Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham: A Holiday Symphony Made Simple
There’s something magical about the way honey-glazed ham perfumes a home, wrapping everyone in the warm embrace of holiday memories. While my grandmother spent hours basting her ham in the oven, I’ve discovered that the slow cooker creates that same tender, glossy perfection with a gentler touch—letting us focus on what matters most during celebrations: the people gathered around our table.
The Heart of Holiday Cooking
This recipe transforms a humble ham into a centerpiece worthy of your most cherished celebrations. The slow cooker method gently coaxes the meat to succulence while a carefully crafted honey glaze creates a lacquered finish that catches the light like amber jewels.
Essential Ingredients
1 spiral-cut ham (7-8 pounds)
1 cup honey (local if you can find it)
1/4 cup whole grain mustard
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
How to Cook
1. Preparing Your Canvas
Begin by letting your ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes; this gentle warming helps it accept the glaze more readily. Meanwhile, whisk together the honey, mustard, and brown sugar until they dance together in perfect harmony. The vinegar adds a bright note that cuts through the sweetness, while garlic and rosemary contribute their aromatic poetry.
2. Creating the Foundation
Line your slow cooker with a large piece of foil; this will make glazing and cleanup infinitely easier. Place the ham cut-side down, allowing it to nest comfortably in its new home. Pour half the glaze over the ham, ensuring it cascades into the spiral cuts like honey-sweet waterfalls.
3. The Slow Symphony
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Every hour, spoon the collected glaze back over the ham, building layers of flavor that will eventually create that coveted sticky-sweet exterior.
4. The Final Movement for Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
In the last 30 minutes, brush the remaining glaze over the ham. If you’re feeling ambitious, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes—watching carefully—until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes into a stunning mahogany finish.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Choose a ham that fits your slow cooker with at least an inch of clearance
- Don’t skip the foil liner; it makes glazing and cleanup infinitely easier
- Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute
- Save the cooking liquid to add depth to soups or beans
Making It Your Own
Although this recipe is a great one on its own, you can add your family’s favorite flavors to the glaze. A splash of bourbon, a hint of orange zest, or even a touch of maple syrup can make this recipe uniquely yours.
The Legacy
What I love most about this method is how it frees us to focus on what truly matters—the stories shared around the kitchen island, the laughter echoing through the house, and the traditions we’re passing down to the next generation. As the ham slowly transforms in its ceramic cocoon, we’re free to create the memories that will season our family gatherings for years to come.
Remember, the best recipes aren’t just about the ingredients or technique—they’re about the moments we create while preparing them. This slow cooker honey-glazed ham isn’t just dinner; it’s an invitation to slow down, gather round, and savor both the food and the company.
FAQs for Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
- What type of ham should I use for this recipe?
Use a fully cooked, bone-in or boneless ham that fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
- Do I need to pre-cook the ham before placing it in the slow cooker?
No, you can use a fully cooked ham, and the slow cooker will warm and glaze it.
- What ingredients are needed for the honey glaze?
Typical ingredients include honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and optional spices like cloves or cinnamon.
- How long should I cook the ham in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Should I baste the ham during cooking?
Yes, basting the ham every hour with the glaze will enhance its flavor.
- Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes, spiral-cut hams work well, but handle them carefully to prevent the slices from drying out or separating too much.
- What size slow cooker is best for this recipe?
A 6-7-quart slow cooker is ideal for a standard-sized ham.
- How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
Use foil to tightly cover the slow cooker or ensure the lid fits snugly, trapping moisture.
- Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely, the glaze can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- What side dishes pair well with honey-glazed ham?
Popular choices include mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, and rolls.
To make a Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
Essential Equipment:
- Slow Cooker
A large slow cooker that can fit the size of the ham. Oval-shaped slow cookers often work best.
- Knife and Cutting Board
For trimming excess fat or preparing garnishes.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
To measure the honey, spices, and other ingredients accurately.
- Small Mixing Bowl
For combining the glaze ingredients.
- Basting Brush or Spoon
To apply the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Tongs
For handling the ham safely when placing it in and removing it from the slow cooker.
- Foil or Plastic Wrap
Optional for covering the slow cooker lid if needed to create a tighter seal.
- Serving Platter
for presenting the ham after it’s cooked.
Optional but helpful for making Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
- Meat Thermometer
To check the internal temperature of the ham (should be 140°F for reheating pre-cooked ham).
- Ladle or Spoon
For drizzling the extra glaze over the ham when serving.
- Kitchen Shears
If trimming or shaping the ham is needed.
With these tools, you’ll be ready to prepare a perfectly glazed ham!
Pros and Cons of Slow Cooker Honey-Glazed Ham
Pros:
- Convenient Cooking Method: The slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks or preparations.
- Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking process helps the ham retain moisture, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
- Enhanced Flavor: The slow infusion of the honey glaze creates a rich, caramelized coating that enhances the ham’s natural sweetness.
- Easy to Serve: Using a slow cooker keeps the ham warm for serving, making it ideal for buffet-style meals or parties.
- Minimal Cleanup: A slow cooker liner or the non-stick surface makes cleaning up after cooking simple.
- Versatile Recipe: Ingredients for the glaze can be customized to suit your taste preferences, such as adding spices or using different sweeteners.
Cons:
- Size Limitation: A large ham might not fit in some slow cookers, requiring you to cut or trim it.
- Long Cooking Time: While hands-off, the 4-6 hour cooking time might not suit those who need a quick meal.
- Potential for Overcooking: If left too long, even on low heat, the ham can become dry or mushy.
- Glaze May Not Thicken: Without additional steps, the glaze in a slow cooker may stay too thin and not achieve a sticky consistency.
- Less Crispy Exterior: Unlike oven-baked hams, a slow cooker may not produce a crispy or caramelized crust unless finished in the oven or with a blowtorch.
- Dependence on Equipment: requires a slow cooker, which might not be available in every kitchen.
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