The sweet scent of caramelized ham wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy family gathering where laughter mixed with the tantalizing aroma of Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham. This dish is a game changer—easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your guests at dinner parties. With its tender, juicy meat coated in a creamy, tangy sauce, it seamlessly blends the rich flavors of honey and brown sugar with the piquant zing of mustard. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a standout dish for your next potluck, this recipe is both stress-free and adaptable. Trust me, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone together. Are you ready to turn your slow cooker into a flavor factory?

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Why is this pulled ham recipe extraordinary?

Simplicity at Its Best: With only a handful of ingredients, this dish is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Rich, Tangy Sauce: The luscious combination of mustard, honey, and brown sugar creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor, elevating your meat to gourmet status.

Perfect for Gatherings: This Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham offers a crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to prepare and serves multiple guests without fuss.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether you serve it on mini buns for sliders or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, it suits many preferences and occasions.

Time-Saving Meal: Set it and forget it! Let the slow cooker do the work, allowing you to enjoy your time with loved ones while your delicious dinner cooks away.

For a comforting side, consider pairing it with Potato Soup Comfort or serve it with delectable Chicken Bites for a well-rounded meal.

Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Ingredients

For the Ham

Boneless Ham – Approximately 4-5 pounds is ideal for easy shredding.
Apple Juice or Cider – Adds fruity moisture that balances mustard’s sharpness.

For the Sauce

Dijon Mustard – Provides a smooth tang that serves as the sauce’s foundation.
Whole Grain Mustard – Contributes texture and rustic flavor with delightful mustard seeds.
Honey – Infuses natural sweetness, giving the dish a glossy, caramelized finish.
Brown Sugar – Deepens the sauce’s sweetness with rich molasses undertones.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Introduces a bright acidity that cuts through the dish’s richness.
Garlic Powder – Offers depth without needing fresh garlic.
Onion Powder – Provides a subtle, oniony sweetness to complement the sauce.
Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat and earthy flavor notes.
Heavy Cream – Transforms cooking juices into an indulgent, silky sauce.

For Garnishing

Fresh Parsley (Optional) – A sprinkle brightens each serving and adds freshness.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Begin by placing the boneless ham at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring it fits snugly inside. This will help with even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple juice or cider, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. This luscious sauce will be the heart of your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham, so make sure it’s well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Ham
Pour the prepared mustard mixture over the ham, ensuring that it is generously coated. Use a spatula if needed to make sure all sides are covered. The sticky sauce will caramelize beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the ham is tender and easily shreds with a fork. This method infuses the ham with the savory flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Shred the Ham
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the ham into bite-sized pieces, enjoying the delicious aroma of your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
In a small saucepan, transfer the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce slightly for about 5 minutes. This intensifies the flavors while preparing it for your creamy addition.

Step 7: Add Cream to the Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream to the simmering liquid and mix well. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to a luscious consistency that perfectly complements the shredded ham.

Step 8: Combine Ham and Sauce
Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker, pouring in the creamy sauce. Gently mix it all together until the ham is evenly coated in the rich sauce, creating a delightful blend of flavors in your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Serve your dish warm, straight from the slow cooker. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is perfect for mini buns, mashed potatoes, or even tortillas for tacos!

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What to Serve with Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this indulgent dish with complementary sides and drinks that enhance its rich flavors.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This classic side offers a buttery, silky texture to soak up the luscious sauce, creating a perfect bite.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw introduces freshness that balances the ham’s creaminess, making each mouthful delightful.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness and crispness of Brussels sprouts provide a textural contrast, while their caramelization enhances the overall meal.
Homemade Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce, delivering a comforting, homey vibe to your table.
Baked Mac and Cheese: The gooey, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs wonderfully, bringing a nostalgic and heartwarming element to your feast.
Sweet Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread adds a hint of sweetness, creating a delightful contrast to the pulled ham’s savory richness.
Crispy Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and aromatic flavor, making it a lovely side to accompany your ham.
Sparkling Apple Cider: A bubbly beverage, with its fruity sweetness and effervescence, complements the pork beautifully and adds a celebratory touch.
Chocolate Cake: For dessert, a moist chocolate cake offers a decadent finale, leaving your guests happily satisfied.

Each of these elements will create a memorable, well-rounded meal that celebrates the rich and tangy goodness of your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham.

Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Variations

Feel free to explore these tasty twists that will elevate your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham experience!

Mustard Swap: Switch yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard for Dijon and whole grain. Adjust quantities to keep the flavor balanced.
A little creativity in mustard choices can lead to delightful surprises in taste, enhancing the original flavors while adding your personal touch.
Sweetener Options: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a unique flavor twist.
This swap brings a warm, earthy sweetness that complements the tang of mustard beautifully, creating a delightful variation everyone will love.
Add Heat: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick in the sauce.
This simple change can transform your dish into a zesty sensation, bringing a whole new level of excitement to your meal!
Creaminess Boost: For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Not only does this create a different texture, but coconut cream adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the mustard flavors.
Vegetable Infusion: Toss in diced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
These colorful toppings not only enhance the taste but also add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with tender ham.
Slideshow Serving: Present your pulled ham in mini slider buns for a finger food option or over creamy mashed potatoes.
With these serving ideas, you can cater to various preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys the feast.
Savory Sides: Pair with coleslaw or pickled vegetables to add freshness and crunch to each bite.
These sides introduce a refreshing bite that balances the richness of the ham, making every meal even more enjoyable.

For a comforting addition to your feast, consider serving alongside the luscious Creamy Potato Soup Comfort or the delectable Chicken Bites for a delightful meal ensemble.

Expert Tips for Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Snug Fit: Ensure the boneless ham sits snugly in the slow cooker for even cooking and maximized flavor infusion.

Gluten-Free Check: If needed, verify that all mustards and condiments are certified gluten-free to keep this dish inclusive for everyone.

Tenderness Test: Cooking on high can cut the time to about 3-4 hours; check for tenderness to ensure your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham is perfectly done.

Moisture Retention: Let leftover ham cool for about 10 minutes before storing to maintain its juicy texture.

Serving Versatility: Don’t hesitate to explore serving options, like sliders or tacos, to let this comforting dish shine at gatherings.

Storage Tips for Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham

Fridge: Store leftover pulled ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the creamy mustard pulled ham in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to label it for easy identification!

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Moisture Retention: Always allow the leftover ham to cool for about 10 minutes before storing to maintain its juicy texture and prevent sogginess.

Make Ahead Options

Planning ahead with this Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham is a fantastic way to save time during your busy week! You can prepare the mustard sauce (apple juice, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Additionally, if you want to take it a step further, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before cooking; just remember to let it come to room temperature before turning it on. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the cooking instructions, and enjoy the delightful flavors with the ease of a meal that feels freshly made!

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Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham Recipe FAQs

What type of ham is best for this recipe?
Absolutely, a boneless ham weighing approximately 4-5 pounds is ideal for this Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham. This size makes it easier to shred and allows it to cook evenly. Look for a ham that has a nice marbling for added flavor.

How long can I store leftover pulled ham?
You can store leftover creamy mustard pulled ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep its flavor and moisture intact. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing!

Can I freeze the pulled ham? How?
Certainly! You can freeze your Slowcooker Creamy Mustard Pulled Ham for up to 3 months. Ensure the ham is cooled completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. For best results, label the bag with the date and name, and remove any excess air before sealing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

What if my ham is tough after cooking?
If your ham isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time, it’s likely undercooked. If this happens, simply cover it back up and cook it on low for an additional hour or two. The ham should easily shred with a fork once properly cooked. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as that can dry it out!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Very! To maintain a gluten-free option, just ensure that all mustards and condiments used are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the rich, flavorful goodness without any gluten concerns.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into even pieces and layer them on the bottom before adding the ham. They’ll absorb all the wonderful flavors from the cooking liquid, making for a more complete meal!