Are you looking for a mouth-watering, stress-free dish to serve at your next family gathering or holiday meal? Look no further than a slow cooker honey glazed ham. This sweet and savory recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. In this article, we’ll take you through the simple steps to make a delicious slow cooker honey glazed ham that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham?
A slow cooker honey glazed ham is an excellent choice for several reasons:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to make cooking easy and convenient. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender and juicy: The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker ensure that your ham is tender and juicy, with a deliciously caramelized glaze.
- Easy to serve: A slow cooker honey glazed ham is easy to serve, whether you’re feeding a small family or a large crowd. Simply slice the ham and serve with your favorite sides.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make a slow cooker honey glazed ham, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple (optional)
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Choosing the Right Ham
When choosing a ham for your slow cooker honey glazed ham, look for a bone-in ham that’s trimmed of excess fat. This will help the glaze adhere to the ham and prevent it from becoming too greasy. You can choose either a smoked or unsmoked ham, depending on your personal preference.
Preparing the Glaze
The glaze is a crucial component of a slow cooker honey glazed ham. To prepare the glaze, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Instructions for Making a Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
Making a slow cooker honey glazed ham is a simple process that requires minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious slow cooker honey glazed ham:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your slow cooker to the low setting. Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. If using pineapple juice and chopped fresh pineapple, pour the pineapple juice over the ham and sprinkle the chopped pineapple on top.
Step 2: Apply the Glaze
After 2 hours, brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. If using chicken broth, pour it into the slow cooker and cover with aluminum foil.
Step 3: Cook the Ham
Continue cooking the ham for an additional 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Baste the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Step 4: Let it Rest
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the ham even more tender and juicy.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the ham thinly and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the most of your slow cooker honey glazed ham:
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t overcook the ham: Overcooking can make the ham dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to the correct temperature.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your ham, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the glaze.
- Try different types of ham: You can use different types of ham, such as prosciutto or serrano ham, to give your slow cooker honey glazed ham a unique flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a slow cooker honey glazed ham, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
- Not trimming excess fat: Excess fat can make the glaze greasy and prevent it from adhering to the ham.
- Not using a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Overcooking the ham: Overcooking can make the ham dry and tough.
Conclusion
A slow cooker honey glazed ham is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender and juicy texture, sweet and savory glaze, and easy-to-serve format, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make a mouth-watering slow cooker honey glazed ham that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is the best type of ham to use for a slow cooker honey glazed ham?
The best type of ham to use for a slow cooker honey glazed ham is a bone-in ham, preferably a smoked or cured ham. This type of ham is already cooked, so it’s perfect for slow cooking. You can also use a boneless ham, but it might not be as flavorful. When choosing a ham, look for one that is labeled “smoked” or “cured” and has a good balance of fat and lean meat.
A bone-in ham will also give you a more tender and juicy result, as the bone acts as an insulator and helps to distribute the heat evenly. Additionally, the bone will add more flavor to the dish, as it will infuse the ham with its rich, meaty flavor. If you can’t find a bone-in ham, you can also use a boneless ham, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prepare the slow cooker honey glazed ham for cooking?
To prepare the slow cooker honey glazed ham for cooking, start by scoring the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust. Next, place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the honey glaze over it, making sure to coat the ham evenly.
Make sure to place the ham in the slow cooker fat side up, as this will help the glaze to penetrate the meat more evenly. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker for added flavor. Once the ham is in the slow cooker, cover it with a lid and set the slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
What is the honey glaze made of and how do I make it?
The honey glaze is made of a mixture of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices. To make the glaze, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. You can adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar to your taste, and also add other spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg to give the glaze more flavor.
The honey glaze is what gives the slow cooker honey glazed ham its signature flavor and sticky, caramelized crust. The honey adds a rich, sweetness, while the brown sugar adds a deep, caramel flavor. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
Can I make the slow cooker honey glazed ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the slow cooker honey glazed ham ahead of time. In fact, it’s best to make it a day or two before serving, as the flavors will meld together and the ham will become more tender and juicy. Simply cook the ham in the slow cooker as instructed, then let it cool to room temperature.
Once the ham has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it until ready to serve. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the ham and serve it with the honey glaze spooned over the top.
How do I serve the slow cooker honey glazed ham?
The slow cooker honey glazed ham is perfect for serving at any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner, a special occasion, or just a weeknight meal. To serve, simply slice the ham thinly and serve it with the honey glaze spooned over the top. You can also serve the ham with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
The slow cooker honey glazed ham is also great for serving at a buffet or potluck, as it’s easy to transport and serve. Simply place the ham in a serving dish and spoon the honey glaze over the top. You can also serve the ham with a variety of sides, such as rolls, biscuits, or crackers.
Can I make the slow cooker honey glazed ham in a different type of cooker?
Yes, you can make the slow cooker honey glazed ham in a different type of cooker, such as an Instant Pot or oven. To make it in an Instant Pot, simply cook the ham on high pressure for 30-40 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally. To make it in the oven, cook the ham at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Keep in mind that cooking the ham in a different type of cooker will affect the texture and flavor of the dish. The slow cooker is ideal for cooking the ham low and slow, which helps to break down the connective tissues and create a tender, juicy texture. However, the Instant Pot and oven can also produce delicious results, especially if you’re short on time.
How do I store leftovers of the slow cooker honey glazed ham?
To store leftovers of the slow cooker honey glazed ham, simply wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
When storing leftovers, make sure to keep the ham at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. You can also store the ham in a covered container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. When reheating the ham, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.