Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite recipes: Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham! This delightful dish is my go-to for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or just those cozy Sundays when you want something special without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you while you can take a little time for yourself—or maybe sneak in a quick nap. (Trust me, we all need those!)
I often associate this ham with warm memories of holidays spent with my family. There’s something magical about that sweet, savory aroma wafting through the house as the ham cooks low and slow. I can picture my grandma pulling it out of the oven, her eyes twinkling with pride as she served it with all the trimmings. Now, I get to continue that legacy, and it feels like I’m passing on a little piece of tradition with every bite.
What’s in Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham?
Let me break down the deliciousness of this recipe for you, bit by bit:
Fully Cooked Ham: Start with a nice, juicy ham weighing about 5-7 pounds. I usually opt for a bone-in variety because it offers great flavor and moisture. Plus, who doesn’t love snagging a piece of that bone for soup later?
Honey: This is the star of the show, friends. Give me a cup of sticky, golden goodness! It provides that sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the ham cooks.
Brown Sugar: A half-cup of brown sugar adds an extra kick of sweetness, not to mention it enhances the caramelization process. I prefer light brown sugar because it’s slightly milder in flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Just a wee bit (1/4 cup) adds depth and tang. It cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Trust me, don’t skip this!
Ground Cinnamon and Ground Cloves: These warm spices (1/4 teaspoon each) lend a comforting, festive flavor that makes your entire home smell like a holiday dream.
Black Pepper: Even a touch of black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) adds a hint of heat—I love that contrast with the sweetness!
Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): A tablespoon of this tangy liquid is purely optional but can help balance the sweetness, especially if you’re a fan of that zesty flavor.
Fresh Rosemary or Thyme (for garnish, optional): If you’ve got these herbs lying around, sprinkle them on top for a pop of color and freshness when serving. It’s like adding a little bow to your culinary gift!
Is Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health! Although this recipe is indulgent, there are some ways to enjoy it while still feeling good about your choices.
Ham: Being a protein-rich food, ham can support muscle development. Just keep in mind that it’s also generally high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, consider some low-sodium options.
Honey and Brown Sugar: While they do add a lovely sweetness, it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Honey does have antioxidants and can be more natural than refined sugars.
Mustard: Dijon mustard is actually low in calories and adds flavor without contributing too many calories, which is a win in my book!
So while this dish is a bit of a treat, you can definitely balance it with some healthier sides, like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
– 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
– Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 8-10 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or leftovers (which are always the best part, right?).
How to Make Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham?
1. Begin by placing the fully cooked ham in the slow cooker, flat side down. If the ham has a rind, score it in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to infuse the meat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar (if using) until well combined.
3. Pour the honey glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it seeps beautifully into the scored areas.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the ham is heated through and tender. Feel free to baste the ham with the glaze every couple of hours for that extra flavor.
5. Once done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. Serve the ham warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the slow cooker, and garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme if desired. Enjoy every single bite!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
You know I can’t resist sharing some tips and tricks! Here are a few ideas to tweak this delicious dish to your delight:
– **Add some fruit:** Toss in some sliced pineapples or some oranges into the slow cooker with the ham. Their natural sugars will mingle beautifully!
– **Change up the herbs:** If rosemary and thyme aren’t your thing, feel free to experiment with sage or even a bit of parsley for garnish.
– **Serve with sides:** Pair this ham with a creamy potato casserole, or some glazed carrots for a well-rounded meal.
– **Leftovers:** I mean, who can resist a ham sandwich? Slice up those leftovers for a quick lunch treat!
Give this Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham a whirl—you won’t regret it! It’s the kind of comfort food that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait to hear about your own special memories when you make it. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
