Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ham – Easy Tender Boneless Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Ham – Easy Tender Boneless Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489923H35M47S
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 boneless pre-cooked ham (3–4 pounds); 1/2 cup honey; 4–5 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup water or chicken broth

Posted on November 19, 2025

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Introduction

The scent of honey and garlic mingling in my kitchen as the slow cooker hums quietly in the background—it’s the kind of aroma that instantly makes you feel at home. I still remember the first time I made this slow cooker honey garlic ham on a chilly December morning. The sweet glaze bubbling gently, the savory garlic weaving through the air—it was pure comfort in edible form. I paused for a second, spoon in hand, and just smiled because I knew I’d stumbled upon something special.

When I was growing up, holiday ham was always a big deal. My grandma used to bake hers for hours, occasionally peeking under the foil to baste it with a syrupy glaze. It was amazing, but honestly, I wanted something easier—something I could toss into my slow cooker and forget about until dinner. So years later, I started experimenting. After several “research” tastings (in the name of perfection!), I landed on the perfect ratio of honey to garlic that makes this boneless ham tender, juicy, and downright irresistible.

My family couldn’t stop sneaking slices before it even hit the table. It’s now a staple for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday dinners. And let’s face it—when a recipe gives you that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort, you know it’s going to be a keeper. This slow cooker honey garlic ham feels like a warm hug every time I serve it. You’re going to want to bookmark this one for sure.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of ham recipes out there, but this one? It’s the kind that keeps you coming back for seconds… and maybe thirds. Tested over countless weekends and family dinners, it’s simple, foolproof, and filled with flavor that makes everyone ask for the recipe. Here’s why this slow cooker honey garlic ham stands out:

Quick & Easy: You can prep it in under 10 minutes, then let your slow cooker do the magic while you relax or prep sides.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery runs—just honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few pantry staples.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for cozy Sunday dinners, Easter brunch, or holiday gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet-and-savory glaze wins over kids and adults alike every single time.
Unbelievably Tender: Slow cooking ensures the ham turns out juicy and soft enough to pull apart with a fork.

What makes this recipe different is the glaze. The honey caramelizes beautifully while the garlic infuses a deep savory note. Unlike oven-baked versions that risk drying out, the slow cooker locks in moisture and flavor effortlessly. It’s comfort food made easy—rich, flavorful, and just sweet enough to satisfy that craving for something special.

Every time I make this, I’m reminded that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. This ham has the kind of flavor that makes you pause after the first bite and think, “Wow, that’s really something.” Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a memorable one.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavorful glaze and tender meat without any hassle. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have everything you need.

Boneless ham (about 3–4 pounds / 1.4–1.8 kg) – Choose a pre-cooked, unsliced ham for best texture.
Honey (1/2 cup / 120 ml) – The star of the glaze; adds sweetness and a gorgeous caramelized finish.
Garlic cloves (4–5, minced) – Balances the sweetness with a savory depth.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup / 60 ml) – Adds saltiness and umami to the glaze.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup / 50 g) – Enhances the honey’s sweetness and helps the glaze thicken.
Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons / 30 ml) – Adds a subtle tang that rounds out the flavor.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon / 15 ml) – Helps tenderize the ham and balances the sweetness.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon / 2 g) – Just enough for a gentle kick.
Water or chicken broth (1/2 cup / 120 ml) – Keeps the ham moist while cooking.

Ingredient tips: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey slightly and add a touch more mustard. You can also swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding gluten. For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light. I’ve tried this recipe with both wildflower and clover honey—honestly, both work beautifully.

These ingredients are easy to find, and the glaze can even be made ahead of time. Trust me, once you see how simple this is, you’ll make it again and again.

Equipment Needed

Slow cooker (6–8 quart) – The key to tender, juicy ham. Any reliable brand works fine.
Small saucepan – For warming and thickening the honey garlic glaze.
Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy matters for a perfectly balanced glaze.
Basting brush or spoon – To coat the ham evenly with the glaze.
Cutting board and sharp knife – For slicing the ham once cooked.

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a heavy Dutch oven set on low heat in your oven. I’ve done that once when my slow cooker was busy with chili—it worked just fine. Just keep an eye on moisture levels. Also, if your slow cooker tends to run hot, add a splash more broth halfway through cooking.

