Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Imagine the sweet, sticky aroma of honey and brown sugar caramelizing around a tender, juicy Slow Cooker Glazed Ham that practically melts in your mouth with each bite. This holiday-worthy centerpiece delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both special occasions and Sunday family dinners. The magic happens when your slow cooker transforms an ordinary ham into an extraordinary feast, with a glaze that creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory. You’ll learn how to prepare a foolproof Slow Cooker Glazed Ham that will have everyone asking for seconds, along with tips for customizing the glaze and serving suggestions that will elevate your entire meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Glazed Ham recipe will quickly become your go-to for holiday gatherings and family dinners. First, the hands-off cooking method frees up your oven and your time – simply set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. The contrast between the sticky, caramelized exterior and the juicy, tender interior creates a textural symphony that’s impossible to resist.

The sweet glaze develops complex flavors as it slowly simmers with the ham, infusing every slice with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Each bite offers that satisfying combination of succulent meat with a lacquered, flavor-packed crust. Even better, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and flexible, allowing you to customize the glaze ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

For busy hosts, this crock pot glazed ham is a dream come true – it requires minimal preparation, creates maximum impact, and leaves you free to focus on side dishes or simply enjoying your guests’ company. The slow cooking process also ensures the ham stays moist and tender, eliminating the common problem of dried-out ham that can happen with oven baking.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Glazed Ham, you’ll need:

• 1 (7-8 pound) spiral-cut ham (fully cooked)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (200g)
• 1/3 cup honey (110g)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (60ml)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup water (60ml)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the glaze, optional)

The spiral-cut ham is key as it allows the glaze to penetrate between the slices, flavoring the meat throughout. Choose a ham that fits your slow cooker comfortably – you may need to trim it slightly if it’s too large. The combination of brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup creates a multi-layered sweetness, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. The warm spices add depth and complexity to your honey glazed ham in the slow cooker, elevating it beyond basic recipes.

Pro Tips

Prep Your Slow Cooker Properly
For the best results with your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham, line your slow cooker with a large piece of aluminum foil before adding the ham. This makes cleanup much easier and helps when it’s time to lift the ham out. Create a foil “sling” by laying two long sheets of heavy-duty foil perpendicular to each other in the slow cooker, with enough excess to hang over the edges. This creates handles for easy removal later.

Baste Frequently for Maximum Flavor
While the slow cooker does most of the work, opening the lid every hour to baste the ham with the collecting glaze makes a significant difference in the final result. Use a large spoon or ladle to scoop up the liquid from the bottom and pour it over the ham, focusing on getting it between the slices. This ensures the glaze penetrates deeply into the meat, creating layers of flavor throughout your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham.

Create a Caramelized Finish
For that picture-perfect, caramelized exterior that makes a Slow Cooker Glazed Ham so irresistible, transfer the ham to a baking sheet after it’s done cooking. Brush it with some of the thickened glaze (reduce the slow cooker liquid if needed) and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until bubbling and slightly darkened. Watch it closely to prevent burning – this final step creates a beautiful presentation and adds a delightful textural contrast.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Begin by checking that your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker. If needed, trim a small portion from the bottom or sides to ensure the lid can close properly. Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil as described in the pro tips, creating a sling that will help you remove the ham later. Place the spiral-cut ham cut-side down in your prepared slow cooker. This orientation helps the ham retain moisture during the cooking process.

Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a thick, pourable consistency. This sweet and spiced combination will transform into the signature glaze that makes your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham so special. Pour about half of this mixture over the ham, ensuring some gets between the slices. Reserve the remaining glaze mixture for basting during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. Cook the ham for 4-5 hours for a 7-8 pound ham. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the exact size of your ham. Remember that the ham is already fully cooked – you’re simply warming it through and allowing the flavors to develop. Every hour, carefully open the lid and baste the ham with the accumulated juices from the bottom of the slow cooker, which will be enriched with the glaze and the ham’s natural juices.

Step 4: Add Remaining Glaze
About halfway through the cooking time, pour the remaining glaze mixture over the ham and continue to cook. This second addition of glaze ensures maximum flavor development throughout the cooking process. Continue basting hourly for the best results.

Step 5: Thicken the Glaze (Optional)
When the ham is finished cooking and registers 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using the foil sling and transfer to a serving platter. For a thicker, more decadent glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece
Pour some of the thickened glaze over the ham, reserving some to serve on the side. Let the Slow Cooker Glazed Ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for a beautiful presentation that’s as impressive as the taste.

Variations

Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
For a tropical twist on the classic Slow Cooker Glazed Ham, add 1 cup of crushed pineapple (with juice) to the glaze mixture and reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the meat while adding a bright, fruity sweetness that complements the savory ham perfectly. You can also add a few whole pineapple rings and maraschino cherries to the top of the ham during the last hour of cooking for a retro presentation that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Spiced Orange Glazed Ham
Create a citrus-forward version by replacing the maple syrup with orange juice and adding 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the glaze. Incorporate warm spices like star anise, additional cinnamon, and a pinch of cardamom for a fragrant holiday slow cooker ham that fills your home with irresistible aromas. This variation is particularly wonderful for winter holidays, offering bright flavors that cut through rich side dishes.

Bourbon Maple Glazed Ham
For an adult twist, add 3 tablespoons of good-quality bourbon to the glaze mixture. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a complex, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar. This sophisticated variation elevates your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham for special occasions and adds a warming depth that’s perfect for cool-weather gatherings.

Storage and Serving

Your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture, and warm gently in the microwave or covered in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

For a stunning holiday table, serve your ham on a large platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs like rosemary and thyme. Complement this centerpiece with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. The sweet glaze pairs beautifully with these traditional accompaniments.

Transform leftovers into incredible ham sandwiches on buttery croissants with a spread of Dijon mustard and a slice of Swiss cheese. For a hearty breakfast, dice the ham and fold it into a cheesy breakfast casserole or omelet. The glazed exterior adds wonderful flavor to soups and bean dishes as well – try adding cubed ham to split pea soup for a meal that makes the most of every delicious bite of your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of spiral-cut?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham for this Slow Cooker Glazed Ham recipe. However, spiral-cut hams allow the glaze to penetrate between slices, creating more flavor throughout. If using boneless, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to help the glaze penetrate the meat.

How do I know when my ham is done cooking?
Since hams are pre-cooked, you’re essentially just heating it through. Your ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer. For most 7-8 pound hams, this takes 4-5 hours on LOW in the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe with a raw ham?
This recipe is designed for fully cooked hams only. Raw hams require different cooking times and temperatures for food safety. Always use pre-cooked ham for this Slow Cooker Glazed Ham recipe.

My ham is too large for my slow cooker. What should I do?
If your ham is slightly too large, you can trim portions from the bottom or sides to make it fit. Alternatively, you can wrap the entire ham tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it in a large roasting pan. Cook at 325°F for about 10-12 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with the glaze.

Can I make this glaze without honey?
Absolutely! You can substitute the honey with additional maple syrup or even agave nectar. Each sweetener brings a slightly different flavor profile to your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

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