Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Sauce

Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Sauce

This slow cooker glazed ham is the perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners and special gatherings. The combination of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a rich, caramelized glaze that keeps the meat tender and juicy throughout the long, gentle cooking process. With minimal hands-on time, you can have an impressive main dish ready to serve your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 bone-in ham, 8 to 10 pounds
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup water or pineapple juice
• Whole cloves for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Place ham cut side down in a slow cooker, pour water or pineapple juice around it.
2. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, butter, ground cloves, and pepper until smooth.
3. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing about 15 minutes per pound.
4. During the last hour of cooking, brush the remaining glaze over the ham.
5. If desired, score the top of the ham in a crosshatch pattern and insert whole cloves before the final hour.
6. Transfer ham to a serving platter and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Spoon any pan juices over the ham before serving.

Practical Tips

Tip 1: For extra caramelization, you can finish the glazed ham under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This adds a beautiful golden finish to the glaze.

Tip 2: Use pineapple juice instead of water for added sweetness and tropical flavor that complements the glaze beautifully.

Tip 3: Plan your cooking time by calculating 15 minutes per pound on low heat. This ensures the ham is heated through perfectly without drying out.

How to Store It

Leftover glazed ham keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a covered baking dish at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I cook the ham on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the most tender, evenly heated results.

What if my ham is smaller or larger than 8 to 10 pounds? Adjust your cooking time accordingly, using the 15 minutes per pound guideline as your reference point.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time? Absolutely. Mix the glaze ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.