Here’s a simple, mouthwatering recipe for a Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze 🍯🍖 — perfect for holidays, weekends, or any time you want tender, flavorful ham.
Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze
Ingredients
- 4–5 lb fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, adds warmth)
- ½ cup water or apple juice (for the slow cooker)
Instructions
- Score the ham:
- Cut a diamond pattern about ½ inch deep on the surface. This lets the glaze seep in.
- Make the glaze:
- Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar (or juice), and cloves in a bowl.
- Prepare the slow cooker:
- Pour water or apple juice into the bottom.
- Place the ham inside, flat side down.
- Apply glaze:
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham. Reserve the rest for later.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2–3 hours), until heated through and tender.
- Finish glazing:
- During the last 30 minutes, brush the remaining glaze over the ham.
- Optional: For a caramelized top, transfer ham to a baking sheet and broil 5–7 minutes after slow cooking.
- Serve:
- Let ham rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices or extra glaze.
Tips & Variations
- Fruity twist: Use pineapple or orange juice instead of water.
- Spicy warmth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Vegetables: Add potatoes, carrots, and onions to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: Ham works great in sandwiches, soups, or fried rice.
💡 Why it works:
- Slow cooking keeps the ham moist and tender
- The glaze provides a perfect sweet-and-savory balance
- Scoring allows flavor to penetrate the meat
If you want, I can make a “Quick 3-Step Slow Cooker Ham Guide” so you can prep, glaze, and set it without extra hassle.
Do you want me to do that?