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

Honey roast ham is a culinary classic, a dish that embodies comfort, flavor, and the warmth of a home-cooked meal. Its sweet, caramelized exterior paired with tender, juicy meat makes it a centerpiece suitable for everything from Sunday dinners to festive celebrations. While traditional methods involve baking the ham in the oven, using a slow cooker offers a unique advantage: low and slow heat infuses the meat with unparalleled juiciness, while the honey glaze develops a rich, sticky, golden coating that elevates every bite. Cooking ham in a slow cooker also frees up oven space, making it ideal for large family meals or holiday gatherings. This guide explores every nuance of crafting the perfect honey roast ham in a slow cooker, ensuring your final dish is tender, flavorful, and visually irresistible.

How Long To Make Honey Roast Ham In Slow Cooker

Cooking time is crucial when using a slow cooker because low heat is gentle yet requires patience to fully tenderize the ham. Typically, a fully cooked, bone-in ham weighing 6 to 8 pounds will take 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2.5 to 4 hours on high heat. For smaller hams, around 3 to 4 pounds, expect 2 to 3 hours on low or 1.5 to 2.5 hours on high.

It is important to note that these times can vary depending on the size of the slow cooker, whether the ham is bone-in or boneless, and the density of the meat. Slow cooking at a lower temperature produces a more tender and evenly cooked ham, while higher heat may cook faster but risks drying the edges if not monitored carefully.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Knowing when your honey roast ham is done is essential to avoid overcooking, which can dry the meat, or undercooking, which can leave it tough and chewy. The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. For a fully cooked ham, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked hams or 145°F (63°C) for fresh, uncooked hams.

Other indicators include:

• Juices run clear: When you pierce the thickest part of the ham, the juices should be clear, not pink or red.
• Tender texture: The meat should feel soft and springy, easily separating along the grain when cut.
• Glaze caramelization: If using a honey glaze, it should form a slightly sticky, golden-brown coating on the surface.

Ingredients Needed

To achieve a perfect honey roast ham in a slow cooker, you will need both the main protein and a few complementary ingredients to create the signature sweet and savory glaze:

• Ham: 4-8 pounds, preferably bone-in for maximum flavor. Fully cooked or partially cooked is ideal.
• Honey: ½ to ¾ cup for glaze. Raw honey works best for a deep, natural sweetness.
• Brown sugar: ¼ to ½ cup to enhance caramelization.
• Dijon mustard: 1-2 tablespoons for a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
• Apple cider or orange juice: ½ cup to add moisture and infuse flavor.
• Cloves (optional): Whole cloves studded into the ham give an aromatic warmth.
• Butter: 2-3 tablespoons, melted, to enrich the glaze.
• Spices (optional): Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for extra depth of flavor.

How To Make Honey Roast Ham In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the ham: Remove any packaging, and if there is a thick layer of skin, score it in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate. Stud with cloves if desired.
2. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, melted butter, and your chosen juice. Whisk until smooth.
3. Place ham in slow cooker: Add a small amount of liquid (apple cider or orange juice) to the bottom of the cooker to keep the ham moist.
4. Apply glaze: Brush a generous layer of the honey mixture over the ham, reserving some for later basting.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours (or high for 2.5-4 hours), occasionally basting with the remaining glaze.
6. Finish for caramelization (optional): For a crisp, golden exterior, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Rest before slicing: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with careful preparation, things can sometimes go awry:

• Ham is dry: Likely overcooked or lacked enough liquid. Remedy: Slice and simmer briefly in leftover glaze or broth.
• Glaze too thin: Reduce it on the stovetop until syrupy before applying to the ham.
• Uneven cooking: Ensure the ham fits comfortably in the slow cooker; a crowded cooker may cook unevenly. Rotate halfway if necessary.
• Burning glaze: Basting too frequently or broiling too long can scorch sugars. Watch carefully during the final caramelization.

Expert Tips

• Use a probe thermometer: Allows continuous monitoring without lifting the lid and losing heat.
• Basting schedule: Baste every 60-90 minutes for maximum flavor penetration.
• Flavor infusions: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cooking liquid for subtle aromatic notes.
• Slow cooker liner: Reduces cleanup and prevents sticking, especially with sticky honey glaze.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Yes! If a slow cooker isn’t available:

• Oven method: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place ham in a roasting pan with a bit of liquid, cover with foil, and cook for 15-18 minutes per pound. Apply glaze during the last 20-30 minutes for caramelization.
• Pressure cooker/Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for about 12-15 minutes per pound, then use the sauté function to thicken and glaze.

The slow cooker is ideal for convenience and moist texture, but the oven or pressure cooker can achieve comparable results if monitored carefully.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Reheating ham in a slow cooker ensures it remains moist and flavorful:

1. Slice the leftover ham into uniform pieces.
2. Add a splash of broth, juice, or leftover glaze to the cooker to prevent drying.
3. Heat on low for 1-2 hours or on high for 30-60 minutes, until warmed through.
4. Optional: Apply a fresh layer of glaze during the last 15-20 minutes to refresh the flavor.

This method avoids the rubbery texture often produced by microwaving or direct oven reheating.

FAQs

Can I Cook A Frozen Ham In A Slow Cooker?

It is not recommended to cook a frozen ham directly in a slow cooker because it may not reach a safe internal temperature quickly enough, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. It’s best to thaw the ham in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking.

What Size Slow Cooker Should I Use For A Ham?

The size of the slow cooker should comfortably fit the ham with some room around it for even cooking. Generally, a 6-8 quart slow cooker works well for hams ranging from 4 to 8 pounds.

Do I Need To Add Liquid To The Slow Cooker When Cooking Ham?

Yes, adding a small amount of liquid like water, apple juice, or broth helps keep the ham moist and prevents it from drying out. Typically, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid is sufficient for a slow cooker.

What Glaze Ingredients Are Best For Honey Roast Ham In A Slow Cooker?

A classic honey roast ham glaze often includes honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or orange juice, and optional spices like cloves or cinnamon. These ingredients create a sweet and slightly tangy coating.

How Long Should I Cook Ham In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking time depends on the ham size and whether it is pre-cooked. For a fully cooked ham, slow cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If it is uncooked, it may take 6-8 hours on low.

Should I Cover The Ham With Foil When Using A Slow Cooker?

Covering the ham with foil is not necessary if you use the slow cooker lid, which traps moisture effectively. Some recipes suggest loosely covering the ham with foil before adding the lid for extra glazing control.

How Do I Apply The Honey Glaze For Best Results?

Brush the honey glaze over the ham during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to allow it to caramelize without burning. You can baste the ham once or twice during this period to achieve a glossy, flavorful finish.

Can I Cook A Bone-in Ham In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, bone-in hams cook well in slow cookers, and the bone can actually add flavor and moisture. Make sure the ham fits comfortably and adjust cooking time slightly longer than a boneless ham of similar weight.

How Do I Know When The Ham Is Fully Cooked?

For pre-cooked ham, heat until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For uncooked ham, it should reach 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.

Can I Store Leftover Honey Roast Ham From A Slow Cooker?

Yes, store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for 2-3 months. Reheat gently to preserve moisture and flavor.