Easy Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of cinnamon to the brown sugar mixture. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the honey and the savory notes of the ham perfectly, especially during the colder months.

Be sure to mix these spices thoroughly with the brown sugar before applying them to the ham to ensure an even distribution of flavor across the entire surface.

If you prefer a slightly thicker glaze, you can remove the ham from the slow cooker once it is finished and pour the remaining juices into a small saucepan.

Simmer these juices over medium heat on the stovetop until they reduce to a syrupy consistency, then brush this concentrated glaze over the sliced ham just before serving. This extra step adds a professional touch to the final presentation and intensifies the honey mustard flavor significantly.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard Ham: Add two tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard glaze. This creates a bold, spicy contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and honey, providing a unique twist on the classic flavor profile that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Citrus Glazed Ham: Incorporate two tablespoons of fresh orange juice and one teaspoon of orange zest into the honey mustard glaze. The bright, citrus notes cut through the richness of the ham and add a refreshing layer of flavor that complements the honey and mustard beautifully, making for a lighter-tasting finish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water until warmed through.

Allow any leftover ham to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Place the meat in an airtight container to keep it from drying out in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the leftover ham will maintain its quality and flavor for up to three to four days, making it an excellent component for quick lunches or additions to other meals throughout the week.

You can prepare the dry seasoning mix of brown sugar and garlic powder in advance and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to cook.

However, it is best to assemble the ham in the slow cooker just before you are ready to start the cooking process. This prevents the sugar and glaze from drawing too much moisture out of the meat prematurely, ensuring the best possible texture and flavor.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a warm platter to help maintain its temperature while it is being carved. A sharp carving knife is essential for creating clean, uniform slices through the spiral-cut layers. You can garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to provide a vibrant contrast to the glossy, golden-brown glaze of the ham, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

This ham pairs exceptionally well with classic side dishes such as scalloped potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

The sweetness of the honey mustard glaze balances perfectly with savory sides, creating a well-rounded meal. Consider serving extra glaze on the side in a small bowl for guests who might want to add a little more flavor to their individual portions.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 whole spiral ham
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 cup honey mustard glaze

Instructions

1. Place the spiral ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it sits flat side down for even heating throughout the cooking process. Arrange the ham carefully to fit comfortably within the vessel, allowing for the lid to close securely to trap the moisture and heat inside during the long, slow cook time.
2. Scatter the packed brown sugar evenly over the top of the ham, then sprinkle the garlic powder over the surface. Finally, pour the honey mustard glaze over the ham, making sure it coats the top and drips down into the layers of the spiral cut to infuse the meat with deep, sweet, and tangy flavors.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once finished, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period ensures that the juices are redistributed throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and moist final dish for serving.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

1200 mg

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