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

Tips for success

To enhance the presentation of the finished dish, you can briefly broil the ham after it has finished in the slow cooker.

Carefully transfer the ham to a roasting pan, brush it with some of the juices from the slow cooker, and place it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the exterior is bubbly and deeply caramelized. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the honey from burning.

If you find the glaze is too thin at the end of the cooking cycle, you can remove the ham and reduce the remaining liquid in the slow cooker on high heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Alternatively, whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce quickly. This creates a more substantial glaze that clings better to the sliced ham when served on individual plates.

Variations

• Spiced Orange Ham: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and ground ginger to the brown sugar mixture for a warmer, more aromatic spice profile that complements the citrus notes perfectly.
• Savory Mustard Glaze: Whisk two tablespoons of Dijon mustard into the honey and orange juice mixture before pouring over the ham to add a tangy, savory depth to the final glaze.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze sliced ham in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a covered dish with a splash of water or juice until warmed through.

Allow any leftover ham to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the meat submerged in a portion of the cooking juices to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, the ham will remain fresh for up to three or four days, providing an easy base for future meals throughout the week.

You can prepare the glaze and slice the oranges the night before to save time. Keep the ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, simply assemble the ham in the slow cooker. This prep-ahead approach is excellent for holiday hosting or busy weekends when you want to minimize time spent in the kitchen on the day of the meal.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham warm, carved into thick slices that highlight the tender texture of the meat. Arrange the slices on a large platter and drizzle a generous amount of the thickened orange honey glaze over the top. Garnish the platter with fresh orange wedges or sprigs of parsley if desired to add a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.

For a complete meal, pair the ham with classic sides such as roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

The sweetness of the glaze works exceptionally well with savory sides, creating a balanced dining experience. Ensure that extra glaze is served in a small boat on the side, allowing guests to add more to their portions as they enjoy the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Orange Honey Ham for Easy Entertaining

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

Ingredients

• 1 whole bone-in ham
• 2 large oranges, sliced
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in ham into the insert of the slow cooker. Arrange the orange slices evenly over the top of the ham to ensure the citrus oils and juices infuse the meat during the long cooking process.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and whole cloves over the ham and orange slices. Pour the honey and orange juice over the top, ensuring the liquid coats the surface of the ham to create a flavorful glaze as it cooks.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours. Check that the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove the ham, let it rest for 10 minutes, and slice before serving with the accumulated juices.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

9 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

32 g

Sodium

1100 mg

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