Name: Slow-Cooked Glazed Ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 500 min
Ingredients: 8 lbs Bone-in Ham; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 0.5 cup Pineapple Juice; 1 tsp Ground cloves; 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard

Okay, friends, let’s talk ham.anyWhat is the kind of ham that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug? I’m talking about a girl. IsSlow-cooked glazed ham. that’s so ridiculously easy, it practically cooks itself! Think of this as the Sheet Pan dinner of holiday roasts. Seriously, if you’re intimidated by the thought of a big, fancy holiday meal, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s even simpler than making a whole roasted chicken, and trust me, the flavor is absolutely through the roof.

What Is Slow-Cooked Glazed Ham?

A Slow-cooked glazed ham., at its heart, is a pre-cooked ham that gets a flavor boost from a low and slow cooking process and a sweet and savory glaze. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a makeover for a store-bought ham. It’s essentially taking something good and making it spectacular with minimal effort. The slow cooking gently warms the ham through, infusing it with moisture and flavor, while the glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, shiny crust that’s just irresistible. It’s not like making a ham from scratch; it’s about elevating a pre-existing base to something extraordinary. I even had a neighbor swear I smoked it myself! That’s how good it gets.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are about a million reasons why I’m obsessed with this recipe, but let me narrow it down to the essentials.

Flavor, Flavor, Flavor! The combination of the savory ham with the sweet and tangy glaze is just… *chef’s kiss*. It’s a dance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Seriously simple. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the easiest recipes you’ll ever make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a special main course but don’t have the time for complicated prep.
What is Ham is actually a pretty economical choice for feeding a crowd. Plus, you can use the leftovers in so many different ways (more on that later!).
Versatile.How do I make a glaze? What are some ways to substitute maple syrup for brown sugar? What are the endless possibilities?

What I love about this recipe is that it’s basically foolproof. I’ve made it countless times, and it always turns out perfectly. What is the kind of recipe you can make for a special occasion without stressing out? I love this holiday roast. It’s the best I’ve ever had. What is the aroma of Christmas? What is the best way to compare a Thanksgiving turkey to sucky turkeys? What are some of the best Slow Cooker recipes to cook?

How do I make slow-cooked ham?

Quick Overview

Basically, you’re going to nestle a pre-cooked ham into your Slow Cooker, slather it with a ridiculously delicious glaze, and let it cook low and slow until it’s warmed through and the glaze is caramelized to perfection. It’s so simple, it’s almost embarrassing! This method is especially great because it keeps the ham incredibly moist, unlike baking in the oven which can sometimes dry it out. Just trust me, it’s the easiest way to a show-stopping holiday centerpiece.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

1 (6-8 pound) pre-cooked ham, bone-in or boneless. I usually go for a spiral-cut ham because it helps the glaze penetrate all those delicious layers.

For the Glaze:

Is 1 cup packed brown sugar good or bad? I usually use dark for a richer flavor.
1/2 cup honey. Adds a nice sweetness and helps the glaze get nice and sticky.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard. Don’t skip this! It adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Adds a bit of acidity and helps thin out the glaze.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. For that umami goodness!
1 teaspoon ground cloves. A classic ham spice that just screams holidays!
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adds warmth and coziness.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prep the Ham

Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better. If you’re using a bone-in ham, you might want to score the surface in a diamond pattern. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it looks nice and helps the glaze seep in.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and paprika together? Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a smoother glaze, you can heat the ingredients in 12 saucepan over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth. When sugar is dissolved, How do spices meld together?

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Place the ham in a Slow Cooker. How do you pour half of the glaze over ham? If you’re using spiral-cut ham, gently separate the slices to allow the glaze to penetrate deeply. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the ham is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of ham, so it’s always best to use a meat. How do you check if your thermometer is properly heated?

Step 5: Glaze Again

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes. This will create a beautiful, glossy crust. Keep an eye on it to make sure the glaze doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too dark, you can tent the ham with foil.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the ham is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized, carefully remove it from the Slow Cooker and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Step 7: Carve and Enjoy

How do you carve ham against the grain? For bone-in ham, start by slicing around the bone to remove the meat. For a spiral-cut ham, simply slice along the natural lines. Serve warm with your favorite side dish and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

This Slow-cooked glazed ham.Is a star all on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments.

For a Holiday Feast:What are some of the best mashed potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce? What is the perfect complement to your favorite holiday flavors?

For a casual dinner:What is comfort food at its finest?

For Leftovers: Ham sandwiches, ham and cheese omelets, ham Fried Rice, ham and bean soup… the possibilities are endless! You can even dice it up and add it to a quiche or frittata.

My family has this weird tradition of making Hawaiian rolls with leftover ham and pineapple. I thought it was strange at first, but now I crave it every year! Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Slow-Cooked Glazed Ham

Okay, now for some insider tips to make your slow-cooked glazed ham absolutely perfect:

Ham Selection: Opt for a high-quality, pre-cooked ham from a reputable source. The better the ham, the better the final product will be.

Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be thick enough to coat the ham but thin enough to spread easily. If it’s too thick, add a little more apple cider vinegar or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens up.

Slow Cooker Size: Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the ham. If it’s too small, you can cut the ham in half to make it fit. I had to do this once when my giant ham wouldn’t fit in my small slow cooker – disaster averted!

Preventing Dryness: To prevent the ham from drying out, add about 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the Slow Cooker before adding the ham. This will create a steamy environment that helps keep it moist.

Glaze Variations: Experiment with different flavors in the glaze. Try adding orange juice, pineapple juice, or maple syrup for a sweeter glaze. For a spicier glaze, add some chili flakes, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Spiral Cut Advantage: If using a spiral cut ham, gently separate the slices before adding the glaze to ensure it penetrates all the layers.

Don’t Rush It: Slow cooking is all about patience. Don’t be tempted to turn up the heat to speed things up. Just let the ham cook low and slow until it’s heated through and the glaze is caramelized.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your slow-cooked glazed ham fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: Don’t leave the ham at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to slice it before storing so you can easily grab it for sandwiches or other meals.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the ham for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Methods: To reheat the ham, you can bake it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it or it will dry out. Another option is to slice it and sauté it in a pan with a little butter or oil. If you have any leftover glaze, you can brush it on the ham while reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.

Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to add any fresh glaze when reheating instead of freezing the ham with the glaze already on. The glaze can sometimes get gummy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! You can use a bone-in ham, a boneless ham, or even a smoked ham. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of ham you use.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it in the oven! Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it’s heated through. Baste it with the glaze every 30 minutes during the last hour of cooking.

Can I add pineapple to the glaze?

Definitely! Pineapple juice or crushed pineapple is a delicious addition to the glaze. It adds a tropical sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham.

My glaze is too thick/thin. What should I do?

If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or apple cider vinegar at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it in a saucepan on low heat for 5-10 minutes to reduce it.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Adding a little liquid to the bottom of the slow cooker (like water or chicken broth) and basting the ham with the glaze regularly will help keep it moist. Also, avoid overcooking it!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my super easy, super delicious slow-cooked glazed ham recipe. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part is, everyone will think you’re a culinary genius! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy slow cooker recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out. Happy cooking, friends!