If you need an effortless holiday main dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Zesty Ham is it. With just five simple ingredients and almost no prep time, this sweet and tangy ham turns out perfectly tender every single time.
It’s ideal for Easter, Christmas, Sunday dinners, or feeding a crowd — and the leftovers make incredible sandwiches and casseroles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 ingredients
- 5 minutes of prep
- Hands-off slow cooker recipe
- Perfect for holidays or entertaining
- Amazing leftover potential
The combination of brown sugar, mustard, horseradish, and cola creates a balanced glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just slightly zesty.
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- ½ cup cola, divided
- 1 fully cooked boneless ham (5–6 pounds), cut in half if needed to fit slow cooker
How to Make Slow Cooker Zesty Ham
Step 1: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, ground mustard, horseradish, and 2 tablespoons of the cola until a paste forms.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Rub the glaze mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ham.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Place the ham into a 5-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Pour the remaining cola around the ham.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon some of the cooking juices over the top when serving.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham
- Use a fully cooked ham — this recipe reheats and flavors it.
- Cut the ham in half if needed to fit your slow cooker.
- For a thicker glaze, transfer cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer 5–10 minutes until reduced.
- Want more tang? Add an extra ½ teaspoon horseradish.
What to Serve with Zesty Ham
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Honey butter carrots
- Garlic green beans
- Classic dinner rolls
- Deviled eggs
Leftover Ham Ideas
- Ham and potato casserole
- Ham sliders
- Breakfast quiche
- Ham, potato, and corn chowder
- Ham dip
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months.
If you’re looking for an easy holiday ham recipe that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker version is a foolproof favorite.
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Easy Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12–15 SERVINGS 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 5-ingredient slow cooker ham is sweet, tangy, and perfectly tender. Made with brown sugar, mustard, horseradish, and cola for an effortless holiday main dish.
Ingredients
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground mustard
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1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
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½ cup cola, divided
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1 fully cooked boneless ham (5–6 pounds), cut to fit slow cooker
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Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground mustard, horseradish, and 2 tablespoons cola to form a paste.
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Rub mixture evenly over the ham.
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Place ham in a 5-quart slow cooker. Pour remaining cola around the ham.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours, until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon juices over top when serving.
Notes
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For thicker glaze, simmer cooking liquid on stovetop until reduced.
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Adjust horseradish for more or less heat.
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Great for Easter, Christmas, or large family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 6-8 HOURS
- Category: Dinner
- Method: SLOW COOKER
- Cuisine: American
