This 3-ingredient slow cooker vintage mustard glazed ham is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that makes the whole house smell like Sunday dinner. Using pre-cooked spiral ham slices means you skip the fuss of baking a whole ham, but still get all that cozy, old-fashioned flavor.
A simple mix of brown sugar and Dijon mustard melts down into a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze that soaks into every slice. It’s the kind of easy comfort food that has everyone asking for seconds, especially on busy weeknights or casual family get-togethers.
Serve this mustard glazed ham with classic comfort sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed green beans, or a simple pan of frozen dinner rolls warmed in the oven. For a lighter plate, pair it with a big green salad and some roasted vegetables.
Leftovers are wonderful tucked into sandwiches with a slice of cheddar, or chopped into scrambled eggs or breakfast hash the next morning. A little extra glaze spooned over the ham and sides really ties everything together.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Vintage Mustard Glazed Ham
Servings: 6-8
Layer the pre-cooked spiral ham slices in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, overlapping them slightly like they came off the bone. This lets the glaze drip between the slices so every piece gets flavor.
In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and Dijon mustard until you have a thick, spreadable paste. It should look like a loose frosting. If it feels too dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water to help it loosen up.
Spoon or brush the mustard-brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham slices, lifting a few layers as you go so some of the mixture gets between the slices. Any extra can be spread over the very top.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the ham on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is melted and bubbly around the edges. Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re just warming it and letting the flavors soak in.
Once heated through, carefully lift the slices out with tongs or a spatula, keeping them in loose stacks if you can. Spoon some of the warm glaze and juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the top of the ham before serving.
Serve the ham hot, with extra glaze on the side for anyone who likes a little more sweetness and tang on their plate.
For picky eaters, you can swap the Dijon mustard for regular yellow mustard, which has a milder flavor kids often prefer. If your family likes a little kick, stir in 1 teaspoon of prepared horseradish or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the glaze. For a honey-mustard twist, replace 2 to 3 tablespoons of the brown sugar with honey. You can also add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor if you enjoy a sharper, more vintage-style glaze.
If you’re watching sodium, choose a lower-sodium ham if available and taste the glaze before adding any extra salt (it likely won’t need it). For a slightly smoky note, use smoked pre-cooked spiral ham slices.
Food safety tip: Because the ham is pre-cooked, your main goal is reheating it safely. Cook on LOW until the ham is steaming hot; if you want to be precise, the internal temperature should reach at least 140°F. Keep the slow cooker covered while heating, and do not leave the ham on the warm setting for more than 2 hours after cooking is finished.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, store in a covered container, and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat leftovers until hot and steaming before serving.