Slow Cooker Ham: The Easiest and Most Delicious Recipe

Slow Cooker Ham: Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of a perfectly cooked, succulent ham, practically falling off the bone. That’s the magic of this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe! Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours; with a slow cooker, achieving ham perfection is simpler than you ever thought possible.

Ham has a rich history, often gracing tables during festive occasions like Easter and Christmas. Its roots trace back centuries, evolving from simple preservation methods to the culinary centerpiece we know and love today. But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of roasting a large ham can be daunting. That’s where the slow cooker comes to the rescue!

People adore slow cooker ham for several reasons. First, the hands-off approach is a game-changer. Simply prep the ham, add your favorite glaze, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Second, the low and slow cooking process ensures the ham remains incredibly moist and tender, preventing it from drying out like it sometimes can in the oven. The result? A juicy, flavorful ham with a delightful caramelized glaze that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, the convenience factor is undeniable – set it and forget it! So, are you ready to experience the easiest and most delicious ham you’ve ever had? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-14 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, but recommended!)
• 1 cup water or chicken broth

Preparing the Ham and Glaze:

1. First things first, let’s get that ham ready for its slow cooker spa day! Take your ham out of its packaging and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better.
2. Now, for the scoring. This is optional, but I highly recommend it. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, across the surface of the ham. The scoring allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and also creates a beautiful presentation. Be careful not to cut too deep, you just want to score the surface.
3. Next, we’ll prepare the glorious glaze! In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pineapple juice (if using). Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of brown sugar. The pineapple juice adds a lovely tang that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute with orange juice or even a little bit more apple cider vinegar.
4. Time to get that ham nestled in the slow cooker. Pour the water or chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help keep the ham moist during the long cooking process. Place the ham, cut-side down, into the slow cooker. If your ham is too large to fit comfortably, you can trim off a small portion of the bone end to make it fit. Just make sure you still have plenty of meat left!
5. Now, generously brush about half of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into all those lovely little score marks. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. We’ll be basting the ham with it during the cooking process to build up layers of flavor.

Slow Cooking the Ham:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the strength of your slow cooker. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
2. During the last hour of cooking, baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 15-20 minutes. This will create a beautiful, sticky, and flavorful crust. Don’t be shy with the glaze! The more you baste, the better the flavor will be.
3. Once the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), carefully remove it from the slow cooker. The ham will be very tender, so be gentle! Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful ham.

Optional: Broiling for Extra Glaze Caramelization

1. If you want an even more caramelized and visually appealing glaze, you can broil the ham for a few minutes after it’s finished cooking in the slow cooker. Preheat your broiler to high.
2. Place the ham on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush it with any remaining glaze from the slow cooker.
3. Broil the ham for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly!
4. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

Carving and Serving:

1. Now for the fun part – carving! Place the ham on a large cutting board. Using a sharp carving knife, start by slicing around the bone to separate the meat.
2. Then, slice the ham into thin slices, following the grain of the meat. You can also carve the ham into larger chunks if you prefer.
3. Arrange the ham slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This slow cooker ham is delicious served with mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, and your favorite holiday sides.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little kick.
• Fruit forward: Add some canned pineapple rings or maraschino cherries to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a festive touch.
• Mustard magic: Experiment with different types of mustard in the glaze. Stone-ground mustard or spicy brown mustard would also be delicious.
• Sweet and savory: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the glaze for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Leftovers galore: Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, and omelets. It’s also great for making ham and cheese sliders or ham pot pie.
• Bone broth bonus: Don’t throw away the ham bone! Use it to make a delicious and nutritious bone broth.
• Slow Cooker Size: Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the ham. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended. If your ham is too big, you may need to trim it down or use a larger slow cooker.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the ham can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice to thin it out.
• Serving a Crowd: This recipe is perfect for serving a crowd. You can easily double or triple the recipe to accommodate more guests.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also score the ham the day before and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2-3 months.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
• Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: Approximately 15-25 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-20 grams per serving

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker ham!

Conclusion:

This slow cooker ham recipe isn’t just another holiday staple; it’s a game-changer that will redefine your perception of effortless, flavorful cooking. Trust me, once you experience the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and the rich, smoky-sweet glaze permeating every fiber of the ham, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with oven-baked versions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it delivers with minimal effort. It’s perfect for freeing up oven space during busy holidays, or simply enjoying a delicious, stress-free meal any day of the week.

But the real magic happens as the ham slowly simmers in its own juices, infused with the aromatic spices and the tangy-sweet glaze. The result is a ham that’s not only incredibly moist and tender but also bursting with flavor from the inside out. Forget about dry, lackluster ham – this slow cooker method guarantees a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Slice it thinly for sandwiches with your favorite mustard and cheese. Dice it up and add it to a hearty breakfast casserole or a comforting bowl of split pea soup. Shred it and toss it with pasta for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The possibilities are truly endless!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different glaze variations? Try adding a splash of bourbon for a smoky kick, or a touch of maple syrup for a richer, sweeter flavor. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can also add a warm, festive touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the glaze to your liking. You could even try a pineapple glaze for a tropical twist, or a honey-mustard glaze for a classic combination.

Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with scalloped potatoes and green beans for a classic holiday meal.
• Use the leftover ham to make ham and cheese sliders for a party.
• Add diced ham to a quiche or frittata for a protein-packed breakfast.
• Create a delicious ham salad sandwich with mayonnaise, celery, and onion.
• Serve alongside cornbread and collard greens for a Southern-inspired feast.

Glaze Variations:

• Bourbon Glaze: Add 1/4 cup of bourbon to the glaze ingredients.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for half of the brown sugar.
• Pineapple Glaze: Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple to the glaze ingredients.
• Honey-Mustard Glaze: Combine honey and Dijon mustard in equal parts and brush over the ham during the last hour of cooking.
• Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little heat.

I truly believe that this slow cooker ham recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make food. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the glaze variations? Did you serve it with a particular side dish that you loved? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of slow cooker ham enthusiasts and inspire each other with our culinary creations! Happy cooking!