Save to Pinterest The slow cooker was humming quietly in the corner when my neighbor knocked to ask what smelled so incredible. I opened the lid just a crack and the scent of honey, cloves, and caramelizing brown sugar practically filled the entire hallway. That was the moment I realized this ham wasn't just dinner—it was going to be the centerpiece everyone remembered. The glaze bubbled gently around the edges, glossy and amber, clinging to every scored diamond on the surface. I've made fancy roasts before, but nothing ever felt this effortless or drew this much curiosity from people passing through my kitchen.
I served this ham at Thanksgiving three years ago, and my uncle—who never compliments anything—asked if I'd secretly ordered catering. He stood at the counter with a second slice in hand, scraping glaze off the platter with his fork when he thought no one was looking. My cousin snapped a photo of the carved ham before we even passed plates around, and it ended up in our family group chat with the caption goals. That's when I knew this recipe had officially earned its spot in the rotation.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in ham: The bone adds flavor as it heats, and a pre-cooked ham means you're really just warming and glazing, not worrying about food safety.
- Honey: Use a mild variety like clover or wildflower so the spice notes can shine without competing with a strong floral taste.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar gives that deep molasses sweetness that balances the tang of mustard and vinegar.
- Dijon mustard: This brings sharpness and helps the glaze cling to the ham instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness and keeps the glaze from tasting one-dimensional or cloying.
- Whole-grain mustard: Adds little pops of texture and a rustic, grainy bite that makes the glaze feel homemade.
- Ground cinnamon and cloves: These warm spices make your kitchen smell like a holiday market and deepen the glaze with cozy, aromatic layers.
- Orange slices: They release citrus oils into the liquid as they cook, brightening the glaze from the inside out.
- Whole cloves: Studding the ham with cloves is traditional, and they infuse subtle spice directly into the meat.
Instructions
- Prep 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, cutting about a quarter inch deep. Press whole cloves into the intersections of the diamonds for little bursts of spice.
- Mix the glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, both mustards, vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves until smooth and glossy. The mixture should smell sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced all at once.
- Coat and arrange:
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, using a spoon to get into the scored cuts. Tuck orange slices around the base of the ham so they can simmer in the glaze.
- Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, lifting the lid every couple of hours to spoon glaze from the bottom back over the top. The ham will become deeply golden and the glaze will thicken as it reduces.
- Rest and reduce:
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest while you pour the glaze into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Slice and glaze:
- Carve the ham into thick slices and brush each piece generously with the reduced glaze. Serve warm with extra glaze on the side for anyone who wants more.
Save to Pinterest I remember slicing into this ham at my first big holiday dinner as the host, watching the glaze catch the light as I plated each piece. My best friend leaned over and whispered that it looked like something out of a magazine, and for once I didn't feel like I was faking my way through entertaining. That ham turned a stressful day into something I was genuinely proud of, and every time I make it now I think about how good it feels to pull off something this impressive with so little actual effort.
Choosing the Right Ham
Look for a fully cooked, bone-in ham labeled spiral-cut or whole—spiral-cut is easier to serve, but whole gives you more control over presentation. Avoid hams labeled with added water or solution, because they can release too much liquid in the slow cooker and dilute your glaze. If your ham comes with a flavor packet, toss it and use this glaze instead.
Making It Your Own
A splash of bourbon or dark rum in the glaze adds warmth and a subtle boozy depth that pairs beautifully with the honey and spices. You can also swap the orange slices for pineapple rings if you want a more tropical, retro vibe. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce in the glaze will give it a gentle kick without overpowering the sweetness.
Serving and Storing
This ham is stunning on a platter surrounded by roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a tangle of sautéed greens. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to five days and reheat gently in the microwave or oven. I've used leftover ham in omelets, grain bowls, and split pea soup, and it always brings a hint of that sweet glaze along with it.
- Pair with a crisp Riesling or sparkling apple cider for a festive touch.
- Freeze sliced ham in portions with a little glaze for quick weeknight meals.
- Warm any leftover glaze and drizzle it over roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots.
Save to Pinterest This ham has become my go-to whenever I want to feel like a confident cook without spending all day in the kitchen. The slow cooker does the work, the glaze does the impressing, and you get to enjoy the compliments.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long should the ham be slow-cooked?
The ham should be slow-cooked on low for about 6 hours to achieve tender, juicy results.
- → What spices add flavor to the glaze?
The glaze includes cinnamon, ground cloves, Dijon, and whole-grain mustard for a balanced sweet and spiced flavor.
- → Can I add alcohol to the glaze?
For extra depth, a splash of bourbon can be added to the glaze before cooking.
- → What is the purpose of scoring and studding the ham?
Scoring in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to penetrate deeply, while studding with whole cloves adds aromatic flavor.
- → How do I thicken the glaze after cooking?
After slow-cooking, pour the glaze into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- → What sides pair well with this ham?
Roasted root vegetables and crisp white wines like Riesling complement the ham beautifully.