Save I bought my first slow cooker specifically for this ham. It was three days before hosting friends I hadn't seen in years, and I panicked about oven space. The idea of a ham gently cooking all day while I prepped everything else sounded too good to be true. When I lifted the lid that evening, the kitchen smelled like a holiday I'd been chasing my whole life. Everyone asked for the recipe before they even tasted it.
The first time I served this, my friend's daughter wouldn't stop talking about the orange slices tucked around the ham. She fished them out, sticky and candied, and ate them like candy. Her mom tried to stop her, but I didn't mind. Watching a kid get that excited over something I made felt better than any compliment. That's when I realized this wasn't just dinner, it was the kind of thing people remember.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in ham (2.5 to 3 kg): Look for one that's already cooked so you're just heating and glazing, not worrying about internal temps. The bone adds flavor and makes carving easier once you get the hang of it.
- Honey (1 cup): Use the real stuff, not the squeeze bottle kind. It makes the glaze silky and fragrant in a way that sugar alone never will.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): This adds molasses depth and helps the glaze cling to the ham instead of sliding off into the slow cooker.
- Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): The sharpness cuts through all that sweetness and keeps the glaze from tasting like dessert.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Brightens everything up and balances the sugar so each bite feels clean, not cloying.
- Whole-grain mustard (2 tablespoons): Those little seeds add texture and a gentle pop of flavor that surprises people.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make people wonder what that warm note is without overpowering the ham.
- Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny amount goes a long way. Too much and it tastes like potpourri.
- Orange (1, sliced): Adds citrus perfume to the glaze and looks beautiful tucked around the ham.
- Whole cloves (6): Stud these into the scored fat for little bursts of spice and an old-fashioned holiday look.
Instructions
- Prep the ham:
- Place the ham flat side down in your slow cooker. Use a sharp knife to score the surface in a crisscross diamond pattern, cutting just into the fat. Press whole cloves into the intersections where the lines meet.
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk together honey, brown sugar, both mustards, vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a bowl until smooth. It'll smell incredible and you'll want to taste it, which is fine because it's all cooked ingredients anyway.
- Glaze and arrange:
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, letting it pool in the scored lines. Tuck orange slices around the sides of the ham in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook:
- Cover and set to low for 6 hours. Every hour or so, spoon some of the glaze from the bottom back over the top of the ham.
- Rest and thicken:
- Transfer the cooked ham to a cutting board and let it rest. Pour all the glaze into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Slice and serve:
- Carve the ham into slices and brush each piece with the thickened glaze. Serve warm with the extra glaze on the side.
Save 
Save One year I made this the day after a snowstorm knocked out power for half the neighborhood. Our house still had electricity, so friends came over and we turned it into an impromptu gathering. The ham fed twelve people, and someone brought a bottle of Riesling that paired so well I wrote it down. It wasn't planned, but it became one of those nights everyone still brings up.
Storing and Reheating
Let leftover ham cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful of glaze, or warm gently in the oven at 150 degrees Celsius covered with foil. Cold slices are perfect for sandwiches with sharp cheddar and a little mustard on sourdough.
Serving Suggestions
This ham loves roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes tossed in olive oil and thyme. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. For drinks, try a dry Riesling, a light pilsner, or sparkling apple cider if you want something alcohol-free. Leftover ham also makes killer fried rice or a rich split pea soup.
Customizing the Glaze
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a tablespoon of hot honey to the glaze. A splash of bourbon or dark rum deepens the flavor and adds warmth. You can swap the orange slices for pineapple rings if you want a more tropical vibe. Some people love adding a tablespoon of soy sauce for umami, and honestly, it works.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different kind of sweetness.
- Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Use lime instead of orange for a brighter, zestier finish.
Save 
Save This ham has become my go-to whenever I want to feed people something that feels special without spending all day in the kitchen. It's proof that the best meals don't have to be complicated, just made with care.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the ham for slow cooking?
Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves to infuse flavor during cooking.
- → What ingredients make up the honey glaze?
The glaze combines honey, brown sugar, Dijon and whole-grain mustards, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- → How long should the ham cook in the slow cooker?
Cook the ham on low heat for 6 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze for optimal tenderness and flavor.
- → Can the glaze be thickened after cooking?
Yes, pour the glaze into a saucepan and simmer for 5–7 minutes until it thickens nicely for brushing over the ham.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve with roasted root vegetables and pair with a crisp white wine like Riesling for a balanced meal.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is gluten-free as written but be sure to verify that mustard and vinegar labels contain no hidden gluten.