A Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham is the perfect way to enjoy the signature sweet, caramelized, and smoky flavor of a honey-glazed ham at home. With this easy slow cooker recipe, you’ll get a juicy, tender ham coated in a rich honey-brown sugar glaze—all without the hefty price tag of store-bought versions.
Using a slow cooker ensures your ham stays moist while locking in those sweet and savory flavors. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or meal prep, this homemade honey baked ham will impress every time.
Craving that sweet, caramelized, and smoky flavor of a Honey Baked Ham without the hefty price tag? This slow cooker copycat recipe delivers the same tender, juicy ham with a perfectly spiced glaze—all from the comfort of your home.
Using a slow cooker ensures the ham stays moist while the honey-brown sugar glaze creates that signature crispy coating. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this homemade Honey Baked Ham will impress every time.
Why Make a Copycat Honey Baked Ham at Home?
There are several great reasons to make your own honey-glazed ham instead of buying it pre-made:
- Cost-Effective: Store-bought Honey Baked Ham can be expensive, but making it at home is budget-friendly.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spices, and glaze thickness to your liking.
- Easy Preparation: Using a slow cooker means minimal effort with maximum flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even meal prep.
Slow cooking is one of the best methods to retain the ham’s moisture and enhance flavor. If you’re a fan of slow-cooked meals, you might also enjoy this hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham
To achieve the signature honey-brown sugar crust, you’ll need:
For the Ham:
- 1 (6-8 lb) spiral-cut ham (fully cooked)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (for moisture)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
For the Crispy Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp butter (for broiling effect)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Place the spiral ham in the slow cooker, cut side down.
- Pour the pineapple juice over the ham to keep it moist.
2. Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until combined.
3. Coat and Cook
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through (internal temp: 140°F).
4. Apply the Crispy Coating
- Preheat the broiler to high.
- Carefully transfer the ham to a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar on top and broil for 3-5 minutes until caramelized.
Tips for the Best Honey Baked Ham
- Use a spiral-cut ham for even glaze distribution.
- Baste every hour with the juices for extra moisture.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor absorption.
- Broiling is key! It mimics the famous crispy crust of store-bought Honey Baked Ham.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sweet and smoky ham with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole makes the perfect complement to the smoky-sweet flavors of the ham.
For leftovers, try making ham sandwiches, omelets, or a hearty ham soup! Or, for something a little different, check out these Creative Ham Salad Recipes.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham
1. Can I Use a Boneless Ham?
Yes! However, bone-in hams tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices for up to 3 months.
3. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Ham?
Wrap in foil and bake at 275°F for 10-15 minutes per pound until warmed through.
4. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the ham, store it in the fridge, and broil before serving for a fresh caramelized crust.
Final Thoughts
Making a Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham at home is simple, cost-effective, and absolutely delicious. With a rich honey-brown sugar glaze and a perfectly crispy finish, this dish will be the star of any gathering.
Try this recipe for your next holiday meal or Sunday dinner—your family will thank you!
PrintSlow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Description
Make the best Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham with a sweet, caramelized glaze. Perfect for holidays or family dinners—easy, juicy, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral sliced ham (6 to 8 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Trim ham as necessary and place in slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, stir together butter and honey, then rub over ham, pushing mixture into slices. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, preheat oven broiler on high and line a roasting pan with foil.
- In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, and salt. Press half of the mixture into the top of the ham.
- Broil until bubbly and caramelized, about 3 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Add remaining sugar mixture to a small saucepan and place over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the ham liquid from the slow cooker (or water). Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Let boil 1 minute, then remove from the heat. Brush glaze over ham, then broil once more briefly, just 1-2 minutes.
- Let ham rest at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!