Save My sister called me the night before Thanksgiving, voice tight with panic, asking if I could handle the ham because her oven had just died. I pulled out my slow cooker, found a recipe scribbled on a card from years ago, and adapted it on the spot. The house filled with the smell of honey and cloves while I prepped everything else. When we sliced into that ham the next day, everyone went quiet for a moment before the compliments started. That broken oven became the best thing that happened to our holiday tradition.
I made this for my neighbors potluck once, skeptical that a slow cooker ham would impress anyone. One of the older guests, a woman who grew up in Georgia, pulled me aside and said it reminded her of her grandmothers Easter table. She asked for the recipe twice before she left. I realized then that some dishes dont need to be complicated to carry weight, they just need to taste like care.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in ham (2.5–3 kg): The bone adds flavor as it heats, and a pre-cooked ham means youre really just warming and glazing, not worrying about doneness.
- Honey (1 cup): Use something floral if you can find it, the flavor comes through in the glaze and regular clover honey works beautifully too.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): This deepens the sweetness and gives the glaze a molasses-like richness that balances the tang.
- Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): It cuts through all that sugar and honey with a sharpness that keeps the glaze from feeling one-note.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): A little acidity is everything here, it brightens the whole glaze and keeps it from being cloying.
- Whole-grain mustard (2 tablespoons): Those little seeds add texture and a rustic look to the glaze that feels intentional.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough warmth to make the kitchen smell like a holiday without tasting like dessert.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Use it sparingly, cloves can take over fast, but the right amount adds that classic ham flavor.
- Orange slices (1 orange): They release their oils and juice into the glaze as everything cooks, adding a subtle citrus note.
- Whole cloves (6): Studding the ham with these is traditional and they perfume the meat as it heats.
Instructions
- Score and stud the ham:
- Place the ham flat side down in your slow cooker and use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern, about a quarter inch deep. Press whole cloves into the intersections of the diamonds.
- Mix the glaze:
- Whisk together honey, brown sugar, both mustards, vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a medium bowl until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble in the slow cooker:
- Pour the glaze all over the ham, letting it pool at the bottom. Tuck orange slices around the sides.
- Slow cook low and slow:
- Cover and set to low for 6 hours, lifting the lid every hour or so to spoon some of that pooled glaze back over the top.
- Rest and reduce the glaze:
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest. Pour the glaze into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Slice and glaze again:
- Carve the ham into slices and brush each one with the thickened glaze before arranging on a platter.
Save The first time I served this, my brother-in-law, who usually eats in silence, looked up mid-bite and said it was the best ham hed ever had. My sister kicked him under the table and whispered that he says that every year, but he shook his head and said no, he meant it this time. That moment made all the basting worth it.
How to Pick the Right Ham
Look for a fully cooked, bone-in ham because the bone keeps everything moist and adds a depth of flavor you just dont get with boneless. Spiral-sliced hams work too, but they tend to dry out faster in the slow cooker, so if you go that route, baste more often. I learned this after serving a slightly tough ham one year and vowing never again.
What to Do with Leftovers
Leftover ham is a gift that keeps giving. I dice it up for omelets, toss it into split pea soup, or pile it on a roll with sharp cheddar and a smear of the leftover glaze. My favorite trick is freezing small portions in the glaze itself, then thawing it later for quick weeknight meals. Once, I made fried rice with ham and everyone asked what restaurant it came from.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
This ham loves roasted root vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a simple arugula salad with a tart vinaigrette to cut the richness. For wine, a slightly sweet Riesling is perfect, it echoes the honey without competing. I also like serving it with a whole-grain mustard on the side for anyone who wants an extra kick.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze if you want a deeper, smokier sweetness.
- Save the ham bone for soup, it will make the best split pea or bean soup youve ever tasted.
- If youre feeding a smaller group, a half ham works just as well and cooks in about 4 hours on low.
Save This ham has become the dish I make when I want to feel like I have my act together, even when I dont. It asks very little of you and gives back something that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the ham cook?
Cook the ham on low in a slow cooker for 6 hours to achieve tender, juicy results.
- → What ingredients are in the glaze?
The glaze combines honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the glaze?
Yes, adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze enhances the depth of flavor.
- → How do I prepare the ham before cooking?
Score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves for added aroma and taste.
- → What side dishes pair well with this ham?
Roasted root vegetables and a crisp white wine like Riesling complement the flavors beautifully.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is gluten-free as prepared, but always check mustard and vinegar labels to ensure no hidden gluten.