🍖🍯 Slow Cooker Honey Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Juicy, tender spiral-sliced ham slowly warmed in a rich homemade honey, brown sugar, and butter glaze. Every slice is coated with a sweet, buttery sauce that seeps between the layers, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful holiday centerpiece. With just 4 simple ingredients and minimal prep, this Crock-Pot ham is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a special family dinner! 🤎✨
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes 🔥 Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW 🍽️ Servings: 12–16 🍖 Ham Size: 7–8 lb (3.2–3.6 kg) 🥘 Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral-sliced ham, 7–8 lb (3.2–3.6 kg)
- ½ cup (120 ml) pure honey
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar, divided into two portions
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Choose a large oval slow cooker that can comfortably accommodate your 7–8 lb spiral ham. Lightly grease the inside with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to help prevent the glaze from sticking.
Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic or packaging materials. If there is a plastic bone guard, remove it as well.
Check that the ham fits comfortably inside the slow cooker with the lid able to close completely.
Place the ham flat-side down, with the rounded, sliced portion facing upward. This position helps keep the slices together while allowing the glaze to flow down between them.
2. Prepare the Honey Brown Sugar Butter Glaze
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, honey, and ½ cup of the packed light brown sugar.
Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and evenly combined.
The butter should be melted but not extremely hot. This makes it easier to incorporate the honey and sugar without separating the mixture.
If the brown sugar contains lumps, gently break them apart with a fork before mixing.
3. Coat the Spiral Ham
Slowly pour the honey butter mixture over the top of the ham.
Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread the glaze evenly over the exposed surface.
Gently separate a few of the spiral slices with your fingers or a fork and drizzle a little glaze between the layers.
Pay particular attention to the outer edges and the thicker sections of the ham so the glaze can reach as many slices as possible.
Don’t force the slices apart too much because you want the ham to remain intact during cooking.
4. Add the Remaining Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of packed brown sugar evenly over the top and sides of the ham.
Gently press some of the sugar against the glazed surface so it sticks.
As the ham warms, the brown sugar will dissolve into the honey and butter, creating a rich, sweet glaze that collects at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook Until Heated Through
Cover the slow cooker tightly with its lid.
Cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the size and starting temperature of the ham and the performance of your slow cooker.
Because the ham is already fully cooked, the goal is to reheat it gently without drying it out.
Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases heat and increases cooking time.
6. Baste the Ham with the Glaze
About halfway through cooking, carefully remove the lid.
Use a large spoon or ladle to collect some of the warm honey brown sugar juices from the bottom of the slow cooker.
Slowly spoon the glaze over the top and around the exposed sides of the ham.
If possible, gently drizzle a little between the spiral slices to distribute the buttery sweetness throughout the ham.
Replace the lid immediately and continue cooking until the center reaches a safe reheating temperature of 140°F (60°C) for a commercially packaged, fully cooked ham.
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.
7. Check the Glaze Consistency
Once the ham is heated through, carefully transfer it to a large serving platter.
The cooking liquid should be glossy, sweet, and buttery.
If the glaze is thinner than you’d like, carefully pour the cooking juices into a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly and lightly coats the back of a spoon.
Watch carefully because the honey and brown sugar can burn if cooked too aggressively.
8. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Allow the ham to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.
Carefully separate the spiral slices along their natural cuts, working around the bone.
Arrange the slices on a large serving platter, slightly fanning them out for a beautiful presentation.
Spoon the warm honey brown sugar butter glaze generously over the ham, allowing it to drip between the slices and collect underneath.
Serve immediately while warm, tender, and juicy!
💡 Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Honey Brown Sugar Ham
- Choose the right ham: A fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham provides excellent flavor and makes serving easy.
- Use LOW heat: Slow cooking gently helps prevent the outer slices from drying out.
- Don’t add extra water: The ham releases moisture as it warms, and the honey and butter create plenty of flavorful cooking liquid.
- Keep the lid closed: Opening the slow cooker too often can increase cooking time.
- Distribute the glaze: Getting some glaze between the spiral slices helps every serving taste delicious.
- Watch the temperature: Avoid overheating the ham. Follow the package reheating instructions when they specify a different temperature.
- Thicken the sauce separately: Reducing the cooking liquid in a saucepan gives you a thicker, more concentrated glaze.
- Save the leftovers: Store leftover ham and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
🍽️ What to Serve with Honey Brown Sugar Ham
This sweet and savory ham pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
- Southern-style green beans
- Homemade macaroni and cheese
- Roasted honey-glazed carrots
- Buttery dinner rolls
- Creamy scalloped potatoes
- Southern cornbread
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Sweet potato casserole
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover ham with some of its glaze in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze leftover ham in airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating: Add a little reserved glaze or cooking juice to the ham, cover, and gently reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 simple ingredients.
- Just 10 minutes of preparation.
- No complicated cooking techniques.
- Sweet, buttery, honey-infused glaze.
- Perfect for feeding a large family.
- An easy holiday centerpiece made right in your Crock-Pot.
The best part? Every spiral slice gets coated in that irresistible honey brown sugar butter glaze, making this an easy, delicious ham recipe your whole family will look forward to! 🍯🤎