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Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Ham

Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Ham

Slow-cooked spiral ham turns tender and juicy under a warm honey-mustard glaze scented with apple cider and spices. A holiday-ready centerpiece with minimal effort.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 8 lb bone-in spiral-sliced ham
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 0.75 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
  • 2 tbsp cold water optional, for slurry

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Set the ham cut-side down in a large slow cooker.
  • Whisk cider, honey, brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, butter, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Simmer over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, 3–4 minutes.
  • Pour about half the warm glaze over the ham. Cover the slow cooker.
  • Cook on Low until heated through and very tender, 4½–5½ hours, spooning juices over the ham a couple of times.
  • Transfer ham to a board and tent with foil to rest.
  • Pour slow-cooker juices into the saucepan with the remaining glaze and bring to a lively simmer.
  • Thicken if desired: whisk cornstarch with cold water, then stir into the simmering glaze and cook until glossy, 2–3 minutes.
  • Brush the ham generously with glaze, then slice along the spiral cuts and serve with extra sauce.
  • Optional: For caramelized edges, broil the glazed ham on a sheet pan 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

Variation: Swap the apple cider for pineapple juice and add a pinch of ginger for a tropical note. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or cider.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Honey Glazed Slow Cooked Ham flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.