As I stood by my slow cooker, the air filled with an inviting blend of tangy mustard and sweet honey, I knew dinner would be a hit. My Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham is not just an easy slow cooker recipe; it’s a culinary embrace that transforms a simple weeknight into a flavorful feast. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy dinner, this dish combines the subtle fruitiness of apple juice with a creamy sauce that’s as rich as it is comforting. Plus, with the option for gluten-free ingredients, it’s a win for everyone at the table! Are you ready to dive into the creamy, tangy goodness that will elevate your meal? Let’s explore this delicious recipe together!

Why is this pulled ham so special?

Ease of Preparation: With just a few pantry staples and minimal hands-on time, this dish is perfect for busy days. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and tangy combination of mustards and honey will leave everyone asking for seconds. Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as sliders, in tacos, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Beginner-Friendly: No advanced cooking skills required—just set it and forget it! Plus, this recipe is just as delightful as my Lemon Chicken Pasta for an equally enjoyable dinner experience. Make it your go-to recipe for potlucks and casual gatherings, and watch it become a family favorite!

Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Ingredients

Unleash the flavors of this delightful recipe with just a handful of ingredients!

For the Ham

Boneless Ham (4-5 lbs) – The star of the show, providing a tender and easily shreddable base after slow cooking.
Apple Juice (1 cup) – Adds a subtle sweetness that mellows the sharpness of the mustard.

For the Sauce

Dijon Mustard (1/2 cup) – The main flavor booster that brings tanginess to the dish.
Whole Grain Mustard (1/4 cup) – Introduces texture and a rustic touch with its poppy seeds.
Honey (1/4 cup) – Infuses natural sweetness, balancing the mustard flavors beautifully.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup) – Deepens the sauce with rich molasses undertones for a luscious finish.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp) – Adds a dash of acidity to cut through the creaminess.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Provides a mellow, sweet onion flavor that mixes seamlessly.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Adds a whisper of heat, rounding out the overall flavor profile.

For the Creamy Finish

Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – Transforms the cooking liquid into a rich, silky sauce.
Fresh Parsley (optional) – A vibrant garnish that brightens up the dish.

Dive into the heart of home cooking with this Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham, crafted to both satisfy and impress!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Begin by placing your boneless ham (4-5 lbs) in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring it’s laid flat for even cooking. This slow cooker is your magic kitchen tool; turn it on low to create a tender masterpiece over the next 6-7 hours. Visualize the meat gradually becoming succulent and easy to shred as it cooks.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of apple juice, ½ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ cup whole grain mustard, ¼ cup honey, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Add in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until completely smooth, creating a tangy blend that will elevate your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham.

Step 3: Coat the Ham
Once your sauce is ready, pour this delightful mixture over the ham in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Use a spatula if needed, so every inch of the meat benefits from that rich, creamy goodness. This step sets the stage for deep, flavor-infused cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and let the ham cook on low for 6-7 hours. Check for doneness by seeing if the meat can easily be pulled apart with a fork. This is the moment when your kitchen fills with tantalizing aromas, making your mouth water in anticipation!

Step 5: Shred the Ham
Once the ham is fork-tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it onto a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into juicy, bite-sized pieces. The texture should be succulent and easily separable, perfect for mixing back into your sauce.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, letting it thicken beautifully. This creamy sauce will add the finishing touch to your dish, enhancing the flavors of your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham.

Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the creamy sauce until the ham is thoroughly coated. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, giving the flavors time to meld. When you’re ready, serve this comforting dish warm, and consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Make Ahead Options

These Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the sauce by whisking together the apple juice, mustards, honey, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, consider seasoning and securing the ham in the slow cooker with the sauce 24 hours before cooking; this helps the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply place the ham in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. This make-ahead approach not only saves you time but also ensures a delicious, flavorful meal that’s just as satisfying as cooking it fresh!

