Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

This post was supported by Collective Bias, Inc. All opinions are my own. #ForTheLoveOfHam #CollectiveBias

Slow-cooked spiral-cut ham with a brown sugar rub and a honey-mustard glaze. Easy, impressive, delicious, and nearly mess-free.

The other day I was in the grocery store looking at hams when a little old lady wearing a glittery newsboy cap tapped the foil-wrapped package and declared, “This is the best ham I’ve ever eaten in my whole life.” She told me her son had served the same ham at Thanksgiving and that they drove to this store specifically to buy several while they were still available. She loaded a handful into her cart and asked her husband, “Just one more?” He laughed and shook his head.

That, right there, is love for ham. When someone stops another shopper to tell them how great a ham is — and then buys a cartful — you know it’s worth trying. She mentioned she likes hers with apricot preserves and cola, but my favorite partner for ham is mustard. The tang of mustard complements the salty, savory meat perfectly.

For this recipe I smother the spiral-cut ham with a brown sugar rub, then coat it with a honey and stone-ground mustard glaze before slow cooking. The result is tender, juicy slices with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

If you haven’t cooked a bone-in spiral-cut ham before, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, most attractive main dishes that also makes your house smell amazing. This method is simple, mostly hands-off, and ideal for busy holiday days when you want one centerpiece that cooks while you finish other dishes.

I’m honest: when hosting a big dinner my kitchen often becomes chaotic. To avoid making more work for myself, I choose dishes that can be prepared ahead or cooked in the slow cooker, out of the way. This slow-cooked honey-mustard ham fits that need perfectly — prep is minimal and most of the cooking time is unattended.

To prepare, I line the slow cooker with two sheets of foil so the brown sugar and glaze stay against the ham instead of sinking to the bottom. The brown sugar is pressed into the spiral cuts to act as glue for the honey-mustard glaze. Half the glaze goes on before cooking; the rest is brushed on at the end so the glaze is bright and sticky on the surface.

No extra liquid is needed in the slow cooker — a fully prepared ham retains enough moisture to stay juicy throughout the long, slow cook. After the cooking time, verify the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C) away from the bone. Let the ham rest briefly, then baste with the reserved glaze and serve.

Slow Cooked Honey Mustard Ham

Slow-cooked spiral-cut ham rubbed with brown sugar and glazed with honey and stone-ground mustard. Simple, elegant, and perfect for holiday dinners or any special meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 15
• Calories: 390 kcal per serving
• Author: Amy D.

Ingredients

• 1 (7–9 lb) bone-in spiral-cut ham (Hormel or similar)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2/3 cup stone-ground mustard
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of aluminum foil long enough to completely wrap your ham.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and stone-ground mustard.
3. In another small bowl, mix the brown sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of the honey-mustard mixture until it forms a thick paste.
4. Rub the brown sugar paste all over the ham, pressing it into the spiral slices so it adheres.
5. Baste the ham with about half of the honey-mustard mixture, reserving the rest for finishing.
6. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking, wrap the ham tightly, and place it in a 7-quart slow cooker.
7. Cook on high for 1 hour, then reduce to low and cook another 5–6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C), measured away from the bone.
8. Carefully remove the ham, unwrap, and baste with the remaining honey-mustard glaze. Let rest a few minutes, then carve and serve.

Notes & Tips

• Use a bone-in spiral ham for the best presentation and consistent slices.
• Press the brown sugar paste into the cuts so the glaze clings to the meat during cooking.
• No additional liquid is necessary in the slow cooker — the ham will release juices that keep it moist.
• If you prefer a deeper caramelized finish, place the glazed ham under a broiler for a few minutes after slow cooking, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and make excellent sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

Nutrition

Serving size: about 1/15 of the ham. Calories: approximately 390 kcal per serving.

Recommended sides: This ham pairs beautifully with soft Hawaiian rolls, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a bright green salad. For a classic holiday plate, add sweet potato casserole and your favorite cranberry condiment.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out and what sides you served with it. Happy cooking!