When the festive spirit begins to fill the air, there’s one dish that consistently takes center stage on my dining table: a Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham. The moment the rich aroma of brown sugar and honey wafts through my home, I know we are in for a treat. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together, allowing me to savor each delightful moment without being tethered to the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe stands out for its incredible ease and versatility. You can use any type of ham—bone-in for succulence, spiral cut for uncomplicated serving, or even thinly sliced for a quick meal addition. Each bite unveils layers of flavor, from the sweet caramelization to a hint of tanginess from dijon mustard, making it hard to believe such an impressive dish took minimal effort.
Join me as we dive into the world of slow-cooked perfection! Prepare to impress your loved ones with succulent, juicy ham that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Why is Best Crock Pot Ham a Must-Try?
Ease of Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it!
Flavor Explosion: The dynamic blend of honey, brown sugar, and mustard offers an irresistible taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Versatility: Tailor to your preference by choosing any type of ham; perfect for all occasions—whether it’s a grand holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner.
Time-Saving: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your friends and family, all while serving a stunning main course.
Crowd-Pleaser: This glistening, succulent ham is sure to impress at any gathering or simply brighten up a weeknight meal.
Best Crock Pot Ham Ingredients
• Prepare to create a delicious dish that will impress any guest!
For the Ham
- Ham – Choose any pre-cooked variety (bone-in, boneless, spiral cut) for the most flavor and moisture.
For the Glaze
- Brown Sugar – This delivers essential sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Honey – Adds a rich depth of flavor; feel free to swap it with agave syrup for a vegan option.
- Dijon Mustard – Infuses a tangy kick that balances the sweetness; you can use yellow mustard if necessary.
- Water – Essential for a moist glaze; substituting broth can give an added depth of flavor.
This Best Crock Pot Ham is not only about fantastic taste but also about how easily these ingredients blend together in your slow cooker!
How to Make Best Crock Pot Ham
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, and water until you achieve a frothy, blended mixture. This creates the flavorful glaze that will soak into your ham.
-
Prep the Ham: Place your chosen ham in the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably. Bone-in hams work wonderfully for a juicy outcome, but any pre-cooked variety will do!
-
Apply the Glaze: Carefully pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated for maximum flavor. Watching it glide over the ham is half the fun!
-
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours if it’s a smaller ham, or 6-8 hours for larger sizes. Your ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
-
Serve and Garnish: Once done, serve the ham hot straight from the slow cooker. For a touch of freshness, you can garnish it with some vibrant herbs!
Optional: Pair with homemade biscuits or cheesy scalloped potatoes for a perfect meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Best Crock Pot Ham?
When the aroma of this honey-glazed delight fills your home, serve alongside these tasty companions for a memorable meal.
-
Homemade Biscuits: Flaky and buttery, they soak up the sweet glaze beautifully, adding a comforting touch to every bite.
-
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy with layers of cheesy goodness, these potatoes provide a delightful contrast to the sweet ham, making every forkful irresistible.
-
Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil, these green beans add a fresh crunch that brightens the plate, balancing the richness of the ham.
-
Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, roasted carrots enhance the flavor spectrum of your plate, offering a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
-
Cranberry Sauce: A zesty, tart contrast to the sweetness of the ham, this classic pairing elevates the flavor, adding a holiday spirit to any meal.
-
Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the ham’s sweetness while adding depth to the dining experience, perfect for a cozy evening.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert, serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The luscious flavors create a beautiful finish after the savory main course.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Crock Pot Ham preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time on hectic days! You can prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance by mixing together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, and water, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply place the ham in the slow cooker, pour the prepared glaze over it, and set it to cook. This ensures maximum flavor absorption while keeping the ham just as juicy. Alternatively, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their deliciousness when reheating. Enjoy effortless, mouthwatering meals with a little bit of prep work!
