Honey Roast Ham Recipe Slow Cooker: Hands-Off Sweet and Savory Glazed Masterpiece

My grandmother’s handwritten cards never specified times or temps—just honey, mustard, and a slow oven. I’ve adapted that intuition for the slow cooker with equal success.

This method delivers a tender ham with a caramelized glaze, using simple ingredients and minimal effort. The slow cooker locks in moisture while the honey builds layers of sweetness and shine.

No basting, no watching, no stress—just set the timer and let the appliance do the work. The result is a centerpiece worthy of holidays or a quiet Sunday supper.

You’ll get fall-apart meat and a glaze so rich it coats every bite. Serve with the pan juices spooned over the top for extra depth.

Ingredients for Honey Roast Ham Recipe Slow Cooker

Simple, sweet ingredients for that slow-cooked, caramelized ham your grandmother would recognize.

The ham is the star here. Spiral-cut from the deli saves you the trouble of slicing, and bone-in keeps it juicy. Look for low-sodium if you’re watching salt—most brands at Kroger or Whole Foods carry options. Honey quality matters (skip the bear-shaped squeeze bottle), and Dijon mustard adds that sharp tang that cuts through the sweetness. I always grab Maille mustard when I’m splurging.

Out of Dijon? Yellow mustard at half the amount works in a pinch, though the flavor’s milder. No brown sugar? Maple syrup or molasses can stand in, but adjust the sweetness to taste. Skip the pineapple? Orange slices or maraschino cherries give a similar sweet contrast. The cloves are optional but worth it (just watch they don’t overpower).

Leftovers keep 5-7 days in the fridge, and the ham freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Reheat slices gently with a splash of the pan juices to keep them moist. That glaze? It thickens as it cools, perfect for drizzling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Roast Ham Slow Cooker

This hands-off method delivers tender, glazed ham with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham and Make the Glaze

Place the 4 lb fully cooked bone-in ham in the slow cooker, flat side down. If using spiral-cut, position it cut-side down to retain moisture. Stud the ham with the 12 pieces whole cloves in a diamond pattern for even flavor distribution and visual appeal.

In a bowl, whisk together the 0.75 cup honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 0.25 cup light brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 0.25 tsp ground cloves, and 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon until smooth. The vinegar balances the sweetness while the spices add depth. Pour the 0.5 cup chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Apply the Glaze and Begin Cooking

Brush half of the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to coat all exposed surfaces. The glaze should cling to the meat without pooling excessively at the bottom. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat.

Cook the ham for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid isn’t evaporating too quickly. The slow cooker will infuse the meat with the glaze’s flavors while keeping it impossibly tender. You’ll start to smell the warm spices and honey as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Butter and Finish Cooking

After 3 hours, pour the 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) over the ham and brush with the remaining glaze. This adds richness and helps the glaze caramelize. Recover and continue cooking for another 1 hour.

The ham is done when it’s heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F. At this point, the glaze should be thick and glossy, clinging to the surface. If the juices in the slow cooker seem thin, you can thicken them later.

Step 4: Thicken the Juices and Serve

Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Meanwhile, pour the cooking liquid into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the juices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Serve the ham sliced with the sauce and 1 cup fresh pineapple on the side.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerator Storage

Let the ham cool completely before storing—I usually wait about 2 hours at room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container with some of the cooking juices to maintain moisture. It stays fresh in the fridge for 5-7 days. 🍯

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn. The ham freezes well for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor.

Oven Reheating

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a baking dish with a splash of the reserved juices and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the meat tender and prevents drying out.

Microwave Reheating

For quick meals, place slices on a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning halfway. The steam from the towel keeps the ham moist. 🔥

Serving Leftovers

Use leftover ham in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast hashes. The glaze reheats beautifully—just warm it gently in a saucepan with a little water. I love adding diced ham to my grandmother’s split pea soup recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions