Slow Cooker Honey Roast Ham: The Easiest Way to Juicy, Flavourful Ham
Nothing says comfort food like a honey roast ham, especially when it’s slow-cooked to perfection. Making ham in a slow cooker is almost fool proof. The meat stays juicy, you get that irresistible sticky glaze, and the whole kitchen smells incredible all day long. This recipe is reliable enough for Sunday dinners, holiday feasts, or even just when you want easy leftovers for sandwiches and salads. Plus, it’s a fantastic idea for meal prep, since ham slices can be stored and used throughout the week.
Making honey roast ham in the slow cooker means you don’t need to keep an eye on the oven or stress over dry results. Toss in a ham with a homemade glaze, get on with your day, and by dinnertime your house smells wonderful and the ham practically falls apart with a fork. It’s a way to get maximum flavour with minimal work, and it brings families together at the table.
What Makes Slow Cooker Honey Roast Ham Worth Trying?
- No oven hassle. The slow cooker does the cooking while you relax. No basting or temperature checks needed.
- Tender, juicy meat every time. Slow cooking locks in moisture and even lean hams turn out soft, never dry.
- Sticky, sweet glaze. Honey, brown sugar, and a few spices combine for a glaze that clings beautifully to every slice.
- Make ahead friendly. Great for prepping in the morning for a stress-free dinner or making ahead for gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the basic list for an easy, crowd pleasing slow cooker honey roast ham:
- 1 fully cooked, smoked ham (about 4–5 pounds; bone in or boneless)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Whole cloves (for studding, optional)
You can swap in maple syrup for honey or mix in some orange zest for a citrus twist. Spiral cut hams work nicely because the glaze gets into every slice, but any style is fine.
How to Make Honey Roast Ham in a Slow Cooker
1. Prep the Ham
If your ham has a thick rind, trim most of it off and leave a thin layer of fat. Score the fat lightly in a diamond or crisscross pattern to help the glaze soak in. If you want more aroma and a bit of spice, stud the fat with a few whole cloves here and there.
2. Mix the Glaze
In a bowl, stir together honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, pepper, and cinnamon. Taste and tweak to your preference—add more mustard for tang or extra honey for sweetness.
3. Glaze and Cook
Put the ham cut side down in the slow cooker. Brush or drizzle about half the glaze over the ham, making sure it gets in all the nooks and crannies. Add a couple tablespoons of water or juice to the bottom so nothing sticks and burns.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours for a 4–5 pound ham. Bigger hams may need up to 7 hours. Try not to remove the lid during cooking to keep the heat inside and cook it evenly.
4. Glaze Again & Finish
About 30 minutes before serving, pour the rest of the glaze over the ham. If you’re after a next-level cool caramelized crust, set the ham on a baking sheet, pour over the glaze, and broil for about 5 minutes. This will give you sticky, golden edges everyone wants first.
5. Rest and Serve
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier. Spoon some of the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker over each slice for an extra flavour burst.
Troubleshooting & Tasty Variations
- Add pineapple juice to the glaze for a tropical spin.
- Try stone ground mustard for more texture in the glaze.
- If your ham seems salty, soak it in cold water for 1–2 hours and drain before cooking.
- Use leftover ham in sandwiches, toss it into omelettes, or add to casseroles for easy meals later in the week.
- For a smoky touch, add a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of bourbon to your glaze mixture.
Most Common Questions About Slow Cooker Honey Roast Ham
Q: Do I need to use a spiral ham?
Any unsliced or spiral cut ham works. Spiral hams soak up more glaze, but bone in gives you the best flavour and is extra juicy in the slow cooker.
Q: Should the ham be fully covered with liquid in the slow cooker?
No need to submerge the ham in liquid. Just add a bit at the bottom. The slow cooker steams the ham in its own juices and keeps it moist.
Q: Can I use different mustards or sweeteners?
Yes. Maple syrup, agave, and even apricot jam work for sweetness. Pick your favourite mustard for more kick or tang.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Slow cooker ham stores in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently with a little of the reserved glaze.
Give Slow Cooker Ham a Try!
Slow cooker honey roast ham turns out juicy, sweet, and packed with flavour with barely any effort. If you give this slow cooker recipe a try, let me know how it works or what glaze combos you come up with. I’m always happy to swap slow cooker tips. It’s one of my favourite ways to serve comfort food quickly when life gets busy, and I bet you’ll have a new go-to for family dinners and leftovers alike!