If you want an easy, flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy, this slow cooker ham is a great choice. With minimal prep and a simple glaze of honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard and brown sugar, the crockpot does the work for you. The result is a tender, juicy ham ideal for holidays, gatherings, or an effortless weeknight dinner with leftovers for sandwiches.
This recipe is especially handy during the holidays but works any time you need a crowd-pleasing main. It’s simple, makes plenty, and uses a spiral-cut ham so serving is quick and fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Recipe
- Simple ingredient list—just five easy ingredients that come together into a flavorful glaze.
- Minimal hands-on time: the slow cooker does most of the work and you’ll only need to baste occasionally.
- Using a bone-in spiral-cut ham saves slicing time since the ham is already cut into even slices while staying intact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Dijon mustard — adds bright tang.
- Pineapple juice — pairs wonderfully with ham. Apple or orange juice can be substituted if needed.
- Brown sugar — light or dark brown sugar thickens the glaze and brings rich sweetness.
- Bone-in spiral cut ham — a precooked, bone-in ham sliced on a spiral for easy serving.
- Honey — helps the glaze caramelize and adds depth of sweetness.
- Fresh herbs — for garnish.
How To Make This Slow Cooker Ham Recipe
- Whisk together the Dijon mustard and pineapple juice; set aside.
- Spread the brown sugar evenly across the bottom of a large 7–8 quart slow cooker.
- Place the ham in the crockpot, cut side up.
- Drizzle the honey over the ham, spreading it to coat the surface.
- Pour the mustard–pineapple mixture over the honey-coated ham, allowing some to seep between the slices.
- Cover and cook on low for about 3–4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste with the glaze once an hour, making sure to get the glaze between the spiral cuts.
- Serve with the cooking liquid. To thicken the glaze, transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer, stirring, until reduced to your desired consistency.
- Garnish the serving platter with fresh herbs and spoon glaze over the slices before serving.
Recipe Variations
- If you prefer not to baste, place the ham cut-side down in the crockpot. You can start cut-side up to get glaze between slices, then flip it for cooking.
- Use white sugar for a lighter-colored glaze.
- Maple syrup makes a great substitute for honey.
- Any mustard you have on hand can replace Dijon if needed.
Tips and Notes
- Reheat fully cooked ham to an internal temperature of 140°F before serving, following food-safety guidelines.
- Choose a bone-in ham for better flavor and juiciness—the bone adds flavor during slow cooking.
- Basting with the cooking juices keeps the ham moist and builds a glossy glaze.
- For crispier, caramelized edges like an oven-baked ham, brush the thickened glaze over the ham and place it under a hot broiler for 4–5 minutes just before serving. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Plan for about ½ pound of boneless ham per person or ¾ pound per person for bone-in. A 7-pound bone-in spiral ham will feed roughly nine people.
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for 3–4 months.
Reheat leftover ham in the microwave, oven or slow cooker. Reheating with some saved glaze or cooking liquid helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Ham
Equipment
-
Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1½ cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 7 to 10 pound bone-in spiral cut ham
- 1 cup honey
- fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
-
Stir together the Dijon mustard and pineapple juice. Set aside.
-
Add the brown sugar evenly in the bottom of a large 7–8 quart slow cooker.
-
Place the ham in the crockpot, cut side up.
-
Pour honey over the top of the ham, covering it as evenly as possible.
-
Pour the mustard–pineapple mixture over the honey-covered ham.
-
Cover and cook on low for about 3–4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, basting with the glaze once an hour and getting the glaze between the cuts.
-
Serve with the liquid from the crockpot or, to thicken the glaze, simmer the liquid in a saucepan until reduced to your liking.
-
Decorate the serving platter with fresh herbs and spoon glaze over the slices before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
| Calories: 764kcal
| Carbohydrates: 76g
| Protein: 60g
More Slow Cooker Recipes You May Like
This crockpot ham is perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re feeding a crowd. Here are some other slow cooker recipes that pair well with ham:
- Slow Cooker Bone Broth
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
- Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
Find more recipes and updates on social platforms and recipe collections you already follow.