There’s something so comforting about a juicy, glazed ham that practically cooks itself. This Crockpot Ham is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that makes your whole house smell incredible while you go about your day. The tangy mustard, sweet brown sugar, and warm spices create the most irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Whether it’s for a holiday, Sunday dinner, or even meal prep, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and couldn’t be easier to make!
What You’ll Need
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham, fully cooked
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: Orange slices and fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Look for a bone-in, fully cooked ham for the juiciest results. Spiral-cut hams work great, too!
- Don’t Skip the Foil Layer: Wrapping the ham in foil before placing it in the crockpot helps keep it moist and prevents the glaze from burning.
- Baste Often: If you can, spoon some glaze over the ham every hour or two for extra flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that the internal temp reaches 140°F for reheating.
- Kids Love Mini Slices: Slice some pieces thin for little hands—it’s perfect for sandwiches or snack boards!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large crockpot
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
Substitutions and Variations
- No Dijon Mustard? Use yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard.
- Out of Orange Juice? Apple cider works beautifully as a replacement.
- Want it Sweeter? Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze.
- Prefer Spices Milder? Skip the cloves or reduce the cinnamon to 1/4 teaspoon.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can mix the glaze ingredients a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Just whisk it together before using.
- Cooked ham reheats beautifully, so you can make this recipe the day before and warm it up in the crockpot or oven.
Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
Place the ham flat-side down in the crockpot. Wrap it loosely with foil to keep it moist.
2. Make the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Pour the Glaze
Pour about 3/4 of the glaze over the ham, spreading it evenly with a basting brush. Reserve the rest for later.
4. Cook the Ham
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through (140°F). Baste with glaze every 1-2 hours.
5. Caramelize the Glaze (Optional)
If you want a sticky, caramelized crust, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush with the reserved glaze, and broil for 3-5 minutes in the oven. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
6. Serve
Let the ham rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides. Garnish with orange slices and parsley, if desired.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover ham slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Wrap-Up
This Crockpot Ham with Mustard and Brown Sugar Glaze is as easy as it is delicious! It’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal-prepped lunches. The sweet-and-savory glaze takes it to the next level, and it’s so versatile you’ll want to make it again and again. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment with your thoughts or any questions—I’d love to hear from you. Happy cooking! 😊
