Prepare for your holiday feasts with an incredibly flavorful and effortless main dish! This easy slow cooker ham recipe begins its journey in the crockpot, slowly simmering to tender perfection, before being coated with a luscious honey-mustard glaze and finished with a quick bake in the oven. The result is a succulent, juicy, and undeniably delicious homemade ham that will be the star of your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter table. What makes this recipe even better? It’s completely gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a perfect choice for everyone at your gathering, ensuring no one misses out on this festive treat.

Mastering Homemade Ham: Simpler Than You Think!

As the holiday season approaches, a perfectly cooked ham often takes center stage at family gatherings. While the idea of preparing a magnificent holiday ham might seem daunting, perhaps even a culinary feat reserved for seasoned chefs, we’re here to tell you that it’s surprisingly simple with the right approach. Our slow cooker ham recipe demystifies the process, allowing you to create a show-stopping meal with minimal effort. This method is not only perfect for traditional holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but also for any special occasion that calls for a truly impressive main course.

Forget the hours spent basting and fretting over oven temperatures. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, ensuring your ham is consistently moist and infused with incredible flavor. This gentle, low-and-slow cooking method breaks down tough fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. By finishing it in the oven, we achieve that desirable caramelized, sticky-sweet glaze that everyone loves, elevating a simple ham to an unforgettable feast with minimal fuss.

Why This Slow Cooker Ham Recipe is a Must-Try:

We believe this slow cooker ham will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Here’s why it stands out as an ideal choice for your next celebratory meal:

• Effortless Preparation with Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need exotic or hard-to-find items for this recipe. All the main ingredients are readily available at any local grocery store, making preparation straightforward and stress-free. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the slow cooker transforms basic components into something extraordinary.
• Set-It-and-Forget-It Convenience: The slow cooker is your best friend here! Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing the ham to slowly absorb all the wonderful flavors from the aromatic vegetables and spices. This low-and-slow method guarantees a tender, juicy ham every single time, without constant monitoring. The final step of baking in the oven is quick and purely for developing that perfect, sticky, caramelized glaze that truly defines a holiday ham.
• Perfectly Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Catering to various dietary needs can be a challenge during the holidays, but not with this ham! This recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerances can enjoy a festive, delicious ham without any concerns, making your holiday meal inclusive for everyone at the table.
• Incredibly Flavorful and Juicy: The slow cooking process, combined with fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables, ensures the ham is not only tender but also deeply infused with flavor from the inside out. The unique combination of sweet and tangy in the honey-mustard glaze adds a delightful caramelized crust that elevates this ham to the next level of culinary delight.
• Ideal for Meal Prep and Crowd-Pleasing Leftovers: A large ham provides ample servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd during celebrations or enjoying delicious leftovers for days to come. From ham sandwiches to hearty soups, the versatility of cooked ham makes meal planning a breeze after the main event.
• Impressive Presentation: Despite its ease, this honey-glazed ham presents beautifully. The golden-brown, glistening crust, enhanced by the scoring, makes it a true centerpiece that looks like it took hours of painstaking effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Succulent Slow Cooker Ham:

Crafting this delicious honey-mustard glazed ham requires a few key ingredients, all easily found at your local market. Here’s a visual overview to guide you in gathering everything you’ll need:

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.)

For the Ham:

• Ham: The undisputed star of the show! You’ll typically need a pre-cooked ham, ideally around 2-3 pounds for this recipe. Both bone-in (which often offers more flavor and a richer broth) and boneless (easier to carve) options work wonderfully. Always double-check the packaging to ensure it’s pre-cooked.
• Aromatics: A classic trio of medium onion, carrot, and celery forms a fragrant mirepoix. These vegetables are crucial for building a foundational savory flavor in the cooking liquid, which then infuses into the ham, adding depth and complexity.
• Whole Spices: Whole peppercorns and whole allspice berries contribute a subtle, warm, and comforting spice blend without overpowering the natural taste of the ham.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary contribute an aromatic, earthy, and slightly woodsy essence that perfectly complements the richness of the ham, enhancing its overall appeal.
• Water: Essential for the slow cooking process, it creates a moist environment and draws out the flavors of the aromatics and spices to create a rich broth.

