There’s something special about a beautifully glazed ham sitting at the center of the dinner table. The sweet aroma, the caramelized glaze, and the tender slices that practically melt in your mouth make it a favorite for holidays, family gatherings, and cozy Sunday dinners. But making a show-stopping ham doesn’t have to mean spending hours watching the oven.
This Slow-Cooker Citrus Glazed Ham is the perfect solution for busy cooks who want incredible flavor with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker allows the ham to gently warm and absorb all the delicious citrus, honey, and spice flavors while staying incredibly moist and juicy. The result is a restaurant-quality centerpiece that requires very little hands-on preparation.
Whether you’re preparing Easter dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply want a comforting meal for your family, this recipe delivers sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooker Citrus Glazed Ham
This recipe has everything you want in a classic ham dish:
- Easy preparation: Just mix the glaze, pour it over the ham, and let your slow cooker do the work.
- Tender and juicy texture: Slow cooking prevents the ham from drying out.
- Beautiful citrus flavor: Orange and lemon add brightness that balances the richness of the ham.
- Perfect for celebrations: It makes an impressive centerpiece without complicated cooking techniques.
- Great leftovers: Use extra slices for sandwiches, breakfast recipes, salads, and casseroles.
The combination of sweet glaze and citrus creates a delicious balance. The sweetness enhances the natural flavor of the ham, while the citrus cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this flavorful slow-cooker ham, you only need a handful of simple ingredients.
Main Ingredient
Fully Cooked Ham
- 1 spiral-cut or bone-in ham (about 6–8 pounds)
A fully cooked ham is ideal because the slow cooker’s job is to warm it gently while allowing the flavors of the glaze to soak into every slice.
Citrus Glaze Ingredients
Orange juice – Adds natural sweetness and bright citrus flavor.
Orange zest – Provides a stronger citrus aroma and fresh flavor.
Lemon juice – Adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness.
Honey – Creates a glossy glaze with natural sweetness.
Brown sugar – Helps form a beautiful caramelized coating.
Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Garlic – Gives the glaze a savory balance.
Ground cloves – A classic pairing with ham that adds warm holiday flavor.
Ground cinnamon – Adds a gentle sweetness and comforting spice.
Black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Citrus Glazed Ham
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the process is. Most of the magic happens while the slow cooker works.
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
If your ham is spiral-cut, keep it intact. The slices will naturally absorb the glaze as it cooks.
Place the ham cut-side down into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Citrus Glaze
In a small bowl, combine:
- Orange juice
- Orange zest
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Minced garlic
- Ground cloves
- Cinnamon
- Black pepper
Whisk everything together until the sugar begins to dissolve and the ingredients are well combined.
The glaze should have a sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced flavor.
Step 3: Add the Glaze to the Ham
Pour the citrus glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it reaches between the slices if you are using a spiral-cut ham.
For extra flavor, use a spoon or brush to spread some glaze across the surface.
As the ham cooks, the glaze will slowly seep into the meat, creating delicious flavor throughout.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook:
- Low setting: 4–6 hours
- High setting: 2–3 hours
Since the ham is already cooked, you are mainly warming it and allowing the flavors to develop.
Every hour, spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham. This keeps the outside moist and helps build a flavorful glaze.
The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Tips for the Best Slow-Cooker Citrus Glazed Ham
Choose the Right Ham
Bone-in hams usually provide the best flavor because the bone adds richness during cooking. Spiral-cut hams are convenient because they are easy to serve and allow the glaze to reach more areas.
Avoid using a ham that is too large for your slow cooker. The lid should close completely to maintain proper heat.
Don’t Overcook the Ham
Because the ham is already cooked, it doesn’t need hours of cooking like raw meat. Overcooking can make it dry.
The goal is a warm, juicy ham with a flavorful glaze.
Add More Citrus Flavor
For an even stronger citrus taste, try adding:
- Extra orange zest
- Fresh orange slices around the ham
- A splash of pineapple juice
- A little lemon zest
These additions create a beautiful fruity aroma.
Make the Glaze Thicker
If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan after cooking.
Simmer it for several minutes until it reduces slightly, then brush it over the sliced ham before serving.
This creates a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
What to Serve With Citrus Glazed Ham
This ham pairs beautifully with classic comfort foods and fresh sides.
Some great options include:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The rich potatoes balance the sweet citrus glaze perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables
Carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus add freshness and color.
Dinner Rolls
Perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze.
Fresh Salad
A crisp salad with greens, nuts, and a light dressing creates a refreshing contrast.
Sweet Potato Casserole
The sweet flavors complement the honey and brown sugar glaze.
How to Store Leftover Ham
One of the best things about making ham is enjoying the leftovers.
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging to maintain freshness.
To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven with a little leftover glaze or broth to keep them moist.
Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Ham
Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Try using your extra ham in:
- Ham and cheese sandwiches
- Breakfast omelets
- Breakfast casseroles
- Pasta dishes
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Ham salads
- Soups and stews
The citrus flavor adds a unique twist to everyday meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes. A boneless ham works well, although bone-in ham usually has slightly more flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the glaze the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply pour it over the ham when you’re ready to cook.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of orange juice?
Yes. Freshly squeezed orange juice works wonderfully and provides a brighter flavor.
Do I need to baste the ham while cooking?
It’s not required, but spooning the juices over the ham occasionally helps create a more flavorful and moist result.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooker Citrus Glazed Ham proves that impressive meals don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, a flavorful homemade glaze, and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a tender and delicious centerpiece that your family and guests will love.
The combination of sweet honey, warm spices, and fresh citrus creates a beautiful balance of flavors that feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for a regular dinner.
So next time you’re looking for a stress-free meal that delivers big flavor, let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy every juicy, flavorful slice of this unforgettable citrus glazed ham.