There’s something about a ham that turns dinner into an occasion without any fuss. Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard makes that happen with barely any workjust a sweet-tangy glaze and your slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
I started making this back in spring of 2019 when I needed dinner to feel like something special but couldn’t handle a big production. After a long day, I need dinner to be comforting but not heavyand this nailed it. The honey mustard soaks into every slice, and the kitchen smells incredible without you standing over anything. I’ve photographed dozens of hams over the years, and this one always looks as good as it tastes with zero stress involved.
Thomas Baker
Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard Easy Weeknight Recipe
This Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard recipe is a perfect easy dinner option that brings tender, juicy ham with a delicious honey mustard glaze to your weeknight meal or family dinner. Simple cooking meets rich flavors with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a stress-free feast.
Put the fully cooked ham into a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts in size.
Whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground clove, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and then pour the mixture evenly over the ham.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the ham on the LOW setting for between 4 to 6 hours, or choose HIGH and cook for 2 to 4 hours; continue until the internal temperature hits 140°F (60°C).
Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and loosely cover it, letting it rest for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, pour the cooking juices into a saucepan and heat it until it simmers gently.
Stir a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water into the simmering juices gradually, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Brush the thickened glaze over the cut slices of ham and serve, enjoying the extra flavorful coating.
Notes
Store leftover ham submerged in its juices in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This recipe accommodates an 8-10 pound ham, which fits best in a 6-quart slow cooker; if your ham is too tall for the lid, trim a bit from the top. It also works well with a fully cooked spiral cut ham. There’s no need to baste during cooking, but doing so won’t harm the meat. Cooking on LOW is recommended for the most tender and juicy results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham practically takes care of itself while you handle everything else on your plate. The slow cooker does all the work, and you get tender, glossy slices with almost no hands-on time.
Minimal effort, maximum payoff: Five minutes of prep, then walk away. It’s my go-to when I’m tired and still want dinner to feel like dinner.
Sweet and tangy glaze: Honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard create a glaze that’s balanced and crave-worthy without being overly sweet.
Feeds a crowd: An 8-10 pound ham serves plenty, with leftovers that turn into sandwiches, omelets, or soup throughout the week.
Looks impressive: Those shiny, stacked slices photograph beautifully and make any dinner feel a little more special, even on a Tuesday.
What You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and straightforwardmost of it you probably have in your pantry already. Here’s what goes into your Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard:
Fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds): Look for bone-in or spiral-cut. Both work beautifully.
Brown sugar: Light or darkeither adds that caramelized sweetness.
Honey: Keeps the glaze glossy and balances the mustard’s tang.
Dijon mustard: The backbone of the glaze. It cuts through the sweetness with just the right amount of sharpness.
Ground clove and cinnamon: Just a pinch of each adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
Pro Tip: If your ham is a little too tall for your slow cooker, trim a couple of inches off the top. It won’t hurt a thing, and you can snack on those trimmings while you cook.
How to Make It
The process couldn’t be simpler. You’ll mix the glaze, pour it over the ham, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s the breakdown:
Step
What to Do
1
Place the ham in your slow cooker (6-quart or larger works best).
2
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground clove, and ground cinnamon.
3
Pour the glaze over the ham, cover with the lid, and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-4 hours until it reaches 140°F internally.
4
Remove the ham, cover loosely, and let it rest. Pour the juices into a saucepan and simmer.
5
Optional: Whisk in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze, then brush it over the sliced ham before serving.
Note: I prefer LOW heat for the most tender, juicy results. No need to baste during cooking, but it won’t hurt if you want to peek in and spoon some glaze over the top.
Tips and Tweaks
Here’s how to adjust this recipe to fit what you have on hand or what your family prefers:
Swap This
For This
Dijon mustard
Whole grain mustard for texture, or yellow mustard for milder flavor
Honey
Maple syrup or agave nectar
Brown sugar
Coconut sugar or white sugar (though brown adds richer flavor)
Ground clove
Allspice or a tiny pinch of nutmeg
Spiral-cut ham: Works perfectly. The glaze seeps into all those little cuts for even more flavor.
Smaller slow cooker: Use a smaller ham (5-7 pounds) and reduce the glaze ingredients by half.
Extra glaze: Double the glaze recipe if you want plenty for drizzling over sides like roasted potatoes or green beans.
Serving and Storage
Slice the ham and serve it warm with extra glaze drizzled on top. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple spring salad. Leftovers are just as goodmaybe better.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Refrigerator (in juices, airtight container)
Up to 5 days
Freezer (wrapped tightly)
Up to 2 months
Leftover ideas: Chop it up for omelets, toss it into pasta, layer it on sandwiches, or stir it into soup. The honey mustard flavor holds up beautifully and adds a little something special to whatever you’re making next.
Follow me on to unlock a world of flavorful recipes and creative food ideas Pinterest!
FAQs (Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard)
How long does it take to cook ham in slow cooker?
Cook the ham on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on size. A 5-7 pound ham typically needs 6 hours on low. The internal temperature should reach 140°F for pre-cooked ham. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Can I use spiral cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, spiral cut ham works perfectly and actually absorbs the honey mustard glaze better. Place it cut-side down in the slow cooker. Reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours since spiral hams are already sliced and heat more quickly.
What size ham fits in a 6-quart slow cooker?
A 5-7 pound ham fits comfortably in a 6-quart slow cooker. For larger hams up to 8 pounds, you may need to trim excess fat or choose a bone-in shank portion. Always ensure the lid closes completely without forcing it down.
Should I add liquid to the slow cooker?
Add about 1/2 cup of apple juice or water to prevent sticking. The ham releases natural juices during cooking, so too much liquid dilutes the honey mustard flavor. This small amount creates steam for even heating.
How do I make the glaze stick better?
Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern before adding glaze. Apply the honey mustard mixture twice – once at the beginning and again during the last hour. Pat the ham dry with paper towels first for better adhesion.
This Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard takes about five hours on low heat and comes out tender, glossy, and perfectly glazed every time. The honey-mustard coating caramelizes just enough to add shine without any fussing or basting. You’ll love how it turns outjuicy slices that look beautiful on the plate and taste even better than they photograph.
If you want a little kick, stir a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the glaze for extra tang. Leftover ham keeps beautifully in its juices for days and tastes incredible tucked into scrambled eggs or grilled cheese. I learned from years behind the camera that the simplest recipes often photograph the bestthis one never disappoints. Try serving it with roasted carrots or buttery dinner rolls for a meal that feels complete without any extra effort.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me if you share a photo or tell me what you served alongside it. Did your family grow up with glazed ham for spring celebrations, or is this a new tradition you’re starting? Save this one for the next time you need dinner to feel special without the stress. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
Thank you for joining this cozy community where nutritious and delicious meals come together.
