There’s something about a Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard that just fills the house with the kind of warmth you didn’t know you needed. Sweet honey meets sharp mustard in a glaze that caramelizes right onto tender, juicy ham and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
I started making this on busy weeknights a few springs ago when I was too tired to fuss but still wanted dinner to feel special. The whole kitchen smelled like a holiday, and my kids thought I’d been cooking all day I hadn’t touched it in hours. After testing this dozens of times over the years, I’ve learned that letting it go low and slow brings out that perfect sticky-sweet crust without any babysitting. It’s the kind of easy win that makes weeknights feel manageable again, especially when you’re craving something cozy but a little brighter than winter comfort food.
Thomas Baker
Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard recipe is a simple ham recipe perfect for an easy dinner or a family dinner. With a tender, fully cooked ham glazed in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, it makes a delightful weeknight meal or a flavorful holiday ham to impress your guests.
Set the fully cooked ham into a slow cooker that is at least 6 quarts in capacity.
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground clove, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over the ham in the slow cooker.
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for about 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Carefully take the ham out and loosely cover it with foil; let it rest while you prepare the glaze.
Pour the cooking juices into a saucepan and bring them to a low simmer over medium heat.
Mix a little cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it gradually to the simmering juices, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Brush this thickened glaze onto the sliced ham before serving for extra flavor, if desired.
Notes
Store leftover ham in an airtight container with the juices in the fridge for up to five days. The recipe fits an 8-10 pound ham for a 6-quart slow cooker; you may need to trim the top of the ham if it’s too tall. This dish also works well with spiral cut fully cooked ham. There’s no need to baste during cooking but you can if preferred. Cooking on LOW is recommended for the juiciest ham.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ham practically cooks itself while you’re doing literally anything else. You get that sweet and tangy glaze without standing over the stove, and the slow cooker keeps everything moist and tender no dry edges, no fuss.
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.
Feeds a crowd (or meal preps beautifully): One ham serves 8–10 people, and leftovers get even better tucked into sandwiches or scrambled eggs.
Sweet meets savory: The honey and brown sugar balance the sharp Dijon mustard, with just a hint of warm spice from clove and cinnamon.
Works for holidays or weeknights: Easter-worthy but easy enough for a random Tuesday.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here is straightforward and plays a role in building that sticky, glossy glaze. You probably have most of it already.
Fully cooked ham: Look for an 8–10 pound ham (bone-in or boneless). Spiral cut works beautifully too the glaze seeps right into the slices.
Brown sugar: Light or dark both work. It melts into a caramel-like sweetness that clings to the ham.
Honey: Adds depth and shine. Any honey you have on hand is perfect.
Dijon mustard: The tangy backbone of the glaze. Don’t skip it it cuts through the sweetness.
Ground clove and cinnamon: Just a pinch of each warms everything up without tasting like dessert.
Pro Tip: If your ham is a little too tall for your slow cooker, trim a couple inches off the top. You can roast those trimmings separately or toss them into soup later.
How to Make Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard
The beauty here is how hands-off it is. After years of testing hams in the slow cooker, I’ve learned that low and slow wins every time for juicy, tender meat.
Step
What to Do
1
Place the ham in a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground clove, and ground cinnamon.
3
Pour the glaze over the ham, cover, and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–4 hours until internal temp hits 140°F.
4
Remove ham, cover loosely, and let rest. Pour juices into a saucepan and simmer.
5
(Optional but delicious) Whisk a little cornstarch mixed with water into the simmering juices to thicken into a sauce. Brush over ham before slicing.
Note: There’s no need to baste during cooking, but if it makes you feel better, go for it. The glaze bubbles up around the ham and does its thing on its own.
Timing and Temperature Guide
Cooking Method
Time
Internal Temp
LOW (recommended)
4–6 hours
140°F
HIGH
2–4 hours
140°F
I always go LOW. It’s more forgiving and keeps the ham from drying out, especially if you’re running errands or juggling kids.
Serving and Storing This Ham
Slice it thick and drizzle with that thickened glaze, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Leftovers are gold tuck slices into biscuits, layer onto grilled cheese, or chop into fried rice.
Storage: Keep the ham in an airtight container with its juices in the fridge for up to 5 days. The glaze keeps everything moist, so reheating is easy just a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in a skillet.
Tips and Swaps
Using a spiral ham? It works perfectly. The glaze gets into every crevice.
No Dijon? Yellow mustard works in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder.
Want more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for a little kick.
Slow cooker too small? Trim the ham to fit, or use a smaller 5–6 pound ham and reduce cook time slightly.
This recipe is forgiving. If you open the lid to check on it or your timing runs a little long, the ham will still turn out tender and flavorful. That’s the magic of the slow cooker.
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FAQs ( Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard )
How long does it take to cook ham in a slow cooker?
Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours for a fully cooked ham, or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The internal temperature should reach 140°F for pre-cooked ham or 160°F for fresh ham. Size matters – larger hams need more time, so use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Can I make the honey mustard glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl and cover tightly. Let it come to room temperature before brushing on the ham for best results.
What size ham fits best in a slow cooker?
A 3-5 pound spiral-cut or bone-in ham works perfectly in most 6-quart slow cookers. For larger families, use a 7-8 quart cooker with up to 7 pounds of ham. Make sure there’s at least 1 inch of space around the edges for proper heat circulation.
Should I add liquid to the slow cooker with ham?
Add about 1/2 cup of liquid like apple juice, pineapple juice, or water to prevent sticking and create steam. The ham will release its own juices during cooking, so don’t overdo it. Too much liquid can dilute the honey mustard flavors.
How do I get a crispy glaze on slow cooker ham?
Transfer the glazed ham to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking. Apply an extra layer of honey mustard glaze before broiling. Watch carefully to prevent burning – the sugars caramelize quickly under high heat.
A Weeknight Ham That Feels Like Sunday Dinner
This Slow Cooker Easter Ham Honey Mustard is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even when you don’t. You’ll love how it turns out juicy, glazed, and sticky-sweet without a single minute of hovering over the stove. The whole house smells like a holiday, and honestly, that alone is worth it.
If you want to change things up, try swapping the Dijon for whole grain mustard or adding a splash of apple cider for brightness. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave with a drizzle of those pan juices, or tuck cold slices into a buttered croissant with sharp cheddar. I learned from years of photographing food that the prettiest platters are the simplest just slice thick, drizzle with glaze, and let the ham speak for itself.
I’d love to see how yours turns out snap a photo and tag me, or leave a comment if you made it your own. Did your family have a go-to Easter ham growing up, or is this your new tradition? Either way, save this one for the nights when you need dinner to feel special without the stress. Some nights just need an easy dinner that still feels like home.