Preparation Method

Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Stir occasionally for about 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.
Place ham in the slow cooker: Set your boneless ham, flat side down, in the center of the slow cooker. Pour the water or broth around it (not directly over it).
Glaze the ham: Spoon half of the honey garlic mixture over the top of the ham, coating it evenly. Save the rest for later.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The ham should be heated through and tender. During cooking, baste the ham once or twice with the juices for extra flavor.
Thicken the glaze (optional): About 15 minutes before serving, transfer the remaining glaze to a saucepan. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Finish and serve: Carefully lift the ham out of the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon the thickened glaze over the top and serve warm.

Pro tip: If your ham looks a bit dry on top at any point, ladle some of the cooking liquid over it. The slow cooker keeps everything moist, but basting ensures an even flavor throughout. The best sign your ham is ready? The edges should be golden and the glaze sticky-sweet with a slight shine.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it foolproof every time:

Always start with a fully thawed ham—partially frozen ones cook unevenly and can turn tough.
Don’t skip the resting time after cooking. It lets the juices settle, making every slice tender.
For extra flavor, refrigerate the ham in the glaze overnight before slow cooking. It’s a game-changer for depth of flavor.
If your glaze is too thick, add a splash of broth or water while cooking to thin it out slightly.
For an extra caramelized finish, broil the ham for 3–4 minutes after slow cooking—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

I’ve had a few batches where I got impatient and sliced too early, and trust me—the difference is noticeable. Take that extra 10 minutes to let it rest! Another tip: use fresh garlic instead of jarred for the best aroma. It’s worth the little bit of extra effort.

Variations & Adaptations

This slow cooker honey garlic ham is adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up:

Maple Mustard Ham: Swap honey for pure maple syrup and double the Dijon mustard for a tangy, woodsy flavor.
Spicy Honey Ham: Add 1–2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat twist.
Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free honey or omit the brown sugar entirely—still delicious, just lighter.
Holiday Orange Glaze: Stir in 2 tablespoons of orange juice and a bit of zest for a festive, citrusy spin.

Personally, I love the spicy version—it adds just enough kick without overpowering the sweetness. You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. No matter your flavor preference, this ham adapts beautifully while keeping that tender, juicy texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker honey garlic ham warm, sliced thin, with a drizzle of glaze over each piece. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery dinner rolls. For brunch, serve it alongside scrambled eggs and fruit salad—it’s surprisingly versatile.

Leftovers store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, slice and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, warm slices in a skillet with a spoonful of glaze or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

Honestly, the flavor gets even better the next day—the glaze soaks into the meat, giving it that perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s one of those dishes that tastes just as good cold for sandwiches as it does warm for dinner.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving (about 4 oz / 113 g) of this slow cooker honey garlic ham provides roughly 250–280 calories, with 20–25 g of protein and moderate fat depending on your ham choice. It’s a good source of B vitamins and minerals like zinc and iron. Honey offers natural sweetness and antioxidants, while garlic brings heart-healthy benefits and immune support.

For a lower-sodium option, use reduced-salt soy sauce and rinse the ham briefly before cooking. If you’re following a lower-carb diet, skip the brown sugar—the honey alone gives plenty of flavor. Overall, it’s a hearty, protein-rich dish that fits well into balanced eating habits.

Conclusion

So there you have it—my tried-and-true slow cooker honey garlic ham recipe that’s tender, flavorful, and impressively easy. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, the kind that makes everyone at the table pause and say, “This is amazing.” Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a simple Sunday meal, this ham always delivers comfort and joy.

Give it your own twist—add spices, change up the glaze, or serve it with your favorite sides. Cooking should be fun and flexible, after all. I make this recipe every season, and it never fails to bring smiles all around. Try it soon, and let me know how it turns out—I love hearing your kitchen stories!

Until next time, keep your slow cooker humming and your home smelling delicious.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in ham instead of boneless?

Yes, just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour since bone-in hams take longer to heat through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently with extra glaze before serving.

Can I cook it on high to save time?

You can, but cooking on low yields better tenderness. If you’re short on time, reduce the liquid slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm slices in a skillet with a spoonful of glaze or bake covered at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

Can I use raw ham instead of pre-cooked?

It’s best to use pre-cooked ham for this recipe. Raw ham requires longer cooking and different temperatures.

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