–3 hours, but LOW gives the best texture.
Q. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Cook, refrigerate, then warm gently in the slow cooker or oven.
Q. What can I do with leftovers?
Ham fried rice
Ham sandwiches
Ham + cheese omelet
Ham soup
Ham pasta
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a recipe that’s foolproof, flavorful, and festive, this Slow Cooker Ham is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special without any complicated steps. Try it once, and you’ll come back to it every holiday — and many cozy weekends, too!
