When you’re craving something tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this slowcooker mustard pulled ham delivers all the comfort of a hearty family dinner with wholesome, balanced ingredients. The creamy mustard sauce brings just the right mix of tang and sweetness, while the slow cooking method makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious — perfect for weeknights or laid-back weekend meals.
Why You’ll Love This Slowcooker Mustard Pulled Ham
This family-friendly slowcooker mustard pulled ham is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day. It’s wonderfully hands-off, requires minimal prep, and can easily feed a crowd.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Effortless prep: Just whisk, pour, and let your slow cooker do the magic.
- Healthier balance: Light cream and natural sweeteners make it family-safe without losing flavor.
- Tender texture: The ham shreds perfectly after hours of slow cooking.
- Versatile serving: Enjoy it on sandwiches, baked potatoes, rice bowls, or veggies.
- Kid-approved taste: Sweet, creamy, and tangy — all in harmony.
Ingredients for Slowcooker Mustard Pulled Ham
Main Ingredients
- 1 boneless ham (about 4–5 lb)
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a natural option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar for less refined sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup light cream or half-and-half (instead of heavy cream)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Substitutions
- Cream swap: Replace heavy cream with light cream, half-and-half, or unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Lower sugar: Use coconut sugar or cut the brown sugar in half for less sweetness.
- Sodium tip: Opt for low-sodium ham or rinse pre-cooked ham before slow cooking.
- Mustard balance: If you’re serving kids, reduce Dijon slightly and add a bit more honey.
- Extra veggies: Add carrot chunks or pearl onions to the slow cooker for added nutrition and sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Ham and Sauce
Place your boneless ham into the slow cooker insert. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple juice, Dijon and whole-grain mustards, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ham, making sure it’s well coated.
Step 2 – Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours (or High for 3–4 hours) until the ham is tender and can easily be pulled apart with forks. The slow, gentle cooking ensures maximum moisture and flavor absorption.
Step 3 – Shred the Ham
Remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any tough sections or fat if desired.
Step 4 – Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Pour the cooking juices from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Add the light cream and, if needed, a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken slightly. Stir for 3–5 minutes until creamy.
Step 5 – Combine and Serve
Add the shredded ham back into the slow cooker and pour the creamy mustard sauce over it. Toss gently until evenly coated. Keep on Warm until ready to serve. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Success
- Trim excess saltiness: If your ham is pre-cured, rinse and pat dry before cooking.
- Don’t over-thicken the sauce: The sauce should be silky, not sticky.
- Add extra veggies: Carrots, celery, or onions cook beautifully in the same pot.
- Keep it warm for parties: Use the “Warm” setting to serve buffet-style.
- Use leftovers creatively: The flavors deepen overnight — perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls.
- Double the sauce: If your family loves saucy dishes, double the sauce ingredients upfront.
Flavor Variations
- Sweet & Smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for depth.
- Honey-Mustard BBQ: Mix in 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce for a southern-style twist.
- Maple & Herb: Use maple syrup and add thyme and rosemary.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or spicy mustard.
- Tropical Fusion: Replace apple juice with pineapple juice for a fruitier profile.
Serving Suggestions
This slowcooker mustard pulled ham is versatile enough to star in many meals:
- Serve it over mashed potatoes with steamed green beans.
- Pile it on whole grain rolls for mini sliders or sandwiches.
- Spoon over brown rice or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for balance.
- Use leftovers for breakfast omelets or wraps — so good!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags with sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to refresh moisture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~310 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
FAQ About Slowcooker Mustard Pulled Ham
How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
Use leaner ham and replace the light cream with Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking (off heat). This keeps the sauce creamy without added fat.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. On cooking day, just add the ham and sauce to your slow cooker.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be — just check that your mustards and vinegar are certified gluten-free.
Can I use another protein?
Absolutely! Try chicken breasts or turkey tenderloin for a lighter option using the same sauce.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This slowcooker mustard pulled ham brings together the best of both worlds: homestyle comfort and wholesome ingredients. It’s a wonderful make-ahead dish that keeps your family happy and your evenings easy. Whether served on a sandwich, a plate of veggies, or as a main for gatherings, this creamy mustard version is bound to become a household favorite.
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Comforting Slowcooker Mustard Pulled Ham for Weeknight Meals
- Total Time: 7 hrs 10 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender, family-friendly pulled ham slow-cooked in a creamy mustard sauce for the perfect cozy dinner.
Ingredients
1 boneless ham (4–5 lb)
1 cup apple juice or cider
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp brown or coconut sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup light cream or half-and-half
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Place ham in slow cooker.
2. Whisk all sauce ingredients; pour over ham.
3. Cook on Low 6–7 hours (or High 3–4).
4. Remove ham, shred with forks.
5. Simmer juices with light cream and cornstarch until creamy.
6. Return shredded ham to cooker; mix with sauce.
7. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Swap heavy cream for light cream or coconut milk for dairy-free.
Use coconut sugar for a less refined option.
Serve over potatoes, rice, or in sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 7 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
