There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of a juicy, honey-glazed ham cooking in your slow cooker. Crockpot ham recipes like this one make life so much easier, whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just craving a hearty family meal. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors—and best of all, it’s practically effortless. Just toss everything in your slow cooker, let it do its thing, and get ready to wow your family and friends with the most tender, flavorful ham ever!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 8-10 lb fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Orange slices (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Tools:
- Slow cooker (large enough for an 8-10 lb ham)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush (optional)
Pro Tips
- Ham Size Matters: Make sure your ham fits snugly in your crockpot—trim the top if necessary!
- Baste for Flavor: Baste the ham with the glaze every 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
- Keep It Moist: Leaving the ham wrapped in foil at the base can help retain moisture.
- Liner Love: Use a slow cooker liner for the easiest cleanup ever!
- For Little Ones: If your kids don’t love cloves, you can leave them out without sacrificing flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Honey Substitute: Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly richer sweetness.
- Pineapple-Free: If pineapple juice isn’t your thing, orange juice or apple cider works great!
- Add Some Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze gives it a spicy-sweet kick.
- Different Garnishes: Swap thyme for parsley or rosemary for a fresh twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- You can also set the ham and glaze in the crockpot insert the night before. Just store it in the fridge, and pop it into the slow cooker in the morning.
Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
Place the ham cut-side down in your slow cooker. If it’s too big, trim it slightly so it fits snugly.
2. Make the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth.
3. Pour and Cook
Pour half of the glaze over the ham, coating it evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 2 hours.
4. Final Glaze and Garnish
After cooking, baste the ham with the leftover glaze from the crockpot. Garnish with orange slices and fresh thyme or rosemary for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Use leftovers for sandwiches, breakfast omelets, soups, or casseroles—it’s so versatile!
Wrap-Up
This crockpot ham recipe is a keeper for so many reasons—it’s simple, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making a regular meal feel extra special. Plus, the honey glaze gives it that wow factor every time. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments how it turned out and if your family loved it as much as mine does! 😊
