Description
Slow Cooker Glazed Ham with succulent pork, sweet glaze, and easy preparation to impress any crowd. Juicy, tender, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (7-8 pound) spiral-cut ham (fully cooked)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (200g)
- 1/3 cup honey (110g)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup water (60ml)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ham Begin by checking that your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker. If needed, trim a small portion from the bottom or sides to ensure the lid can close properly. Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil as described in the pro tips, creating a sling that will help you remove the ham later. Place the spiral-cut ham cut-side down in your prepared slow cooker. This orientation helps the ham retain moisture during the cooking process.
- Step 2: Create the Glaze In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger until smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a thick, pourable consistency. This sweet and spiced combination will transform into the signature glaze that makes your Slow Cooker Glazed Ham so special. Pour about half of this mixture over the ham, ensuring some gets between the slices. Reserve the remaining glaze mixture for basting during cooking.
- Step 3: Cook the Ham Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. Cook the ham for 4-5 hours for a 7-8 pound ham. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the exact size of your ham. Remember that the ham is already fully cooked – you’re simply warming it through and allowing the flavors to develop. Every hour, carefully open the lid and baste the ham with the accumulated juices from the bottom of the slow cooker, which will be enriched with the glaze and the ham’s natural juices.
- Step 4: Add Remaining Glaze About halfway through the cooking time, pour the remaining glaze mixture over the ham and continue to cook. This second addition of glaze ensures maximum flavor development throughout the cooking process. Continue basting hourly for the best results.
- Step 5: Thicken the Glaze (Optional) When the ham is finished cooking and registers 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using the foil sling and transfer to a serving platter. For a thicker, more decadent glaze, transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece Pour some of the thickened glaze over the ham, reserving some to serve on the side. Let the Slow Cooker Glazed Ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for a beautiful presentation that’s as impressive as the taste.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg