Introduction

This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is a true holiday favorite that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ham turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with a sweet glaze that enhances its natural richness. Made with brown sugar, honey, and spices, this glaze adds a beautiful caramelized coating to each slice, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a feast for family or a gathering with friends, this ham is sure to impress.

With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, this recipe allows you to free up oven space while still achieving incredible results. Serve it at any holiday meal or special occasion, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow!

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to choose this Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for your next special meal:

1. Effortless Cooking: This recipe takes full advantage of the slow cooker, which means minimal hands-on time and more time to focus on other dishes or relax.

2. Tender & Flavorful: The low, slow cooking process ensures the ham stays moist, juicy, and full of flavor.

3. Sweet & Savory Glaze: The combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves creates a perfectly balanced glaze that complements the ham beautifully.

4. Great for Gatherings: This ham serves a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re entertaining a large group.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious Slow Cooker Ham with a rich and sweet honey glaze.

Ingredients:
– 8 lb. bone-in spiral cut ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the slow cooker liner with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the ham in the slow cooker, cut-side down. Make sure the lid fits securely over the ham. If the ham is too tall for the lid to seal, trim a small portion off the top and place it alongside the main piece to ensure a proper fit.

Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, water, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the brown sugar dissolves, which should take about 5 minutes. The glaze should be smooth and aromatic.

Step 3: Cook the Ham
Pour the warm glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Place the lid on the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 4-6 hours. To maximize flavor, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker once every hour. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).

Step 4: Optional – Thicken the Glaze
For a thicker, more caramelized glaze, transfer the juices from the slow cooker to a saucepan once the ham is done. Simmer the glaze over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

Enjoy this wonderfully tender and flavorful ham, complete with a luscious brown sugar honey glaze!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Here are some ways to serve this sweet and savory ham:

1. Main Dish: Slice the ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle some extra glaze over the slices for added flavor and presentation.

2. Holiday Centerpiece: Place the whole ham on a decorative platter with fresh herbs, cranberries, or orange slices around it for a festive look.

3. Leftover Ideas: Use leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles. It’s a versatile option that tastes great in many dishes.

4. With Side Dishes: Pair this ham with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Storing your leftovers properly will help them stay fresh and delicious:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also keep it in the original slow cooker juices for added flavor and moisture.

2. Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ham will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

3. Reheating: Reheat ham slices in a covered dish with a little bit of the glaze in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until warmed through. This will keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Here are some tips to ensure your ham turns out perfectly:

1. Use a Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham: Spiral cut ham is ideal for this recipe as it allows the glaze to seep into each slice, adding extra flavor and moisture.

2. Baste Regularly: Basting the ham every hour with the slow cooker juices ensures it stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. If you want a less sweet glaze, reduce the sugar slightly.

4. Check the Temperature: Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) before serving for optimal safety and taste.

5. Thickening the Glaze: If you want a more concentrated glaze, simmer the juices in a saucepan until they reach the desired consistency.

Variations

This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is versatile and can be customized in a few ways:

1. Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different but equally delicious flavor.

2. Pineapple-Infused Glaze: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the glaze for a fruity twist that complements the ham.

3. Spiced Glaze: For a stronger spice profile, increase the amount of cinnamon and cloves, or add a pinch of nutmeg.

FAQs

1. Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a pre-cooked ham, which only needs to be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F. The slow cooker allows the ham to stay moist while infusing it with the flavors of the glaze.

2. What if my ham is too large for the slow cooker?
If your ham is too big for the slow cooker, try trimming a small portion from the top and placing it alongside the main piece. You can also consider using a larger slow cooker if available.

3. Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it slightly before pouring it over the ham to ensure it spreads evenly.

4. How do I keep the ham from drying out in the slow cooker?
Basting the ham with the slow cooker juices every hour helps keep it moist. Using a bone-in ham also helps retain moisture during cooking.

5. What should I do with the leftover glaze?
The leftover glaze can be used as a sauce for the ham or even drizzled over side dishes like roasted vegetables or potatoes. You can also thicken it further and serve it as a gravy.

6. Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can use other types of mustard, such as whole-grain or yellow mustard, for a slightly different flavor. Dijon adds a nice tanginess, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is a fantastic addition to any special meal. With its rich, sweet glaze and fall-off-the-bone tenderness, it’s sure to be a favorite for years to come. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delicious flavor that makes this dish perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something memorable. Enjoy every slice!

Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

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• Author: Betty

This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is a true holiday favorite that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ham turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor, with a sweet glaze that enhances its natural richness.

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Ingredients

Scale1x2x3x

• 8 lb. bone-in spiral cut ham
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the slow cooker liner with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Place the ham in the slow cooker, cut-side down. Make sure the lid fits securely over the ham. If the ham is too tall for the lid to seal, trim a small portion off the top and place it alongside the main piece to ensure a proper fit.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, water, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the brown sugar dissolves, which should take about 5 minutes. The glaze should be smooth and aromatic.

Step 3: Cook the Ham

Pour the warm glaze evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Place the lid on the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 4-6 hours. To maximize flavor, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker once every hour. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).

Step 4: Optional – Thicken the Glaze

For a thicker, more caramelized glaze, transfer the juices from the slow cooker to a saucepan once the ham is done. Simmer the glaze over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your ham turns out perfectly:

1. Use a Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham: Spiral cut ham is ideal for this recipe as it allows the glaze to seep into each slice, adding extra flavor and moisture.
2. Baste Regularly: Basting the ham every hour with the slow cooker juices ensures it stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey or brown sugar. If you want a less sweet glaze, reduce the sugar slightly.
4. Check the Temperature: Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) before serving for optimal safety and taste.
5. Thickening the Glaze: If you want a more concentrated glaze, simmer the juices in a saucepan until they reach the desired consistency.