Crockpot Honey Mustard and Ginger Ale Glazed Holiday Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can prepare the honey-mustard glaze by whisking the ingredients together in a small bowl before applying them to the ham. This ensures a perfectly uniform consistency. If you prefer a darker, more caramelized finish, you can carefully transfer the cooked ham to a baking sheet after the slow-cooking process and place it under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching it closely so the honey does not burn.

When serving, use a long, sharp carving knife to slice down between the spiral cuts if they have fused together during cooking. Arrange the slices on a warm platter to keep them at the ideal serving temperature.

If there is extra glaze remaining in the bottom of the slow cooker, whisk it together and serve it in a small gravy boat on the side, allowing guests to drizzle additional sauce over their portions as desired, which adds another layer of flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Ham: Add two tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey-mustard glaze for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Citrus Glazed Ham: Incorporate the zest of one orange and two tablespoons of fresh orange juice into the honey-mustard mixture to add a bright, citrusy note that complements the ginger ale.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze slices in heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm individual slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth until heated through.

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. Keep the meat separate from any excess glaze if possible, as this prevents the pork from becoming too salty or sweet over time.

Ensure the ham is refrigerated within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety. Properly stored, the ham will remain delicious for up to three days. When ready to eat, ensure it is reheated thoroughly to a safe temperature before serving to family or guests.

You can prepare the honey-mustard mixture up to 24 hours in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to glaze the ham. This saves time on the day of your event. While the ham itself is best cooked fresh, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker bowl the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator, then simply place the bowl in the base and start the cooking process on the morning of your holiday meal.

Serving ideas

Serve this honey-mustard ham alongside classic holiday sides such as creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls to balance the sweetness of the glaze. The richness of the ham pairs perfectly with the starchy, comforting texture of potatoes.

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the savory and sweet notes of the pork, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests at any holiday gathering.

When plating, consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Place the ham in the center of the platter, fanning out the slices slightly to show off the beautiful honey-mustard glaze.

Serving the ham warm is essential for the best texture and flavor. By presenting it thoughtfully with complementary sides, you turn a simple slow-cooker dish into an elegant and memorable holiday feast that everyone will enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Honey Mustard and Ginger Ale Glazed Holiday Ham

Prep 10 minCook 4 h 30 minRest 15 minTotal 4 h 55 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 7 lb spiral-sliced bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup whole-grain Dijon mustard
• 1 cup ginger ale

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-sliced ham into the ceramic slow cooker. Rub the honey and whole-grain Dijon mustard thoroughly over the surface of the ham, ensuring the glaze gets between the slices.
2. Pour the ginger ale carefully down the sides of the slow cooker, avoiding washing off the glaze from the top. Cover with the lid and cook on the low setting for 4.5 hours.
3. Periodically baste the ham with the reduced glaze from the bottom of the pot. Once the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), remove the ham and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Contains: mustard, sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

18.2 g

Fat

14.8 g

Fiber

0.2 g

Sugar

16.5 g

Sodium

1250 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.