How To Make Honey Baked Ham In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Honey Baked Ham is a classic centerpiece for holidays, family gatherings, or even a weekend indulgence. Its hallmark is a tender, juicy interior paired with a sweet, slightly caramelized exterior that enhances the natural flavors of the ham. Traditionally, Honey Baked Ham is baked in an oven or purchased pre-glazed from specialty stores. However, using a slow cooker to prepare this dish brings a new level of convenience and flavor infusion. Slow cooking allows the ham to absorb the sweetness of honey, brown sugar, and spices while staying incredibly moist. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach, perfect for those who want to enjoy a flavorful ham without constant supervision or complicated oven timings.

The slow cooker method is particularly useful for those who want to minimize oven use, free up kitchen space, or ensure a consistently tender texture. This guide will walk you through every step, from preparation to serving, troubleshooting, and even reheating leftovers for maximum enjoyment.

Contents

• 1 How Long To Make Honey Baked Ham In Slow Cooker
• 2 How To Tell If It Is Done
• 3 Ingredients Needed
• 4 How To Make Honey Baked Ham In Slow Cooker
• 5 When Things Go Wrong
• 6 Expert Tips
• 7 Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?
• 8 Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker
• 9 FAQs
  • 9.1 What Type Of Ham Is Best For Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham?
  • 9.2 Do I Need To Add Liquid To The Slow Cooker When Making Honey Baked Ham?
  • 9.3 How Long Should A Ham Cook In A Slow Cooker?
  • 9.4 How Do I Apply The Honey Glaze To The Ham In A Slow Cooker?
  • 9.5 Can I Use A Frozen Ham In A Slow Cooker?
  • 9.6 Should I Cover The Ham While It Cooks In The Slow Cooker?
  • 9.7 Can I Make A Sugar-free Version Of Honey Baked Ham In A Slow Cooker?
  • 9.8 How Do I Know When The Ham Is Heated Through?
  • 9.9 Can I Add Additional Flavors Or Spices To The Ham?
  • 9.10 How Should I Store Leftovers From Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham?

How Long To Make Honey Baked Ham In Slow Cooker

Cooking time depends primarily on the size of your ham and whether it is pre-cooked or raw. Most hams sold in grocery stores are pre-cooked, which affects the time needed in a slow cooker:

• Pre-cooked ham (bone-in, 5-7 pounds): 4-5 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high.
• Pre-cooked ham (boneless, 3-5 pounds): 3-4 hours on low, or 1.5-2.5 hours on high.
• Raw ham (rarely purchased for home cooking): Requires careful slow cooking at low heat for 6-8 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safety.

It’s crucial not to rush the process. Slow cooking allows the glaze to meld with the meat, while the low temperature ensures a tender and juicy finish rather than a dry, stringy texture.

How To Tell If It Is Done

The most reliable way to determine if your ham is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding bones.

• For pre-cooked ham: Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F. The ham is technically safe to eat at this temperature, but it will be heated through and ready to serve.
• For raw ham: The USDA recommends 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest period to ensure safety.

Other indicators include:

• The glaze has seeped into the meat slightly and developed a sticky, golden sheen.
• The ham feels firm but not dry when gently pressed.
• The aroma is rich and sweet, hinting at the infusion of honey, brown sugar, and spices.

Ingredients Needed

To make Honey Baked Ham in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ham: 5-7 pound pre-cooked, bone-in ham (adjust size depending on your slow cooker capacity)
• Honey: ½ to ¾ cup
• Brown sugar: ½ cup, packed
• Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons (adds a slight tang to balance sweetness)
• Pineapple juice or orange juice: ½ cup (optional, for added moisture and flavor)
• Ground cloves or allspice: ½ teaspoon (optional, for subtle warmth)
• Water or broth: ¼ cup (to prevent the ham from drying)

Optional garnishes: fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) or pineapple rings for presentation.

