There’s something magical about a tender, honey-glazed ham that practically melts in your mouth. This Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham delivers just that—juicy, succulent meat with a caramelized crust that’s sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible. With just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas as it cooks low and slow for 3 hours.
Each bite is a perfect balance of rich, savory ham and the golden sweetness of honey, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a cozy family dinner, this ham is sure to leave everyone reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
What You’ll Need
- 7-pound ham, spiral cut (precooked or uncooked, adjust cooking time accordingly)
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard (can substitute with whole-grain mustard for a chunkier texture)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup honey (use local honey for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated for the best aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (ground cinnamon works perfectly)
- 1/3 cup water (for the slow cooker)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (for the gravy)
- 2 Tablespoons water (for the gravy slurry)
How to Make It
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the ham: Put the ham flat side down in the slow cooker. Pour 1/3 cup water around the sides and bottom to keep the ham moist during cooking.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Dijon mustard, brown sugar, honey, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisk constantly and cook for 2-5 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Glaze the ham: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker.
- Cook the ham: Cover and cook on low for 2-4 hours if your ham is precooked, or 4-6 hours if it’s uncooked. The ham is done when it’s heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Remove and slice: Carefully take the ham out of the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Slice it into portions.
- Make the gravy: Pour the ham drippings through a strainer into a medium saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the drippings over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil.
- Serve: Slice the ham and serve with the warm gravy on the side. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the honey glaze adds a sweet and savory touch to your ham, consider serving it with a side of pineapple salsa or a tangy apple cider mustard for a refreshing contrast. For a richer flavor, drizzle the ham with a brown butter sage sauce or sprinkle with toasted pecans for a crunchy finish. These additions will elevate your dish and impress your guests!
How to Serve Your Honey Baked Ham
This slow cooker ham is a showstopper for holiday dinners or family gatherings. Serve it alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a creamy mac and cheese. For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus. Don’t forget to pour that delicious homemade gravy over everything for extra flavor!
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quick fix, but be sure to add a splash of water to keep the ham moist. The gravy can be reheated on the stovetop, whisking occasionally to maintain its smooth texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
If you’re short on time, opt for a pre-cooked spiral ham to cut down on cooking time. You can also prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply pour it over the ham and let the slow cooker do the work. This recipe is perfect for hands-off cooking, so you can focus on other dishes or enjoy time with your guests!
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Ham
Can I use a bone-in ham? Absolutely! A bone-in ham will add extra flavor, just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. What if my ham isn’t spiral-cut? No problem—just score the surface with a knife to help the glaze penetrate. Can I double the glaze? Yes, doubling the glaze is a great idea if you love extra sweetness and flavor. Just make sure your slow cooker has enough space to accommodate the extra liquid.
Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
- Saucepan
- strainer
Ingredients
Ham
- 7 pound ham, spiral cut
Glaze
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Gravy
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons water
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place ham, flat side down, in the slow cooker.
- Pour ⅓ cup water around the sides and bottom of the ham.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine Dijon mustard, brown sugar, honey, nutmeg and cinnamon. Whisk constantly and cook for 2-5 minutes, or until sugar dissolves.
- Pour glaze over ham in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2-4 hours or until heated through if your ham is precooked. If it’s not precooked, it will take 4-6 hours.
- When ham is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and cut into slices.
- Pour the ham drippings through a strainer and into a medium saucepan.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water then whisk into drippings over medium-high heat.
- Continue cooking and whisking until gravy comes to a boil and reaches desired thickness.
- Serve gravy with ham.