Fall-Off-Bone Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham Recipe!

Wed Aug 06 2025

Are you dreaming of a show-stopping ham that practically melts in your mouth, infused with a sweet, savory glaze? If you've been searching for the ultimate slow cooker honey glazed ham recipes, your quest ends here! This recipe delivers a unbelievably tender, richly flavored ham with minimal fuss, making it perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or simply a delicious Sunday dinner. Forget dry, overcooked ham; the slow cooker locks in moisture and infuses every fiber with incredible taste.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Your Ham?

The slow cooker isn't just for soups and stews; it's a game-changer for preparing ham. This hands-off method frees up your oven for other dishes, reduces the risk of drying out the meat, and consistently produces a supremely moist and tender result. The low, consistent heat allows the ham to absorb the glaze's flavors deeply, yielding that coveted "fall-off-the-bone" texture. This method simplifies the process, ensuring perfectly moist and tender results, a hallmark of excellent slow cooker honey glazed ham recipes.

The Magic Behind the Glaze

Our honey glaze is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced notes that caramelize beautifully around the ham. The combination of natural honey, rich brown sugar, a hint of Dijon mustard for tang, and a touch of warm spices creates an irresistible coating. As the ham slow cooks, this glaze slowly permeates the meat, adding layers of complex flavor that elevate simple ham to an extraordinary culinary experience.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Ham:

5-7 lb pre-cooked bone-in or boneless ham (spiral-sliced is great for absorbing flavor)
1 cup apple cider or water (for the bottom of the slow cooker)

For the Honey Glaze:

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but recommended)
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering Your Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham

Follow these straightforward steps to achieve one of the most beloved slow cooker honey glazed ham recipes:

Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves (if using), and nutmeg (if using) until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
Prep the Ham: If your ham is not spiral-sliced, you can score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and adds visual appeal.
Place in Slow Cooker: Pour 1 cup of apple cider or water into the bottom of your large slow cooker (6-quart or larger is ideal). Carefully place the ham into the slow cooker.
Glaze the Ham: Pour about half of the prepared honey glaze evenly over the ham. Use a silicone brush to ensure it's well coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your ham and your slow cooker. The ham is ready when it's heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and is tender.
Baste and Finish (Optional): For the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, you can baste the ham with the pan juices and the remaining half of the glaze to build up a beautiful, sticky coating.
Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Tips for the Perfect Fall-Off-Bone Ham

Don't Overcrowd: Ensure your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker. If it's too snug, it won't heat evenly.
Basting is Key: While not strictly necessary for tenderness, basting during the last hour helps build that rich, caramelized exterior.
Spiral-Sliced vs. Whole: A pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham is often preferred because the glaze can seep into all the crevices, enhancing the flavor throughout.
Save the Juices: The savory, sweet juices at the bottom of the slow cooker are liquid gold! They make an excellent additional sauce for serving or can be incorporated into other dishes.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker honey glazed ham pairs wonderfully with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, green bean casserole, or a fresh garden salad. It's also fantastic in sandwiches the next day, or diced into hearty soups.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Ham

Q: Can I use a bone-in ham?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in ham adds extra flavor. Just ensure it fits in your slow cooker.

Q: Do I need to add water if my ham is pre-cooked?
A: Yes, adding a cup of liquid (apple cider or water) to the bottom of the slow cooker prevents the ham from drying out and helps create steam for a moist environment.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the glaze ahead of time. The ham is best cooked and served fresh, but leftovers are fantastic and keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

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This "Fall-Off-Bone" Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham recipe is truly a revelation – simple to prepare, yet incredibly impressive. It's a testament to how effortless gourmet cooking can be with the right tools and techniques. Dive into the world of effortless holiday meals or Sunday dinners with this incredible addition to your collection of slow cooker honey glazed ham recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!