recipe for ham in slow cooker
The Best recipe for ham in slow cooker
This recipe is perfect for so many reasons. It’s great for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas when you need a main dish that serves a crowd, but it also works just as well for a simple weeknight meal. My family loves it because it’s flavorful without being heavy, and the ham stays moist and delicious even after hours of cooking. The slow cooker method keeps the fat from burning, so you get all that rich, savory taste without the extra grease. It’s also a good way to incorporate lean protein into the diet—just watch the added sugars and sodium if you’re watching your intake, but the natural sweetness of the ham makes it a tasty way to stay balanced. And honestly? There’s nothing better than a perfectly cooked ham that’s ready when you need it, whether it’s for a family gathering or just a cozy night at home.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
A tender, sweet-and-tangy glazed ham slow-cooked to perfection with a sticky honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or holiday feast.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 (10–12 lb) bone-in ham, fresh or smoked
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) if using a fresh ham. If using a smoked ham, skip this step. -
2
Place ham in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cover loosely with foil. -
3
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cinnamon. Stir well. -
4
Pour the glaze mixture over the ham in the slow cooker. If using optional ingredients, add chicken broth and herbs, then stir. -
5
Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). -
6
Remove ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
🔧Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
- For extra tenderness, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar if desired.
- This ham pairs well with roasted potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
How long should I cook the ham in the slow cooker for a 10-pound bone-in ham?
For a bone-in ham, cook it on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 3.5 hours. If it’s a spiral-cut ham, check for internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For a bone-in fresh ham, it’s best to cook until it reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
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What is the best way to prepare a sweet potato casserole for slow cooker ham?
For a sweet potato casserole to pair with your slow-cooked ham, mix 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup butter or oil, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and 1 cup milk or evaporated milk. Spread this in a dish, top with toasted marshmallows or pecans, and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours (or until tender). Alternatively, bake it separately at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes if preferred.
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Can I add any extra flavors or ingredients to the ham while slow cooking?
Yes! For extra flavor, add:
– 1 cup apple juice, cranberry juice, or broth (enhances sweetness).
– 1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika (for depth).
– ½ cup honey or maple syrup (boosts sweetness).
– 1 tsp liquid smoke (for a barbecue-like taste).
– 1 tsp mustard powder or Worcestershire sauce (adds tang).
Simmer the ham for 30-60 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
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What should I check for when verifying if the ham is fully cooked in the slow cooker?
To confirm doneness:
1. Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer—145°F (63°C) for spiral-cut or 160°F (71°C) for bone-in/fresh ham.
2. Juiciness: The ham should pull apart easily with minimal resistance.
3. Color: It should be deep pink (not grayish) and slightly glossy.
4. Resting time: Let it sit 10-15 minutes before slicing to redistribute juices.
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Do I need to brown the ham before putting it in the slow cooker?
It’s optional but recommended for better flavor and tenderness:
– For bone-in ham: Pat dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs (rosemary, thyme, or garlic). Sear in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until golden.
– For spiral-cut ham: Skip browning unless you want extra crispiness (it’s already pre-cooked).
– For fresh ham: Brown thoroughly to help it absorb slow-cooker flavors.
