If you’re on the lookout for a delightful centerpiece that brings warmth and sweetness to any gathering, this Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy ham bathed in a luscious honey glaze, slow-cooked to perfection while filling your home with the most inviting aroma. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a cozy family dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that’s bound to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes, honey brings smooth sweetness and golden color, Dijon mustard offers a subtle tang, and orange juice gives a bright, citrusy lift that balances the richness. Together, they create a glaze that perfectly complements the smoky, savory ham.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a rich caramel sweetness that enhances the glaze’s flavor.
- 3/4 cup runny honey: Brings natural sweetness and a beautiful, sticky texture to the coating.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tang that cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity.
- 1/2 cup orange juice (no pulp): Infuses a zesty brightness that lightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used later to thicken the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 5 whole cloves (optional): Impart a subtle warmth and spiced aroma when included in the glaze.
- 1 pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the savory notes of the ham.
- 1 (~5 lb) ham (boneless & fully cooked): The star of the dish, ready to soak up all that wonderful glaze.
How to Make Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Begin by whisking together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cloves, and salt in a small saucepan. As you bring this mixture to a boil, keep whisking constantly to prevent any lumps and to blend the flavors fully. Let it simmer gently for about five minutes until it thickens slightly. If you prefer a milder glaze, remove the cloves now — their warm spice can be quite pronounced if left in too long.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Ham
Place your boneless, fully cooked ham in the crock pot. Make sure your slow cooker is spacious enough to accommodate the ham with the lid securely in place. Pour the freshly made glaze evenly over the ham, then close the lid. Set the slow cooker on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. For best results, baste the ham with the glaze every hour if you have a moment — this helps create that irresistibly sticky, caramelized coating.
Step 3: Rest and Slice
Once cooking time is complete, check that the ham’s internal temperature has reached at least 140°F to ensure it’s properly warmed through. Remove the ham carefully and let it rest on a chopping board for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, so every slice is as moist and tender as possible when you cut into it.
Step 4: Thicken the Remaining Glaze
If you find the leftover glaze a bit too runny, don’t worry — it’s easy to thicken. Return it to the stove in a small saucepan, discarding the cloves if you haven’t already. Whisk together 2 to 3 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 to 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth, then stir this slurry into the glaze. Simmer gently until it thickens to your liking. Pour this luscious sauce over your ham slices when serving for an extra-special touch.
How to Serve Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation of your Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe, consider fresh garnishes that add color and contrast. Bright orange zest lightly sprinkled over the top complements the citrus in the glaze while fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs cradle the plate with their fragrant greenery. These simple additions bring elegance with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This honey glazed ham pairs beautifully with classic sides that highlight its sweet-savory profile. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Sweet potatoes or glazed carrots echo the glaze’s sweetness while balancing the richness of the meat. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the ham thinly and use it to create sliders or add it to a hearty sandwich with sharp cheddar and tangy mustard. Another crowd-pleaser is carving the ham into chunks and incorporating it into a festive breakfast casserole or quiche for a delightful brunch option inspired by the Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed your feast, wrap any leftover ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep it fresh and flavorful. Keeping the glaze separate until reheating helps maintain its texture and shine.
Freezing
If you want to save some ham for later, slice it and freeze it in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. Properly sealed, it can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy again, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat your ham without drying it out, gently warm slices in a low oven or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Brush with some reserved glaze or a splash of orange juice to keep the meat moist. Avoid high heat, which can cause toughness, ensuring each bite is tender and delicious just like right after cooking.
FAQs
Can I use a bone-in ham for this Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a boneless ham for ease of slicing, a bone-in ham will work just as well and can add extra flavor. Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the size and shape of the ham.
How long should I cook the ham on LOW versus HIGH?
For maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, cooking on LOW for 4 to 6 hours is ideal. However, if you’re pressed for time, cooking on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours also produces a tasty result.
What should the internal temperature of the ham be before serving?
The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F to ensure it’s warmed through safely and ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just rewarm it gently before pouring over the ham to preserve those wonderful combined flavors.
Is the honey necessary, or can I substitute it?
Honey is key for that signature sticky, sweet glaze texture and flavor, but if you’re out or allergic, maple syrup can be a reasonable substitute. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and warmth of this Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe. From the first tender slice to the last drizzle of sweet, silky glaze, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. I highly recommend giving it a try — once you experience how easy and rewarding it is, this ham will almost certainly become a family favorite for all your celebrations.
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Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Honey Glazed Ham recipe offers a succulent, fully cooked ham slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy honey glaze. The glaze combines brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and orange juice, creating a beautifully caramelized exterior. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for holiday meals or special occasions, delivering tender, flavorful ham with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 cup runny honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup orange juice (no pulp)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 5 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
Ham
- 1 (~5 lb) ham (boneless & fully cooked)
Instructions
- Make glaze: In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients except the ham, whisking them well. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while whisking constantly and then reduce to a simmer for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove the cloves for a milder flavor.
- Slow cook ham: Place the ham into a large slow cooker and pour the prepared glaze on top, ensuring the ham is well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. If possible, baste the ham with the glaze every hour to maximize flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Confirm the internal temperature of the ham has reached 140°F using a meat thermometer. Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest on a chopping board for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
- Thicken glaze: If the reserved glaze is too thin, place it back in a small saucepan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2-3 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of orange juice to create a slurry. Whisk this slurry into the glaze and bring to a simmer until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Serve this thickened glaze over the sliced ham.
Notes
- Make sure the slow cooker is large enough to fit your ham with the lid securely on.
- Basting occasionally helps keep the ham moist and enhances the glaze’s flavor.
- Removing the cloves after simmering prevents an overpowering clove flavor.
- Resting the ham after cooking allows juices to redistribute for a juicier cut.
- Adjust cornstarch quantity to get your desired glaze thickness.
