Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

1 fully cooked ham (about 4-6 pounds), bone-in or boneless
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup pineapple juice
1 can pineapple slices (optional, for garnish)
Whole cloves (optional, for studding ham)

Directions:

Place the ham in your slow cooker, fat side up. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves for extra flavor and presentation.
In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and pineapple juice until smooth.
Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it is well-coated.
Add pineapple slices on top of the ham if using.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, baste the ham with the glaze again to enhance flavor and caramelization.
When done, remove the ham carefully, slice, and serve with the glaze spooned over the top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

A Closer Look at the Magic Behind Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham

The Easiest Way to Serve Juicy, Flavorful Ham Without the Oven

In the world of holiday or weekday family meals, the star of the table often takes the longest to prepare especially when it comes to ham. But what if you could produce a tender, juicy, and richly flavored ham with virtually no prep time and zero need for oven space? Enter: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham. Developed by Real Food Whole Life, this crockpot-based recipe is not only stress-free but perfectly tuned for flavor and efficiency.

This version of glazed ham strips away unnecessary complications, offering a hands-off approach that lets the ingredients speak for themselves. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors of brown sugar, mustard, and fruit preserves to seep deep into the ham, ensuring that every bite is savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly moist.

What makes this recipe particularly special is how it bridges the gap between practicality and elegance. It’s just as at home on a Christmas or Easter dinner table as it is on a casual Tuesday night. And thanks to its flexible nature, it’s ideal for those who are short on time but not willing to sacrifice quality or flavor.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Ham?

Cooking ham in a slow cooker may not be the most traditional method, but it is arguably one of the most effective. When cooked slowly over several hours, the ham retains its moisture and develops a deeper, more infused flavor. This low-and-slow technique ensures that the meat doesn’t dry out a common issue when using an oven.

Another big plus is how well this method frees up your kitchen. Especially during the holidays when oven space is at a premium, shifting the main dish to a slow cooker allows you to bake, roast, or sauté side dishes without playing Tetris in your oven. Moreover, the slow cooker keeps the ham warm until serving time, removing the stress of reheating or timing everything to be ready at once.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

One of the standout features of this slow cooker ham recipe is its incredible simplicity. With just five ingredients, the flavor is anything but basic. The combination of brown sugar, mustard, and orange marmalade (or apple jelly/crushed pineapple as substitutes) creates a glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the ham without overpowering it.

There’s no need for searing, sautéing, or reducing sauces. You don’t even need to cook the glaze separately. Everything goes into the slow cooker, and from there, time does all the work. This kind of “set it and forget it” cooking is ideal for both beginner cooks and experienced home chefs looking for more convenience without compromising quality.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Everyday Meals

While ham is often reserved for major holidays, this slow cooker version is accessible and practical enough for everyday meals. Because it’s a no-fuss preparation, it’s ideal for busy weekdays when you want a satisfying dinner without hovering over the stove.

For holiday gatherings, the slow cooker ham becomes even more valuable. The hands-free nature of the recipe allows hosts to focus on other elements of the meal or on spending time with guests. Plus, since the ham is spiral cut, carving is straightforward and serving becomes effortless. It presents beautifully on a platter, glistening with glaze and practically falling apart with tenderness.

Tips for the Best Results

Although the recipe is simple, a few thoughtful considerations can help you get the most out of it:

Choose the Right Ham Size: Ensure your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker with the lid closed. This helps trap the moisture and allows for even cooking.
Scoring the Fat: If your ham has a fat layer, scoring it in a criss-cross pattern allows the glaze to seep in, adding extra flavor throughout the meat.
Glaze Versatility: While the recipe suggests orange marmalade, the author offers options like apple jelly or even crushed pineapple. Each provides a unique twist on the flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dish based on your pantry or taste preferences.
Internal Temperature Check: Even though the ham is already cooked, warming it to an internal temperature of around 100°F ensures it’s heated through and ready to serve without overcooking it.

Leftovers: A Bonus Worth Celebrating

One of the biggest perks of making a large ham is the leftovers, and this recipe leaves you with plenty of versatile options. According to the blog, the leftover ham stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and up to 3 months in the freezer, making it an excellent protein to repurpose.

Some great ways to use leftover ham include:

Breakfast Casseroles or Scrambles: Dice up the ham and add it to egg-based dishes for a hearty start to the day.
Ham and Peas Pasta: A classic and simple pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick meal.
Split Pea Soup: A nourishing, comforting soup that can simmer in the slow cooker just like the ham did.

Having pre-cooked ham ready in the freezer means you can elevate meals on busy nights without starting from scratch. It’s economical, delicious, and prevents waste an all-around win.

Dietary Considerations

The recipe is friendly to a wide range of dietary needs. It’s naturally:

Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
Nut-Free

This makes it a great option to serve to guests with common allergies or sensitivities. However, it’s still important to check the labels on any packaged ingredients (such as mustard or marmalade) to ensure they meet specific dietary standards if you are cooking for someone with strict requirements.

Complementary Dishes

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, many of which can also be made in a slow cooker or ahead of time. The blog suggests:

Slow Cooker Carrots – naturally sweet and easy to make
Slow Cooker or Mashed Potatoes – a classic combo that complements the richness of the ham
Green Beans, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Glazed Sweet Potatoes – to round out a festive or nourishing meal

Pair with a tangy mustard or fruit-based sauce to bring brightness to the plate and balance the richness of the glaze.

Conclusion:

The Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham from Real Food Whole Life is more than just a recipe it’s a strategy for enjoying wholesome, home-cooked meals without stress or fuss. With just five ingredients and no advanced prep work, it delivers a flavorful and beautifully glazed ham that’s suitable for both special occasions and everyday dinners.

Its flexibility, hands-off cooking method, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, meal prepping for the week, or just want something delicious with minimal cleanup, this ham fits the bill. And with plenty of ways to enjoy the leftovers, it’s a dish that keeps on giving.

So the next time you’re craving a dish that’s both impressive and easy, pull out your slow cooker and let this brown sugar ham do the heavy lifting your future self (and your guests) will thank you.

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