slow cooker ham

Slow Cooker Ham is a fantastic way to make a juicy, flavorful ham with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the ham to absorb all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and glazes, resulting in a tender and perfectly cooked ham every time. Here’s an easy recipe for making ham in your slow cooker:

Slow Cooker Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (6–8 lb) bone-in or boneless ham (fully cooked, ready to heat)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice (for acidity and balance)
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional, for flavor depth)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup water or stock (to keep the ham moist in the slow cooker)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham:
   • Place the ham in the slow cooker, fat side up. This allows the fat to render down and keep the meat moist as it cooks. If your ham has a rind or skin, score it in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife.
2. Make the Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and melted butter (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Glaze the Ham:
   • Pour half of the glaze over the top of the ham, using a brush or spoon to spread it over the surface. Add 1/4 cup of water or stock to the slow cooker to help create steam and keep the ham moist during cooking.
4. Slow Cook the Ham:
   • Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 4–5 hours (if it’s a small ham) or 6–8 hours (for a larger ham). The ham is already cooked, so you’re just heating it through and letting it absorb all the flavors.
   • Halfway through cooking, baste the ham with the juices in the slow cooker, then pour the remaining glaze over the ham.
5. Optional: Caramelize the Glaze:
   • If you want a caramelized finish, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and spoon the glaze from the slow cooker over the top.
   • Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place the ham under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
6. Rest and Slice:
   • Remove the ham from the slow cooker (or oven) and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
   • Slice and serve with the leftover glaze from the slow cooker.

Tips:

• Ham Size: You can adjust the recipe depending on the size of your ham, but the cooking time will stay relatively the same since you’re just reheating the ham.
• Flavors: If you prefer a more savory glaze, you can skip the honey/maple syrup and use brown sugar combined with soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of bourbon or whiskey for a deeper flavor.
• Leftovers: The ham will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, and it makes great leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or even on top of a salad.

This Slow Cooker Ham is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want an easy, no-fuss way to cook a delicious ham. It’s juicy, flavorful, and has that perfect balance of sweetness and tang from the glaze. Let me know if you try it out!