Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham is a simple and delicious way to prepare a tender, flavorful ham with minimal effort. The sweet and tangy glaze, infused with cloves and Dijon mustard, creates a wonderful balance that will impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 10 whole cloves
• 1 (8- to 10-pound) bone-in, spiral-cut ham

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, water, Dijon mustard, and whole cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the glaze is smooth and fragrant from the cloves. Remove from heat and take out the cloves with a spoon.
2. Step 2: Place the spiral-cut ham in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, positioning it so the lid can close properly. You may need to turn the ham on its side or trim a bit off the top if it doesn’t fit. Gently separate the slices of the ham to allow the glaze to penetrate.
3. Step 3: Pour the prepared glaze over the ham, covering as much as possible. Don’t worry if some glaze falls to the bottom—it will help keep the ham moist during cooking.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours. Every hour, baste the ham with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful. You can also flip the ham halfway through cooking for even glazing.
5. Step 5: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Serve warm with the thickened glaze spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider or orange juice to the glaze before simmering.
• If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by a quarter cup and increase the Dijon mustard slightly.
• Try adding pineapple slices on top of the ham during cooking for a tropical accent.
• If your slow cooker is small, consider trimming the ham or cutting it into pieces to fit comfortably.

Storage

Store any leftover ham covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F until warmed through to preserve moisture. The glaze can be reheated separately on the stove and poured over the ham before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a frozen ham for this recipe?

It’s best to fully thaw the ham in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even heating and proper glazing in the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to baste the ham during cooking?

Basting helps keep the ham moist and enhances the glaze’s flavor, but if you forget, the slow cooking process will still produce a tender and tasty ham.

Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe

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This Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham recipe features a tender, spiral-cut bone-in ham slow-cooked to perfection with a fragrant honey and brown sugar glaze scented with cloves and Dijon mustard. The slow cooking method infuses the ham with rich, sweet flavors and ensures it stays juicy and succulent, making it perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 12 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Glaze Ingredients

• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 10 whole cloves

Ham

• 1 (8- to 10-pound) bone-in, spiral-cut ham

Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze: Place the brown sugar, honey, water, Dijon mustard, and whole cloves in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the glaze becomes homogeneous and fragrant from the cloves. Remove from heat and strain out the cloves with a spoon.
2. Set Up the Ham in Slow Cooker: Place the spiral-cut ham into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, ensuring the lid fits. If the ham is too large, turn it on its side or trim a little off the top. Gently pull apart the ham slices to allow the glaze to penetrate.
3. Apply the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, covering as much surface as possible. It is okay if some glaze falls to the bottom as it will create a thick sauce.
4. Slow Cook the Ham: Cover and cook the ham on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours. Baste the ham with the glaze every hour to maintain moisture and flavor. Optionally, flip the ham halfway through cooking for even glazing.
5. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F, indicating it is fully heated through and ready to serve.
6. Serve: Remove the ham carefully and serve it with the thickened glaze from the slow cooker for a deliciously sweet and savory finish.

Notes

• If the ham is larger than your slow cooker, trim it slightly or reposition it carefully.
• Basting regularly ensures the ham stays moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
• You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Keywords: slow cooker ham, honey glazed ham, spiral cut ham, holiday ham recipe, easy slow cooker recipes