Alea’s Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham

The scent of honey-glazed ham instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Every Easter, her expansive dining table groaned under the weight of a feast, but the star of the show was always that glistening, perfectly caramelized ham. I remember sneaking slices as a child, the sweet and savory flavors a symphony on my tongue. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a tradition, a symbol of family and warmth that I cherish to this day. This recipe attempts to recreate that classic, comforting flavor with the ease of modern cooking.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 ham
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 medium cooked ham (not spiral sliced)
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel

Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker
• Small Pan
• Whisk or Spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by pouring water into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a moist environment, preventing the ham from drying out during the long cooking process.
2. Gently place the medium cooked ham into the slow cooker. Ensure it fits comfortably, and if necessary, trim any excess that prevents the lid from sealing properly. Avoiding spiral cut hams helps retain moisture.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the cooker to HIGH heat and cook for 1 hour. This initial blast of high heat helps to warm the ham and prepare it for the glaze.
4. While the ham is heating, prepare the honey glaze. In a small pan, combine the brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, orange juice, and grated orange peel.
5. Place the pan over medium heat on your stovetop. Stir continuously until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The glaze should be smooth and slightly thickened.
6. After the ham has cooked on HIGH for 1 hour, carefully remove the lid of the slow cooker.
7. Drizzle the honey mixture evenly over the entire surface of the ham, allowing it to seep into any crevices.
8. Reduce the temperature setting on the slow cooker to LOW heat. Cover and cook for 3 hours. This slow, gentle cooking allows the glaze to penetrate the ham, infusing it with flavor and creating a beautiful, caramelized crust.
9. After the 3-hour cooking time on LOW, the ham is ready to serve. Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker.
10. Place the cooked ham on a cutting board. Let the cooked ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
11. Slice the ham and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider studding the ham with whole cloves before applying the glaze. This will impart a warm, aromatic spice to the meat.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the honey mixture for a longer period of time, allowing it to reduce further. Watch closely to prevent it from burning.
• If you don’t have orange peel on hand, a pinch of ground ginger can add a similar warm, citrusy note to the glaze.
• To prevent the ham from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, consider placing it on a bed of sliced onions or carrots. This will also add flavor to the cooking liquid.
• If the ham seems to be browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from burning.
• Ensure that the ham you choose is fully cooked before placing it in the slow cooker. This recipe is designed to reheat and glaze a pre-cooked ham, not to cook a raw one.
• Do not use spiral sliced hams as the honey glaze will drip down into the ham and pool at the bottom. If using a bone-in ham, this may affect the overall cooking time of the ham.
• Consider pouring the glaze over the ham every hour of cooking. This helps to ensure the ham is properly glazed and moist.
• For a more savory glaze, substitute the orange juice with apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Alea’s Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham hot, sliced into generous portions. It pairs perfectly with classic sides such as scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the ham in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm it in the oven or microwave. Leftover ham bone can be used to add flavor and depth to soup recipes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	10g	15%
Saturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	50mg	17%
Sodium	800mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	14g	–
Protein	20g	40%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Honey Glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey glaze for a touch of heat.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
• Citrus Burst: Add the zest of a lemon or lime to the glaze for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker along with the ham for an aromatic infusion.
• Smoked Paprika: Substitute the cinnamon with smoked paprika for a savory-sweet version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a spiral-sliced ham for this recipe?
A: While you can, it’s not recommended. Spiral-sliced hams tend to dry out more easily in the slow cooker.

Q: Do I need to add any additional liquid besides the water?
A: The ½ cup of water is usually sufficient to create enough steam and prevent the ham from drying out. However, if you notice that the liquid has evaporated significantly during cooking, you can add a small amount of additional water.

Q: Can I make the honey glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before drizzling it over the ham.

Q: How do I know when the ham is fully heated?
A: Since the ham is already cooked, you are just reheating it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Q: Can I use this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Drizzle with glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Slow-cooked to perfection and glazed with sweet honey goodness, this ham is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze and make it your own. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish and please, share your creations and experiences with me. Bon appétit!