Honey-Glazed Ham from the Slow Cooker
October 12, 2026 • 0 comments
I love ham, when it's not too salty or overly sweet. This recipe nails it! Sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and warm spices come together in a rich, flavorful glaze that complements our pasture-raised Ramstead ham. The slow cooker does the work for you, keeping your ham tender and juicy while freeing up your oven for all the holiday fixings.
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8-12
Ingredients
- (1 fully cooked ham, 4–6 lb) Ham - Medium
- (1/2 cup) Light brown sugar, packed
- (1/4 cup) Honey
- (1/4 cup) Water
- (1/3 cup) Dijon mustard
- (5) Whole cloves
Directions
Tools you'll need:
- 6-quart slow cooker with lid
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Basting spoon or ladle
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp carving knife
Instructions
- Make the honey glaze. Combine the brown sugar, honey, water, Dijon mustard, and whole cloves in a small saucepan. Warm over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the cloves infuse the glaze with their warm, aromatic flavor. Remove from heat and discard the cloves.
- Prepare your Ramstead ham. Lay your ham on a cutting board in the same position it will rest in the slow cooker. Use a sharp knife to carve thin, vertical slices into your ham but do not slice all the way through. You are creating slots where your glaze can filter into the meat for maximum deliciousness.
- Place the ham in a 6-quart slow cooker. Position it so the lid fits securely. If necessary, lay the ham on its side or trim a small portion to accommodate your slow cooker. Gently loosen the slices to allow the glaze to work its way between them.
- Add the glaze. Slowly spoon the warm honey mixture over the ham, allowing it to seep between the slices and coat the outside. Any extra glaze will collect at the bottom of the slow cooker and become a delicious basting sauce.
- Warm low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours, or until the center of the ham reaches 140°F. Spoon the warm glaze over the ham every hour or so to keep it moist and flavorful. For more even glazing, carefully turn the ham halfway through cooking if desired.
- Optional: crisp the fat cap. If you want to get fancy, move the ham from the slow cooker to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes to crisp the skin and fat cap. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out.
- Serve and enjoy. Transfer the ham to a serving platter and spoon the warm, flavorful glaze over the slices. Serve with additional glaze on the side for anyone who wants a little extra sweetness.
Serving Recommendation
Pair your honey-glazed Ramstead ham with roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. It's a beautiful centerpiece for a holiday gathering, and the leftovers make incredible breakfast scrambles, sandwiches, and hearty soups.
