Are you looking for a mouth-watering, stress-free dish to serve at your next family gathering or holiday meal? Look no further than slow cooker honey ham. This sweet and savory recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create a deliciously tender and flavorful honey ham in your slow cooker.
What is Honey Ham?
Honey ham is a type of glazed ham that’s made by coating a ham with a mixture of honey, sugar, and spices, then baking or slow cooking it until caramelized. The result is a sweet and sticky glaze that complements the salty flavor of the ham perfectly. Honey ham is a popular dish for special occasions like Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, but it’s also delicious as a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Benefits of Making Honey Ham in a Slow Cooker
While you can make honey ham in the oven, using a slow cooker has several benefits. Here are just a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy people, as they allow you to cook a meal while you’re away from home. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a deliciously cooked meal.
- Tender meat: Slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like ham, because they break down the connective tissues and make the meat tender and fall-apart.
- Easy to serve: Slow cooker honey ham is easy to serve, as it can be sliced and served straight from the slow cooker.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker honey 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
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparing the Ham
Before you start cooking your ham, you’ll need to prepare it. Here’s how:
- Trim excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham. This will help the glaze stick to the ham better.
- Score the ham: Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Cut about 1/4 inch deep, being careful not to cut too deeply and damage the meat.
Cooking the Ham
Now that your ham is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here’s how:
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Place the ham in the slow cooker, then add the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, pineapple juice (if using), and chopped pineapple (if using). Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure that the ham is fully coated.
- Cook on low: Cook the ham on low for 8-10 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Baste the ham: Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the glaze. This will help keep the ham moist and promote even browning.
Glazing the Ham
After 8 hours of cooking, the ham should be tender and caramelized. To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can glaze the ham with a mixture of honey and brown sugar. Here’s how:
- Mix glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Brush glaze over ham: Use a pastry brush to brush the glaze over the surface of the ham.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes: Cook the ham for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Serving and Storing
Once the ham is cooked, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few tips for serving and storing your slow cooker honey ham:
- Slice and serve: Slice the ham thinly and serve it straight from the slow cooker.
- Store leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months.
Variations and Substitutions
While this recipe for slow cooker honey ham is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations and substitutions. Here are a few ideas:
- Use different types of ham: You can use different types of ham, such as spiral-cut ham or boneless ham, in place of the bone-in ham called for in this recipe.
- Add different spices: You can add different spices, such as ground ginger or ground nutmeg, to the glaze for extra flavor.
- Use different types of sugar: You can use different types of sugar, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, in place of the brown sugar called for in this recipe.
Conclusion
Slow cooker honey ham is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and sticky glaze, tender meat, and easy serving, it’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
Final Tips and Reminders
Before you start cooking your slow cooker honey ham, here are a few final tips and reminders to keep in mind:
- 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 the ham can make it dry and tough. Make sure to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, but no higher.
- Let the ham rest: Before slicing and serving the ham, let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and the ham to stay moist.
By following these tips and the recipe outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a deliciously tender and flavorful slow cooker honey ham that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What is the best type of ham to use for this slow cooker honey ham recipe?
The best type of ham to use for this slow cooker honey ham recipe 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 a bone-in ham will give you more flavor and a better texture.
When choosing a ham, look for one that is labeled as “smoked” or “cured.” This type of ham has been preserved with salt or sugar and has a rich, savory flavor. You can also use a ham that has been glazed or coated with a sweet or spicy sauce, but be aware that this may affect the overall flavor of the dish.
How do I prepare the slow cooker honey ham before cooking?
To prepare the slow cooker honey ham, start by scoring the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the honey glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust. Next, place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the honey glaze over the top.
Make sure to coat the ham evenly with the glaze, making sure to get some of the glaze into the scored lines. You can also add some aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker for added flavor. Finally, cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can use a different type of sweetener instead of honey, but keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Some good alternatives to honey include maple syrup, brown sugar, and agave nectar. However, honey has a unique flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory flavor of the ham.
If you choose to use a different sweetener, start with a small amount and taste the glaze as you go. You can always add more sweetener, but it’s harder to remove excess sweetener from the glaze. Also, keep in mind that some sweeteners, like maple syrup, have a stronger flavor than honey, so you may need to use less of it to achieve the desired flavor.
How do I know when the slow cooker honey ham is done?
The slow cooker honey ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. Alternatively, you can check the ham for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the meat. If it slides in easily, the ham is done.
It’s also important to check the glaze for caramelization. The glaze should be sticky and caramelized, with a deep golden brown color. If the glaze is not caramelized, you can broil the ham for a few minutes to get the desired color and texture.
Can I serve the slow cooker honey ham with a side dish?
Yes, the slow cooker honey ham pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and braised greens. You can also serve the ham with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a more comforting meal.
When choosing a side dish, consider the flavors and textures that complement the ham. For example, the sweetness of the honey glaze pairs perfectly with the earthiness of roasted vegetables. You can also serve the ham with a side of fruit or salad for a lighter option.
Can I make the slow cooker honey ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the slow cooker honey ham ahead of time. In fact, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or special occasions. You can cook the ham up to a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Then, simply reheat the ham in the slow cooker or oven until it’s warm and caramelized.
When reheating the ham, make sure to add a little bit of liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the ham from drying out. You can use chicken broth, water, or even the juices from the ham itself. This will help keep the ham moist and flavorful.
Can I freeze the slow cooker honey ham?
Yes, you can freeze the slow cooker honey ham for up to 3 months. To freeze the ham, let it cool completely after cooking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped ham in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to serve the ham, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the slow cooker or oven until it’s warm and caramelized. You can also freeze the ham in slices or cubes for easier reheating. Just be aware that freezing may affect the texture of the ham, so it’s best to freeze it in larger pieces.