There’s something truly comforting about a dish that fills the home with warm, inviting aromas and brings family and friends together. Slow cooker ham does just that—imagine sinking your teeth into succulent slices of tender ham, glazed to perfection with a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that stirs happy memories, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in how effortlessly it comes together. You can prep it in a snap, set your slow cooker, and go about your day, only to return to a hearty meal that’s ready to impress.
I discovered slow cooker ham on a busy weeknight when I craved something easy yet delicious. It quickly became a staple in our household. You see, there’s a magic that happens when a simple boneless ham meets the luscious blend of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. The result is a fall-off-the-bone texture that rivals any ham you’d find at a fancy restaurant. Plus, this recipe is a budget-friendly option that stretches to feed a crowd. Honestly, what’s not to love? I can’t wait for you to try it yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simply Delicious: Juicy ham coupled with a succulent glaze makes for a mouthwatering dish.
- Effortless Cooking: Prepping takes just five minutes, then let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Perfect for Any Gathering: This impressive main course is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Feeding a Crowd: Serves 10 generously, making it budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing too.
- Versatile Leftovers: Great as sandwiches or added to soups for tasty meal variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3-5 pound boneless ham: This is the star of the show! A boneless ham is easy to slice and absorbs flavors well. Look for a good quality cut; spiral-cut options are also popular.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Provides a rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. If you’re out, you could substitute with granulated sugar plus a dash of molasses.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds a natural sweetness and enhances the glaze’s flavor. Maple syrup makes a great alternative.
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard: Offers a zesty kick that balances the sweetness. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use yellow mustard instead.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds acidity that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a subtle savory note. Fresh minced garlic works well too for a bolder flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and a slight kick. Adjust according to your heat preference.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Place the Ham: Carefully place the 3-5 pound boneless ham into the slow cooker, making sure it fits snugly.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Generously pour the sauce over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. It will help to create an incredible glaze as it cooks.
- Cook the Ham: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F—use a meat thermometer for perfect results!
- Rest and Serve: After the cooking time, let the ham rest for 15 minutes for easier slicing. Brush some of the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham to add even more flavor.
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice your perfectly cooked ham and serve it warm; it’s bound to be a hit!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover slow cooker ham, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, this dish can go in the microwave for quick meals—just warm it until heated through, or place slices in a baking dish with some of the juices and cover with foil, heating at 325°F until warmed all the way through. Keep in mind that while the flavor remains delightful, the texture may differ slightly after freezing, but it can be refreshed with a bit of extra glaze.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure the ham is of good quality; it makes a standout difference in flavor.
- Avoid opening the slow cooker too frequently, as that releases heat and can affect cooking time.
- If the glaze seems thick before cooking, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to thin it out.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before serving.
- Consider cooking the glaze down a bit if you like a thicker sauce to drizzle over your slices.
- This ham can easily be seasoned with spices like cloves or cinnamon for a festive flair!
Slow cooker ham isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about bringing people together. You’ll soak in all those wonderful aromas that fill your home and whip up a dish that feels both warm and inviting. With its effortless prep and incredible taste, you might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Don’t shy away from throwing in some personal twists like different spices or even adding fruit like pineapple slices for a tropical vibe.
Savor your time with family and friends as you share each slice, relishing in a meal that’s hearty and satisfying. Cooking should be all about enjoying the process and the company. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this beautiful dish as much as I do!
Recipe FAQs
How long does slow cooker ham take to cook?
Cooking slow cooker ham generally takes about 3-4 hours on low heat for a 3-5 pound boneless ham. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 140°F for safe consumption!
Can I cook the ham on high heat instead?
Yes, you can cook the ham on high heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just be mindful that cooking it on low typically yields a juicier and more tender result.
What can I serve with slow cooker ham?
Slow cooker ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also makes for delicious sandwiches the next day!
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! You can use a bone-in ham or even a smoked ham for enhanced flavors. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, keeping an eye on the internal temperature.
Print
Slow Cooker Ham
This Slow Cooker Ham offers a mouthwatering flavor with minimal prep. It’s made with tender, boneless ham and a sauce featuring brown sugar and honey, perfect for quick dinners or festive gatherings.
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–5 pound boneless ham
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Place the boneless ham into the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the ham.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes and then brush it with juices from the slow cooker.
- Slice and serve.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Choose a ham size that fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
For extra flavor, allow the ham to marinate overnight in the sauce before cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 245 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