For the Irresistible Honey-Mustard Glaze:

• Mustard: Provides a crucial tangy and slightly sharp counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey. This balance of flavors is what makes the glaze so addictive.
• Honey: The primary sweet component, which not only offers its signature floral notes but also helps create that beautiful, glistening, golden, and sticky crust on the ham. Using raw honey can enhance the flavor depth.
• Demerara Sugar: This coarse, amber-colored sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness with subtle caramel notes and significantly aids in achieving a beautiful, slightly crisp caramelization and texture on the glaze.

Recipe Notes & Expert Substitutions for Your Perfect Ham:

We want you to feel confident customizing this slow cooker ham recipe to your taste and what you have on hand. Here are some detailed tips and substitution ideas to help you create a truly personalized and perfect holiday ham:

• Choosing Your Ham: You can use either a bone-in ham or a boneless picnic ham for this recipe. Bone-in hams often yield a richer, more profound flavor due to the bone marrow, while boneless hams are considerably easier to carve and serve. Ensure your ham is pre-cooked, as most hams sold in stores are. Always check the packaging carefully.
• Vegetable Variations: Our recipe uses a classic blend of onion, celery, and carrot (the “holy trinity” of aromatics) to build a deeply flavorful broth for the ham. This aromatic trio infuses the meat with a subtle sweetness and savory depth. However, feel free to experiment with other additions! You could incorporate leeks for a milder, sweeter onion flavor, or add a few crushed cloves of garlic for an extra punch of savory aroma.
• Spice Up Your Ham: We’ve opted for whole peppercorns and whole allspice berries for a warm, subtly spiced flavor profile that is classic for ham. If you’re looking to explore different flavor dimensions, consider adding a few star anise pods for a hint of licorice, or a fragrant cinnamon stick for a sweet and woody aroma. Whole cloves are also a very traditional and popular choice for holiday hams, adding a strong, pungent warmth.
• Fresh Herb Alternatives: Thyme and rosemary are fantastic, robust partners for ham, offering an earthy and slightly piney note that stands up well to the rich meat. Don’t hesitate to incorporate other fresh herbs you love or have on hand! Fresh parsley can bring a vibrant, bright flavor, while oregano or bay leaves can add a subtle Mediterranean twist. Remember, fresh herbs always impart a more intense and complex flavor than their dried counterparts.
• Crafting the Honey-Mustard Glaze:
  • Mustard Choice: Both classic yellow mustard (for a milder, tangier profile) and more robust Dijon mustard (for a sharper, spicier kick) will work beautifully in this glaze. Choose based on your preferred intensity.
  • Honey Quality: We highly recommend using raw honey for its superior, unadulterated flavor and natural sweetness, which truly elevates the glaze.
  • Sugar Options: If demerara sugar isn’t readily available, dark brown sugar is an excellent substitute. It provides similar molasses notes and helps in achieving that desired, rich caramelization on the ham’s surface.
  • Convenience Shortcut: In a pinch, or if you simply prefer a ready-made option, you can easily use 4 tablespoons of good quality store-bought honey mustard to replace the individual honey and mustard components. Just ensure it’s a brand you enjoy, as its flavor will define your glaze.
• Essential Equipment: To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a sturdy slow cooker (a 4-6 quart capacity is ideal for a 2-3lb ham), a large baking dish (to accommodate the ham during glazing), and aluminum foil (for easy cleanup!).

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Slow Cooker Ham:

Follow these simple, detailed steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy, and beautifully glazed ham that will impress everyone at your table with minimal fuss.

1. Prepare and Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Begin by carefully placing your ham at the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure it fits snugly. Surround the ham with the roughly chopped onion, carrot, and celery pieces. These aromatics will create a delicious flavor base. Scatter the whole peppercorns and allspice berries evenly around the ham, then tuck in the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs. These ingredients will slowly release their flavors, infusing the ham as it cooks to create a rich broth.

2. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Generously pour in enough water to completely cover the ham. The liquid is crucial for keeping the ham moist and tender throughout the long cooking process, as well as for creating a deeply flavorful broth. Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker and cook on the high setting for 2 hours. Alternatively, for a longer, gentler cook that maximizes tenderness, use the low setting for 4 hours. The goal here is to gently heat the ham through and tenderize it further, not necessarily to cook it from raw, as most hams are pre-cooked.

3. Cool, Trim, and Score the Ham

Once the slow cooking is complete and the ham is wonderfully tender, carefully remove it from the fragrant broth and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly; this makes it much easier and safer to handle. Next, trim off any thick skin or excessive layers of fat, leaving a thin, even layer of fat on the surface. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern or simple squares, making cuts about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. This step is not just for aesthetics; it also allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively and caramelize beautifully during baking.

4. Prepare the Irresistible Honey-Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the mustard, honey, and demerara sugar. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined, and slightly thick glaze. The tangy mustard perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey and sugar, creating a complex and incredibly appetizing flavor profile that will transform your ham.

5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 380°F (195°C). This temperature is ideal for caramelizing the glaze without overcooking the ham. Line a large baking dish with aluminum foil. This simple step is a game-changer for cleanup, as the sticky, caramelized glaze can be notoriously difficult to scrub off a bare pan.

6. Apply First Glaze Layer and Initial Bake

Carefully transfer the scored ham to the prepared baking dish. Using a pastry brush, generously spread half of the delicious honey-mustard glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored crevices. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This first bake allows the glaze to set slightly and begin to caramelize, forming a beautiful base layer.

7. Apply Second Glaze Layer and Final Bake

After the initial 15 minutes, remove the ham from the oven. Spread the remaining honey-mustard glaze over the ham, ensuring all scored sections and surfaces are well coated for maximum flavor and shine. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized, glistening, and sticky. Keep a close eye on it during this final stage to prevent any burning of the sugar.

8. Rest, Slice, and Serve Your Magnificent Ham

Once baked to perfection with a glorious glaze, remove the ham from the oven. It’s crucial to let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes (or even longer, up to an hour, if serving cold) before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly more tender, moist, and flavorful slice. If you plan to serve it cold, let it cool completely on the cutting board. Then, carve into thin, even slices using a sharp carving knife and arrange beautifully on a platter. Garnish with a few fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch that enhances its festive appearance.

Complementary Gluten-Free Side Dishes for Your Holiday Ham:

A glorious ham deserves equally delicious accompaniments! Here are some fantastic gluten-free and often dairy-free side dishes that pair perfectly with this slow cooker ham, helping you create a truly memorable and inclusive holiday spread:

• Green Bean Casserole (Gluten-Free, Vegan): A creamy, classic comfort food made accessible for all dietary needs, offering a comforting texture and savory flavor.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Crispy, savory, and a wonderful counterpoint to the rich ham, these sprouts are quick to make and packed with flavor.
• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Layers of thinly sliced, tender potatoes baked in a rich, dairy-free, and irresistibly creamy sauce, a true crowd-pleaser.
• Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free, Vegan): A naturally sweet and spiced dish, often topped with a crunchy pecan topping, that brings warmth and a touch of sweetness to the holiday table.
• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon: Simple, elegant, and vibrant green stalks roasted to tender-crisp perfection with a squeeze of fresh lemon, offering a fresh, bright contrast.
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce: A tart, sweet homemade cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the ham beautifully, adding a burst of fruity flavor to each bite.

Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Ham:

• Maximizing Leftovers: The joy of a holiday ham extends far beyond the main meal! Don’t let a single delicious slice go to waste. Beyond the classic ham sandwich (perfect with our favorite gluten-free breads!), consider these creative ideas for utilizing every bit of your ham:
  • Hearty Soups and Stews: Use leftover ham to make a comforting split pea and ham soup, or dice it and add it to a robust vegetable soup or hearty stew for extra flavor and protein.
  • Breakfast Delights: Dice the ham and incorporate it into fluffy omelets, savory frittatas, or a delicious breakfast hash with roasted potatoes and peppers.
  • Quick Weeknight Meals: Add chopped ham to pasta dishes, savory quesadillas, cheesy gratins, or even a simple fried rice for a quick and satisfying dinner.
  • Flavorful Ham Bone Broth: If you opted for a bone-in ham, do not discard the bone! Simmer it with leftover vegetables (like the ones from the slow cooker), herbs, and water to make an incredibly rich, flavorful broth. This broth can then be used as a base for future soups, gravies, or risottos.
• Make Ahead Option: To reduce stress on a busy holiday, you can prepare the slow-cooked ham a day in advance. After it has finished slow cooking and cooled slightly, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. On the day of serving, prepare the glaze, score the ham (if not already done), apply the glaze, and bake as directed. This allows you to spread out the prep work.
• Achieving the Perfect Score: When scoring the ham, aim for shallow cuts, typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. This allows the glaze to seep in and create those beautiful caramelized edges without cutting too deeply into the lean meat, which could cause it to dry out.
• Don’t Waste the Broth: The liquid left in the slow cooker after the ham has cooked is a rich, savory, and incredibly flavorful broth! Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s excellent for enhancing soups, gravies, or braising liquids.
• Storage of Leftovers: Store any leftover sliced or diced ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze individual portions of ham in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Delicious Holiday Recipes You’ll Adore:

Planning an entire holiday menu or just looking for more delightful recipes? Explore these other fantastic creations from Dish by Dish to complete your festive spread, all keeping dietary considerations in mind for inclusive enjoyment.

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback and love hearing from you! Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the delicious recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram for daily inspiration and updates! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox each week!

Print

Easy Slow Cooker Ham (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• 
  Author: Felicia Lim
• 
  
  Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• 
  
  Yield: 6 servings
• 
  
  Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This easy slow cooker ham starts in the crockpot, before being coated with a honey-mustard marinade and finished with in the oven. Flavorful, delicious, this homemade ham recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter! Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.

---

Ingredients

Units

Scale

For the Ham:

• 2 pounds ham
• 1 medium carrot, cut into pieces
• 1 celery stalk, cut into long pieces
• 1 onion, roughly cut
• 3/4 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
• 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 fresh rosemary sprigs

For the Honey-Mustard Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon demerara sugar

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine Ham, Veggies, Spices & Herbs in Slow Cooker: Place the ham, onion, carrot, celery, whole peppercorns, whole allspice, fresh thyme and rosemary in a slow cooker.
2. Slow Cook Ham: Pour in enough water to cover the ham. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
3. Let Cool Before Trimming Fat: Remove ham from broth, let cool slightly. Trim skin and excess fat, leaving a thin layer. Score it into squares.
4. Prepare the Glaze: Place the mustard, honey and demerara sugar in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine.
5. Preheat & Line: Preheat the oven to 380F. Line a large baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Brush Ham with Half of Glaze and Bake: Spread half of the honey glaze on the ham and place in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Spread with Remaining Glaze & Bake: Spread the remaining honey glaze on the ham and bake for another 20 minutes.
8. Cool Before Slicing: Let the ham cool completely if you want to serve it cold. Cut into thin slices and serve.

Notes

Ham: You can use either a bone-in ham or picnic ham.

Veggies: For the vegetables, I used onion, celery and carrot to create the broth that the ham cooks in. Feel free to add in other types of veggies if you prefer.

Spices: I used a mix of whole peppercorns and whole allspice berries to flavor the ham. However, feel free to add other spices such as star anise or a cinnamon stick if you prefer.

Herbs: I like thyme and rosemary for flavoring, but go ahead and add in other fresh herbs (such as parsley, oregano, etc.)

Honey-Mustard Marinade: Yellow mustard or Dijon mustard will work. Raw honey is best. If you don’t have demerara sugar, you may also use dark brown sugar instead. Alternatively, if you prefer not to make the marinade, you can simply use 4 tablespoons of store-bought honey mustard to replace the honey and mustard instead.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 2 hours 35 mins
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Western