How To Make Honey Baked Ham In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from packaging and rinse briefly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score it in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
2. Mix the glaze: In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, juice (pineapple or orange), and spices if using. Stir until smooth.
3. Place the ham in the slow cooker: Add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom to prevent scorching. Position the ham cut-side down.
4. Apply glaze: Brush half of the glaze over the ham, reserving the rest for later.
5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, basting every 1-2 hours with additional glaze. If cooking on high, reduce the total time and check frequently.
6. Finish the glaze: During the last 30-45 minutes, brush the remaining glaze to ensure a rich, caramelized exterior. Covering can be removed in the final 15 minutes if your slow cooker lid allows, to slightly thicken the glaze.
7. Rest before serving: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

When Things Go Wrong

Even slow cooking isn’t immune to mishaps:

• Ham is too dry: Likely overcooked or cooked without sufficient liquid. Solution: add more juice or broth and cover tightly. Slice thinner for serving.
• Glaze too runny: The sugars haven’t had enough time to caramelize. Remove lid for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken, or place slices under a broiler briefly.
• Undercooked ham: Rare but possible with raw hams. Use a thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature. Continue cooking on low until it reaches safe levels.
• Flavors too sweet: Balance with a touch of vinegar, Dijon mustard, or citrus juice in the glaze.

Expert Tips

• Score the fat: A diamond pattern allows flavors to penetrate deeper.
• Don’t over-baste: Too frequent basting can remove heat and slow cooking.
• Use a foil sling: Lifting the ham out of the slow cooker is easier and cleaner.
• Slow cooker size matters: Ensure the ham fits comfortably without touching the lid.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes. Honey Baked Ham can also be cooked in an oven:

• Preheat to 325°F.
• Place ham in a roasting pan with a small amount of liquid.
• Cover with foil and bake for 15-18 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
• Remove foil in the final 20-30 minutes to allow glaze to caramelize.

Slow cooker is convenient for consistent moisture, while the oven allows more control over browning.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Leftover ham can be gently reheated in a slow cooker:

1. Slice the ham into portions.
2. Add ¼-½ cup of water, juice, or leftover glaze.
3. Cover and heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Avoid high heat, which can dry the ham out.

This method ensures warmth without sacrificing tenderness.

FAQs

What Type Of Ham Is Best For Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham?

Bone-in, fully cooked ham is ideal for slow cooker recipes. It retains moisture better and absorbs the glaze more evenly. Avoid using raw ham, as it requires different cooking times and temperatures.

Do I Need To Add Liquid To The Slow Cooker When Making Honey Baked Ham?

Yes, adding a small amount of liquid such as water, apple juice, or pineapple juice helps prevent the ham from drying out and creates a base for the glaze to infuse flavor during cooking.

How Long Should A Ham Cook In A Slow Cooker?

For a fully cooked ham, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size. A 5-pound ham usually takes about 4 hours on low. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the meat.

How Do I Apply The Honey Glaze To The Ham In A Slow Cooker?

Mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of liquid for the glaze. Brush the glaze over the ham before cooking and optionally baste it halfway through the cooking process for deeper flavor.

Can I Use A Frozen Ham In A Slow Cooker?

It is not recommended to cook a frozen ham directly in a slow cooker. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator first to ensure even cooking and proper heat penetration.

Should I Cover The Ham While It Cooks In The Slow Cooker?

Yes, cover the slow cooker with the lid to trap steam and maintain moisture. This helps the ham stay tender and allows the glaze to permeate the meat effectively.

Can I Make A Sugar-free Version Of Honey Baked Ham In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can substitute honey with sugar-free honey alternatives or a mix of maple-flavored syrup and a sugar substitute. Adjust the quantities to achieve the desired sweetness and consistency.

How Do I Know When The Ham Is Heated Through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Fully cooked ham should reach 140°F (60°C) when reheated in a slow cooker.

Can I Add Additional Flavors Or Spices To The Ham?

Yes, you can enhance the flavor with cloves, cinnamon sticks, garlic, or fresh herbs. These can be added to the glaze or the cooking liquid to infuse the ham with aromatic flavors.

How Should I Store Leftovers From Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham?

Allow the ham to cool slightly, then slice and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze the slices for up to 2 months and reheat gently.