Recipe for Cooking Ham in a Slow Cooker: Hands-Off Holiday Centerpiece

This slow cooker ham delivers a hands-off holiday centerpiece with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Set it in the morning and return to a perfectly tender, juicy ham ready to serve your gathering.

Ingredients for Recipe for Cooking Ham in a Slow Cooker

Holiday centerpiece with sweet, spiced glaze. Set it and forget it until serving.

The ham is the star here. Spiral-cut bone-in saves you the trouble of carving and lets the glaze seep into every nook. I grab mine from Costco or HoneyBaked Ham when they’re on sale—both have great pre-cooked options. Look for something around 6-7 lbs for a crowd. Avoid the pre-glazed ones; you want a blank canvas for your own flavor.

No Dijon? Yellow mustard with a pinch of turmeric gets you close. Swap honey for maple syrup if you’re out. Don’t love cloves? Allspice at the same amount works nicely. The pineapple and cherries are optional, but they add that classic holiday look. If using fresh pineapple, pat it dry first so it doesn’t water down the glaze.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for 2 months. The glaze thickens as it cools, so reheat slices in the oven covered with foil to keep them juicy. Perfect for sandwiches later.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ham in a Slow Cooker

This hands-off method delivers a juicy, flavorful centerpiece with minimal effort.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham and Slow Cooker

Line your slow cooker with a large piece of heavy-duty foil, leaving enough overhang to fold over the ham. This makes removal easier and prevents sticking. Place the 6 lb Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham flat-side down in the center of the slow cooker.

If using a spiral-cut ham, keep it in one piece—it will separate beautifully after cooking. The bone-in variety stays moister during the long, slow cook and infuses the meat with rich flavor.

Step 2: Create the Citrus-Spice Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together the 0.75 cup Brown Sugar, 0.25 cup Honey, 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 0.25 tsp Ground Cloves, 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 0.5 cup Fresh Orange Juice, and 1 tbsp Orange Zest until smooth.

Melt the 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter and minced 4 cloves Garlic Cloves in a small saucepan over low heat, then whisk this into the glaze. The butter emulsifies with the citrus and spices, creating a glossy, aromatic coating that clings to the ham.

Step 3: Glaze and Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour half the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat the top and sides. Fold the foil overhang loosely over the ham to trap steam while allowing room for circulation. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on Low for 6-7 hours.

About halfway through, baste the ham with the accumulated juices in the slow cooker. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 140°F and the surface is sticky and caramelized. The low-and-slow method ensures the ham stays tender and absorbs the glaze deeply.

Step 4: Finish with a Caramelized Glaze

Carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter, using the foil to lift it out. Pour the remaining glaze from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.

Brush this reduced glaze over the ham just before serving. The heat concentrates the flavors, creating a glossy, deeply flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the 1 can Pineapple Slices and 0.5 cup Maraschino Cherries around the ham for a classic presentation. Secure them with toothpicks if desired. The sweetness of the fruit complements the spiced glaze perfectly.

Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with the extra glaze on the side for drizzling. Each slice will be infused with the warm spices and citrus notes, making it a standout holiday dish.

Creative Variations of These Flavors

Maple Bourbon Glaze

Swap the honey for ½ cup maple syrup and add 2 tbsp bourbon to the glaze mixture. The bourbon adds a deep, smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the maple. I use Jim Beam for its balanced flavor. 🥃

Brown Sugar Mustard

Double the Dijon mustard to 4 tbsp and add 1 tsp yellow mustard for a tangier profile. Reduce the brown sugar to ½ cup to balance the acidity. This gives a more savory, less sweet glaze.

Cola Infused Ham

Replace the orange juice with 1 cup cola—I like Coca-Cola—and add 1 tsp ground ginger for warmth. The cola’s caramel notes deepen the glaze’s richness. Simmer the glaze reduction for 8-10 minutes to thicken properly.

Pineapple Brown Sugar

Blend the pineapple slices into a puree and use it to replace ½ cup orange juice in the glaze. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract for depth. The pineapple’s natural enzymes tenderize the ham further.

This tropical twist works great for summer gatherings. 🍍

Spicy Chipotle Version

Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo (finely minced) and 1 tsp adobo sauce to the glaze. Balance the heat with an extra 2 tbsp honey. The smoky heat complements the sweetness beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions