Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

If you’re looking for a tender, juicy ham with a flavorful, sticky glaze, this Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze recipe is perfect for you. Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions, this dish combines the rich, savory taste of ham with the sweetness of brown sugar and honey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker, making it the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in or boneless ham (fully cooked)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Start by placing your fully cooked ham into the slow cooker. You can choose a bone-in or boneless ham based on your preference, though bone-in often provides more flavor. Score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut too deep. This will allow the glaze to seep into the meat, ensuring every bite is sweet and savory.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly, which should take about 5-10 minutes. If you’d like a thicker glaze, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch and allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Once the glaze is ready, pour it over the ham, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Make sure to reserve a little glaze to pour over the ham later when serving.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ham

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. During the last hour of cooking, baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the remaining glaze. This will ensure the ham gets a nice caramelized coating and stays moist throughout the cooking process.

Step 5: Serve

Once the ham is cooked and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the ham and serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham Recipe:

• Tender and Juicy: The slow cooker ensures that the ham stays moist and tender, perfect for slicing.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and honey adds a natural sweetness, while the mustard and vinegar bring just the right tang.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is incredibly easy and convenient.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday meal, family gathering, or a special Sunday dinner, this Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is a showstopper.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Ham:

1. Use a meat thermometer: Even though the ham is fully cooked, using a thermometer can help you ensure it reaches the ideal serving temperature of 140°F.
2. Add a touch of bourbon or orange juice: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of bourbon or freshly squeezed orange juice to the glaze.
3. Leftovers: This ham makes great leftovers. Use it in sandwiches, soups, or salads.

Pairing Suggestions:

This slow-cooked ham pairs wonderfully with side dishes like:

• Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
• Green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Dinner rolls or cornbread
• A refreshing salad or fruit salad

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is a must-try recipe that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a regular family dinner, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it today and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this tender, flavorful ham!

Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Serving Tips:

1. Rest Before Slicing: After removing the ham from the slow cooker, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice more tender and juicy.
2. Serve with Extra Glaze: Don’t forget to serve the ham with the remaining glaze. Drizzle it over the sliced ham for extra sweetness and flavor. You can also serve it in a small bowl on the side for guests to add more glaze to their liking.
3. Ideal Sides: This ham pairs perfectly with hearty sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a more festive touch, consider serving it with cornbread, stuffing, or a fruit salad.
4. Carving Tips: When slicing the ham, try to cut against the grain for the most tender pieces. If you’re serving a bone-in ham, make sure to slice away from the bone and cut into manageable pieces.

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Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the ham is properly cooled before refrigerating it to maintain its freshness and quality.
2. Freezing: If you have a lot of leftover ham, it freezes well. Wrap slices of ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. For best results, slice the ham before freezing so you can easily grab individual servings.
3. Reheating: To reheat the ham, place the slices in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
4. Reusing the Glaze: Leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving it with leftovers or using it in other recipes like glazing roasted vegetables or chicken.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze over multiple meals, ensuring the flavors stay fresh and delicious.

1. Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a boneless ham for this recipe. While a bone-in ham tends to have more flavor, a boneless ham will still be tender and delicious. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the ham.

2. How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
Even though the ham is already fully cooked, you’ll want to make sure it’s heated through. The ideal internal temperature for serving is 140°F (60°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check, ensuring the ham is at the right temperature before removing it from the slow cooker.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze in advance! Simply prepare it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to use it, just reheat it gently on the stove before applying it to the ham.

4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
If you prefer a sugar substitute, you can try using maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar as alternatives to brown sugar. Keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor, but they will still result in a delicious glaze. Adjust the quantity based on your desired sweetness.

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