If you are looking for an easy holiday main dish with juicy ham and a glossy sweet-savory glaze, this Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham is an excellent recipe to make. A fully cooked spiral ham is slowly warmed with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, warm spices, and a touch of butter until tender and flavorful.
The slow cooker is especially convenient for ham because it keeps the oven free for side dishes while gently heating the meat without drying it out. As the ham warms, the glaze melts into the slices and collects in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a rich syrupy sauce that can be reduced and brushed over the ham before serving.
This recipe is perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want a classic centerpiece with very little hands-on work.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
This recipe uses a fully cooked ham, so the goal is simply to heat it gently while adding plenty of flavor.
Brown sugar and honey create a classic sweet glaze, while Dijon mustard and a little acidity keep it from tasting overly sugary.
Pineapple juice adds moisture and a subtle fruity note that works especially well with ham.
The slow cooker keeps the meat tender and juicy while freeing up valuable oven space.
It is also easy to prepare ahead and excellent for leftovers in sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, soups, sliders, and pasta dishes.
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced bone-in ham, about 7–9 pounds
- ½ cup pineapple juice or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, optional
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Finishing
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Extra brown sugar, optional
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish, optional
How to Make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
1. Choose the Right Ham
Use a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham that fits comfortably inside your slow cooker.
A 7–9 pound ham usually works well in a large 6- to 8-quart slow cooker.
2. Remove the Packaging
Remove all packaging, plastic pieces, and any glaze packet that came with the ham.
You will be making your own glaze.
3. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
Pour ½ cup pineapple juice into the bottom.
4. Add the Butter
Cut the butter into small pieces.
Scatter them over the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Place the Ham Inside
Place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker.
If the ham is slightly too tall, you may trim a small amount from the bottom or cover the slow cooker tightly with foil before placing the lid on top.
6. Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Maple syrup, if using
- Pineapple juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth.
7. Coat the Ham
Brush approximately half of the glaze over the ham.
Try to work some of the glaze gently between the spiral slices.
Do not pull the slices apart too aggressively or the ham may dry out.
8. Add More Brown Sugar
For an extra caramelized flavor, sprinkle a few tablespoons of brown sugar over the top.
9. Cover
Place the lid on the slow cooker.
If the lid does not close completely because the ham is large, cover the top tightly with foil and place the lid over the foil.
10. Cook on LOW
Cook on LOW for approximately 3½–5 hours.
The exact time depends on the size and shape of the ham.
Because the ham is already cooked, you are reheating rather than cooking it from raw.
11. Baste During Cooking
About halfway through cooking, open the slow cooker briefly.
Spoon some of the warm glaze from the bottom over the ham.
Close the lid quickly.
12. Add Remaining Glaze
Brush the remaining glaze over the ham during the final hour.
13. Check the Temperature
Begin checking the internal temperature toward the end of cooking.
A fully cooked ham should be reheated until hot throughout; avoid excessively overcooking it, which can make it dry.
14. Remove the Ham Carefully
Transfer the ham to a large platter or foil-lined baking sheet.
Use sturdy utensils because the ham may be very tender.
15. Strain the Cooking Liquid
Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan.
Skim excess fat if needed.
16. Reduce the Glaze
Place the saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer for approximately 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce should become thicker and more syrupy.
17. Add Butter and Honey
Stir in:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
This gives the glaze a glossy finish.
18. Brush the Ham
Brush the reduced glaze generously over the ham.
19. Optional Caramelized Finish
For a darker, sticky exterior, transfer the ham to a foil-lined baking sheet.
Broil for approximately 2–4 minutes.
Watch constantly because the sugar can burn quickly.
20. Rest
Let the ham rest for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.
21. Slice
Follow the spiral cuts to separate the slices.
22. Spoon Over Extra Glaze
Serve additional warm glaze over the ham.
23. Garnish
Finish with rosemary, parsley, or fresh fruit if desired.
