The Ultimate Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

Too tired to cook something complicated for your big family gathering? This slow cooker brown sugar mustard glazed ham is the stress-free answer to your main course needs. You can have a perfectly glazed holiday ham ready without ever turning on your oven.

This recipe frees up your kitchen space and delivers incredible, juicy results every single time. It is useful right now for anyone who wants a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal effort. Your guests will love the sweet and tangy balance of the warm maple mustard glaze.

Why You’ll Make This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Again

This dish is a perfect fit for Spring celebrations because it keeps your kitchen cool and bright. It is the ultimate choice for holiday meals like Easter or Christmas when oven space is limited. You will love how the slow cooker locks in moisture, ensuring the meat never dries out like traditional roasting. This recipe is a family-friendly favorite that requires only 10 minutes of active preparation.

Because it cooks itself, you can focus on your guests instead of the stove. It is ideal for comfort food cravings when you want something rich, sticky, and satisfying. You get consistent, gourmet results every single time you use your slow cooker. Once you taste that caramelized mustard crust, you will never go back to the oven again.

How This Comes Together

You start by nestling a pre-sliced ham into the pot and whisking a simple 5-ingredient glaze. The slow cooker handles the gentle heating and infusion of flavors while you relax. Highlight ease by letting the maple and mustard seep deep between every spiral slice. Beginners will love how foolproof and rewarding this impressive meal actually is.

What You’ll Need

You only need a few staple pantry ingredients to make this addictive, glistening glaze. These items combine to create a deeply savory flavor that rivals any professional smokehouse.

• 8-10 lb spiral-sliced ham
• 1.5 cups brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Place the spiral-sliced ham into your large slow cooker, ensuring it sits flat-side down.
2. Whisk the brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, and spices into a thick glaze paste.
3. Spread the mixture over the top and sides, pushing it between the slices for flavor.
4. Tent the pot with a double layer of foil to seal in the steam effectively.
5. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the center is perfectly hot and juicy.
6. Baste the meat every hour with the sugary juices collecting at the bottom of the pot.
7. Remove carefully and place on a platter to rest before serving.
8. Optional: Simmer the remaining pot juices in a pan to create a thick, decadent syrup.

How to Serve It

Serve this slow cooker brown sugar mustard glazed ham on a large platter for a stunning holiday meal presentation. It looks amazing when the mahogany caramelized edges are glistening under the warm kitchen lights. Pair it with cheesy scalloped potatoes or honey-glazed carrots for a full comfort experience. For a Spring brunch, it is the perfect companion to fluffy scrambled eggs and biscuits. Your guests will be fighting over the extra-sticky end pieces.

Leftovers & Storage

This ham is a meal prep superstar because it stays juicy even after days in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze the meat for up to 2 months for quick future dinners. Reheat slices in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. It makes the best breakfast sandwiches you have ever tasted the next morning.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Don’t skip the basting: Spooning juices over the top creates that iconic sticky-sweet crust.
• The foil trick: If your ham is too tall, tent with foil before adding the lid.
• Mistake to avoid: Don’t cook on high, or the sugars might burn before it’s hot.
• Time-saving tip: Buy pre-sliced spiral ham to make serving at the table a breeze.
• Occasion tip: For casual hosting, keep the pot on “warm” so guests can help themselves.
• Upgrade tip: Simmer the leftover juices in a pan to create a thick, decadent syrup for serving.
• Substitution: Use honey if you are out of maple syrup for a similar result.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha to the glaze for a sweet-heat twist.
• Zesty Orange: Swap the vinegar for fresh orange juice and zest for a bright flavor.
• Winter Variation: Add extra ground cloves and nutmeg for a deeper, festive holiday aroma.
• Low Carb: Use a sugar-free maple syrup and keto-friendly sweetener for the glaze.

Quick Questions

How do I know when the ham is done?

Since the ham is pre-cooked, you are just heating it through. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure it is hot without becoming dry.

What if the ham is too big for the lid?

If the lid won’t fit, simply wrap the top tightly with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This creates a tight seal that keeps the moisture inside effectively.

I hope this glistening brown sugar mustard ham makes your holiday gathering completely stress-free. There is nothing better than a centerpiece that looks this good with so little work!

— Sophie

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham is the ultimate stress-free holiday main. A spiral-sliced ham is slow-cooked in a rich, bubbling pool of maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and sweet brown sugar. The result is a glistening, caramelized masterpiece that stays incredibly juicy while freeing up your oven for all those important side dishes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 315

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 8-10 lb spiral-sliced ham
• 1.5 cups brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Place the spiral-sliced ham into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, ensuring the flat side is facing down.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices until a thick, grainy paste forms.
3. Spread the glaze generously all over the top and sides of the ham, using a spoon to nudge some of that sweet mixture between the slices.
4. Tent the slow cooker with a double layer of aluminum foil to create a dome, then place the lid on top to seal in the moisture.
5. Cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
6. Every hour, use a large spoon to baste the ham with the syrupy juices collecting at the bottom of the pot.
7. Once heated through, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter.
8. Optional: Pour the remaining juices into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes to create a thick, pourable glaze.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.