What to Serve with Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Nothing brings warmth and comfort like a thoughtfully paired meal that enhances the flavors of your main dish.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture soaks up the rich, tangy sauce perfectly, making each bite a comforting delight. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Tangy Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity of coleslaw beautifully balance the richness of the pulled ham, providing a refreshing contrast that dances on your palate.
Mini Slider Buns: Soft, pillowy buns are perfect for making sliders. Load them with pulled ham and a drizzle of the creamy sauce for a fun, handheld meal everyone loves.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies brings earthy sweetness and a delightful crunch, complementing the creaminess of the dish with vibrant flavors.
Garlic Butter Rice: This subtle yet flavorful side offers a light and fluffy base that lets the pulled ham shine, absorbing the creamy sauce beautifully.
Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the ham.
Sweet Honey Cornbread: For a cozy touch, serve it warm with your meal; the sweetness of the cornbread pairs wonderfully with the savory ham, making each bite a perfect match.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of dry white wine adds a crisp acidity that complements the tangy mustard flavors in the ham, making it a perfect drink choice.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light, airy chocolate mousse provides a rich but not overwhelming finish to the meal, leaving a sweet note after the savory experience.

How to Store and Freeze Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Fridge: Store your pulled ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and ready for quick meals.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. This way, you always have a delicious meal on hand!
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Slowly warm it on low heat to retain that creamy texture.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker until heated through, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive that rich sauce.

Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own by experimenting with these delicious ideas!

Mustard Swap: Try yellow or spicy brown mustard for a different tangy flavor twist.
Honey Alternative: Use maple syrup if you prefer a deeper, earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the mustard.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a delicious plant-based alternative that still adds creaminess.

Adding a dairy-free twist isn’t just for those with allergies; it can bring a whole new flavor profile that surprises your taste buds!

Fruity Addition: Toss in diced apples or pears during the last hour of cooking for a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Heat It Up: Incorporate a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the tangy sauce.

Adding a bit of heat can make the flavors pop, creating a delightful savory experience everyone will talk about!

Gluten-Free Substitute: Ensure all mustards and sugar alternatives are gluten-free, or swap with brown rice syrup for a gluten-free option.
Herbal Infusion: Enhance the sauce with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an aromatic depth that complements the tanginess beautifully.

If you love fresh herbs, these will add a burst of freshness that revitalizes the dish and adds a homey, garden-fresh feel.

Whether you’re serving it on mini buns or as a filling for tacos, these variations will keep everyone returning for more! Don’t forget to try it alongside my flavorful Lemon Chicken Pasta or the savory Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a perfect meal pairing!

Helpful Tricks for Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Marinate for Flavor: Allow the ham to sit in the mustard mixture for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
Check Tenderness: Test the ham for fork tenderness; it should easily shred. Cooking too long can lead to drier meat.
Avoid High Heat: Stick to low settings for best results; high heat can toughen the meat and affect the sauce’s creaminess.
Customize Mustard: Experiment with different mustard varieties like yellow or spicy brown to cater to your taste preferences.
Serve Creative: Try serving the Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham in creative ways—on sliders, in tacos, or over rice for variety!

Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Recipe FAQs

What type of ham should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend a boneless ham weighing between 4-5 lbs. This size ensures that it fits well in the slow cooker and will become tender enough to easily shred after cooking. Look for one that appears moist and free from dark spots for optimal quality.

How should I store leftover Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham?
You can store your pulled ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Can I freeze the Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham?
Very! To freeze, portion out the shredded ham and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on low heat on the stove or in the slow cooker, adding a little extra cream if needed to keep it silky smooth.

What if my ham is too dry after cooking?
Don’t worry; this can happen sometimes! If you find your ham a bit dry, try adding some moisture back into it by pouring a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid or some broth over the shredded meat before mixing it back into the sauce. Stir it well, and let it sit covered for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham, just ensure that both the Dijon and whole grain mustards you choose are labeled gluten-free. You can also substitute the brown sugar with a gluten-free alternative if needed, while still enjoying the same delightful flavors.

Is it okay for pets to eat this dish?
While a tiny taste of ham might be fine for some pets, it’s best to avoid feeding them this dish. The mustard and heavy cream can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always prioritize your furry friend’s health and consult your vet for pet-safe food options.