Slow cooker ham offers the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal without taking over your entire day. Picture a tender, juicy ham bathing in a sweet and tangy glaze, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together, letting your slow cooker work its magic. All you need is a few ingredients and a little patience, and soon you’ll have a dish that warms both heart and home.

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I remember the first time I made slow cooker ham for my family during a holiday gathering. The look of delight on their faces as they tasted it was priceless. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, sparking warmth and joy. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or craving a comforting meal, this slow cooker ham will shine as the star of your dining experience. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to buy pre-cooked ham from the store again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Slow Cooker Ham

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 5 minutes of prep time, and you can set it and forget it!
Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious, with a perfect caramelized glaze.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy finish and tender slices make it a showstopper on any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, dinners, or even casual weeknight meals.
Diet-Friendly Options: Great for gluten-free diets with the right substitutions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

3-5 pound boneless ham: Choose a high-quality boneless ham for easy slicing. If you’re looking to cut costs, a shank portion can be more budget-friendly.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: This adds sweetness and depth to the glaze. Brown sugar enhances the caramelization, creating a beautiful crust.
¼ cup honey: Adds a lovely floral sweetness and helps with that sticky glaze. Maple syrup can be a delicious alternative for a different flavor profile.
¼ cup Dijon mustard: The tangy flavor cuts through the sweetness. Whole grain mustard can also work wonders if you prefer a bit more texture.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the glaze and enhancing the flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a hint of warmth. Fresh garlic could be used if you prefer, but keep in mind to use less due to its stronger flavor.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory note that complements the ham beautifully. If you have fresh onion on hand, feel free to use that instead, just finely chopped.
½ teaspoon black pepper: A touch of pepper enhances the other flavors without overpowering them.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the ham from sticking.
Add the Ham: Place the 3-5 pound boneless ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s snug but not overcrowded.
Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
New Ham: Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, place the lid on the slow cooker.
Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. You’ll know it’s ready when the glaze is bubbly and the ham is fragrant.
Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes after cooking. Brush the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker to retain moisture. Slice and serve your beautifully glazed ham to family and friends!

Storing & Reheating

Leftover slow cooker ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its shelf life, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. Note that the texture may change slightly, but brushing it with a little reserved glaze can enhance its moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature! A meat thermometer is your best friend; aim for 140°F for perfectly tender results.
For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or some cloves to your glaze; it pairs wonderfully with the ham.
If you want a crispy edge on your ham, broil it for the last few minutes of cooking. Just be sure to monitor it closely!
Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, adding them to soups, or tossing them in a salad for a flavor boost.
Experiment with your favorite spices or aromatics in the glaze to personalize the flavor profile to your liking.

The slow cooker ham is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece of a gathering, an experience to share. It offers rich, fulfilling flavors all thanks to the slow cooking process. Be bold and try different glazes or add-ons when making it again, and who knows? You might come up with an even more delightful version of your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! You can use a bone-in ham or even a pre-cooked spiral ham. Just adjust the cooking time appropriately, usually around 15-18 minutes per pound for bone-in hams.

What can I serve with slow cooker ham?

Slow cooker ham pairs beautifully with green beans, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. You can also toss together a fresh salad for a nice balance of flavors.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F.

Can I make this ham ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop the slow cooker on before heading out, and you’ll have a gorgeous ham waiting for you when you return!

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Slow Cooker Ham

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Author: Grace
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 245 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Ham offers an irresistible flavor with easy prep and key ingredients like honey and dijon mustard. Ideal for a quick dinner or family gathering!

Ingredients

Scale

3-5 pound boneless ham
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup honey
¼ cup dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Spray the inside of a 5-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Place the boneless ham into the slow cooker.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce over the ham, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes, then brush it with juices from the slow cooker.
Slice the ham and serve.

Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the ham overnight before cooking.
Ensure the ham is fully thawed if it was frozen before cooking.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 45mg