Best Crock Pot Ham Variations
Feel free to get creative with your ham! Let your taste buds explore variations that add excitement to this beloved recipe.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a fiery twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
-
Citrus Burst: Stir in freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice into the glaze for a refreshing zing that elevates the flavor profile. It’s a delightful surprise!
-
Maple Sweetness: Swap honey for pure maple syrup to change up the sweetness level and introduce a new layer of complexity to your ham. Your guests will be asking for the secret!
-
Fruit Fusion: Mix in crushed pineapple or diced peaches into the glaze, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. The fruity essence will enhance every bite!
-
Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh rosemary or thyme into the slow cooker for an aromatic touch that complements the ham’s richness uniquely. It turns an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.
-
Nutty Finish: Top your ham with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts in the last hour of cooking to create a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender meat.
-
Ginger Boost: Incorporate grated fresh ginger or ground ginger into your glaze for a warm spiciness that harmonizes with the sweet notes.
-
Savory Add-ins: Consider adding a couple of tablespoons of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for a depth of umami flavor that balances the sweetness—perfect for adventurous palates!
With these variations, every slow-cooked ham can become a new culinary adventure, ensuring your gatherings are always memorable!
Expert Tips for Best Crock Pot Ham
• Precooked Essential: Always use a precooked ham to ensure safety and the best flavor. Double-check the packaging for details!
• Avoid High Heat: Cooking on high can lead to a dry texture; low and slow is the secret for tenderness in your Best Crock Pot Ham.
• Seal In the Heat: Ensure the slow cooker lid fits snugly to keep moisture trapped, enhancing the flavor and juiciness throughout the cooking process.
• Glaze Variations: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cloves in your glaze for a unique twist that elevates the ham’s natural sweetness.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps retain juices, resulting in tender, flavorful slices.
How to Store and Freeze Best Crock Pot Ham
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the ham is cooled before sealing to help maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap portions of ham tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm sliced ham in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
Storage Tip: Always label your containers with the date; this ensures you enjoy your Best Crock Pot Ham at its best quality!
Best Crock Pot Ham Recipe FAQs
What type of ham should I use for Best Crock Pot Ham?
You can choose any pre-cooked ham for this recipe, including bone-in, boneless, spiral cut, or sliced. I often prefer a bone-in ham for its juiciness, while a spiral cut ham allows for effortless serving. Just make sure it’s pre-cooked to ensure the best flavor and safety!
How do I store leftover Best Crock Pot Ham?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to cool the ham completely before sealing it to maintain its freshness. If space allows, keeping it in slices can make for quicker meal prep during the week!
Can I freeze Best Crock Pot Ham?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first slice or portion the ham and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps your ham fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label the bags with the date so you can enjoy it at its best!
What should I do if my ham is too dry?
Very good question! If your Best Crock Pot Ham turns out dry, it might have been overcooked, or the slow cooker was set too high. To help in the future, always cook on low heat and check the internal temperature—aim for 140°F. If you find it’s already dry, try serving it with a splash of broth or the glaze to add moisture back.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
Certainly! If you find the glaze too sweet for your preference, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and substitute with a bit more Dijon mustard for an added tang. Alternatively, try using sugar substitutes or honey combined with a little more vinegar for a balanced flavor. The more the merrier, so feel free to experiment until it suits your taste!
Is this recipe suitable for pets?
It’s important to note that this recipe is not suitable for pets. The glaze contains honey and mustard, which can be harmful to animals in larger quantities. If you’re considering sharing ham with your furry friends, make sure it’s plain, without any glaze, and consult your vet first for specific dietary considerations.
Best Crock Pot Ham: Effortless Sweetness for Your Table
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, and water until you achieve a frothy, blended mixture.
- Prep the Ham: Place your chosen ham in the slow cooker, making sure it fits comfortably.
- Apply the Glaze: Carefully pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours for smaller hams, or 6-8 hours for larger sizes.
- Serve and Garnish: Once done, serve the ham hot and garnish with fresh herbs.