Imagine a ham so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with a sweet and tangy glaze that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Glazed Slow Cooker Ham is not just a recipe—it's a game-changing method that guarantees a perfect, succulent main dish with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or craving a weekend family dinner that'll have everyone raving, this foolproof recipe is your secret weapon to becoming the ultimate home chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, positioning it with the fat side facing up to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until a smooth, consistent glaze forms.
- Pour approximately half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it covers the surface and runs into the scored cuts.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, depending on the size of the ham.
- About 30 minutes before serving, baste the ham with the remaining glaze, allowing it to caramelize and create a rich, sticky coating.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham.
- Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Optionally, pour the remaining cooking liquid over the ham or use it as a sauce when serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Always start with a fully cooked ham to ensure food safety and reduce cooking time.
- Scoring Technique: When creating diamond cuts on the ham's surface, use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and creates a stunning presentation.
- Fat Side Up: Always position the ham with its fat side facing upward in the slow cooker. This helps keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor during cooking.
- Glaze Magic: Reserve some glaze for basting in the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), guaranteeing it's heated thoroughly without drying out.
- Resting is Key: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Leftover Hack: Save the cooking liquid as a delicious sauce or use it to reheat ham slices, maintaining maximum moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