24. Serve
Serve warm with your favorite holiday or comfort-food sides.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
This sweet-savory ham pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides.
Try:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Cheesy potato casserole
- Mac and cheese
- Sweet potato casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Stuffing
For vegetables, serve with:
- Green beans
- Roasted carrots
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Glazed carrots
- Asparagus
- Creamed corn
A fresh salad or tangy slaw can also help balance the richness and sweetness of the ham.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
Use a fully cooked spiral ham.
Make sure the ham fits inside the slow cooker before starting.
Cook on LOW rather than HIGH for the juiciest result.
Do not overcook.
Use pineapple or apple juice for moisture.
Brush glaze between some of the slices.
Baste once or twice during cooking.
Reduce the cooking liquid separately for a thicker glaze.
Broil briefly only if you want extra caramelization.
Let the ham rest before serving.
Easy Recipe Variations
Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham
Add:
- Pineapple rings
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- Extra brown sugar
Arrange the pineapple around the ham during cooking.
Maple Honey Ham
Increase the maple syrup to ¼ cup and slightly reduce the brown sugar.
Dijon Honey Ham
Increase the Dijon to ⅓ cup for a more savory glaze.
Orange Glazed Ham
Replace pineapple juice with orange juice and add:
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
Spiced Holiday Ham
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- Pinch of cloves
- Pinch of nutmeg
Garlic Brown Sugar Ham
Add an extra 1 teaspoon garlic powder or several roasted garlic cloves for a stronger savory balance.
Apple Cider Ham
Replace pineapple juice with apple cider and add a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Bourbon-Style Ham
Add a small amount of bourbon to the glaze and simmer it before brushing over the ham.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftover ham to cool before transferring it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Store some of the glaze with the meat to help keep it moist.
Reheating in the Oven
Place ham slices in a covered baking dish.
Add a small amount of glaze, broth, or water.
Reheat at 325°F (165°C) until hot.
Reheating in the Microwave
Place slices on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover loosely and heat in short intervals.
Do not overheat.
Freezing
Cooked ham freezes well.
Divide into meal-size portions and transfer to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to approximately 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Leftover Ham Ideas
Leftover glazed ham is extremely versatile.
Use it for:
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Breakfast casseroles
- Omelets
- Scrambled eggs
- Mac and cheese
- Ham fried rice
- Potato soup
- Split pea soup
- Pasta bakes
- Ham sandwiches
- Quesadillas
- Loaded baked potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker?
Yes.
A fully cooked spiral ham reheats very well in a slow cooker and stays especially moist when cooked gently on LOW.
How long should I cook ham in the slow cooker?
A 7–9 pound fully cooked ham usually takes approximately 3½–5 hours on LOW, depending on the slow cooker and ham size.
Do I need to add liquid?
Yes, a small amount of pineapple juice, apple juice, or broth helps create steam and keeps the environment moist.
Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely.
Boneless ham works well, though cooking time may be slightly shorter.
Why is my ham dry?
It was probably heated too long or at too high a temperature.
Because most spiral hams are already fully cooked, they only need gentle reheating.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes.
Mix the glaze up to several days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
Can I make this without pineapple juice?
Yes.
Apple juice, apple cider, orange juice, or a small amount of broth can be substituted.
Can I prepare the ham the night before?
Yes.
Place the ham in the slow cooker insert, prepare the glaze separately, cover, and refrigerate. Add the glaze and begin cooking the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham combines tender spiral ham, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, warm spices, and a glossy reduced glaze in one easy holiday centerpiece.
The key is cooking the ham gently on LOW, basting it with the sweet-savory glaze, and avoiding unnecessary extra cooking time so the slices stay moist and tender.
Finish with a quick glaze reduction and optional broiling for a sticky caramelized exterior, then serve with scalloped potatoes, green beans, rolls, or your favorite holiday sides for an easy, crowd-friendly meal.