Slow Cooker Honey Butter Ham for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly more caramelized finish, you can place the cooked ham under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. Watch it closely to prevent the sugar from burning, as this can happen very quickly. This step adds a beautiful color and a slightly crisp texture to the outer edges of the slices.

If you find that the glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking time, transfer the liquid to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for several minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

This reduction intensifies the flavors and creates a thicker, more luxurious sauce that can be poured generously over the ham just before serving.

Variations

• Spiced Honey Ham: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cloves to the brown sugar mixture for a warmer, more aromatic profile that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the honey.
• Mustard Glazed Ham: Whisk two tablespoons of Dijon mustard into the honey before drizzling it over the ham. This adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the meat moist. Ensure the ham is refrigerated within two hours of cooking to maintain safety.

Properly stored, the ham will remain flavorful for up to three to four days in the refrigerator. When storing, keep some of the glaze in a separate small container to add back during the reheating process to prevent the meat from drying out.

This dish is excellent for planning ahead, as the flavors often meld better after the ham has been cooked and reheated. You can cook the ham completely, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, reheat it gently in the oven or slow cooker with a splash of water or broth to keep it succulent. This makes it a stress-free option for hosting large groups or holiday meals.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a large, warmed platter to maintain its temperature during the meal. Fan the slices out slightly to showcase the glaze and the tender texture of the meat. Pour the reserved warm honey butter glaze over the top right before bringing it to the table to ensure a glossy, appetizing presentation that guests will find irresistible.

Accompany the ham with classic sides that complement its sweet, savory profile. Roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad with a tart vinaigrette provide excellent balance.

The versatility of this ham means it pairs well with both hearty, comforting dishes and lighter, seasonal sides, making it suitable for any time of the year.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Honey Butter Ham for Easy Entertaining

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

Ingredients

• 1 half spiral-sliced bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-sliced bone-in ham cut side down into the slow cooker basin. Ensure it fits snugly; if necessary, trim slightly to allow the lid to close properly.
2. Tuck the butter pats between the individual spiral slices. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the ham, then drizzle the honey over the entire surface to coat.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the ham, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve with the warm pan juices.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

24 g

Sodium

950 mg

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