Pin this The slow cooker was already warm when I realized I had no oven space left for the ham. It was one of those frantic holiday mornings where every burner was claimed, and I thought I'd have to abandon tradition. Then I remembered the honey glaze my neighbor swore by and wondered if it could work low and slow. Six hours later, the kitchen smelled like cinnamon and caramelized sugar, and that ham became the star of the table without me lifting a finger.
I made this for Easter once when my cousin brought her new boyfriend, and he went back for thirds. He kept asking what was in the glaze, convinced there was some secret ingredient. It was just patience and a slow cooker doing the work while we sat outside with coffee. That ham bought me two hours of uninterrupted conversation, and I have never looked back.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in ham: The bone adds flavor as it heats, and a pre-cooked ham means you are just warming and glazing, not worrying about doneness.
- Honey: Use the good stuff if you can, it caramelizes beautifully and balances the tang of the mustard.
- Brown sugar: Packed tight, it melts into the glaze and gives that deep molasses sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: Smooth and sharp, it cuts through the sweetness and keeps the glaze from being cloying.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and helps the glaze cling to the ham instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Whole-grain mustard: Those little seeds add texture and a subtle pop of flavor in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm and familiar, it makes the whole house smell like a holiday.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch, it is potent and adds that classic ham spice without overpowering.
- Orange slices: They steam and perfume the ham with citrus while it cooks, then look beautiful when you serve.
- Whole cloves: Studding the ham is traditional, and they infuse the meat with gentle spice as it heats.
Instructions
- Prep the ham:
- Score the surface in a diamond pattern about half an inch deep, then press a whole clove into each intersection. This lets the glaze seep in and makes slicing easier later.
- Mix the glaze:
- Whisk everything together in a bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Taste it, it should be sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy.
- Assemble in the slow cooker:
- Set the ham flat side down, pour the glaze over the top, and tuck orange slices around the edges. The citrus will steam and keep everything moist.
- Cook low and slow:
- Cover and let it go for six hours on low, basting every hour or so if you remember. The glaze will darken and thicken as it cooks.
- Rest and reduce:
- Move the ham to a cutting board and let it rest while you pour the glaze into a saucepan. Simmer it until it coats the back of a spoon, about five to seven minutes.
- Slice and glaze:
- Carve the ham into thick slices and brush each piece with the reduced glaze. Serve it warm with the orange slices on the side.
Pin this The first time I served this, my dad asked if I had been taking cooking classes. I laughed because all I did was throw everything in a pot and walk away. But that is the magic of a slow cooker, it makes you look like you have been in the kitchen all day when really you have been wrapping gifts and setting the table.
Flavor Variations
A splash of bourbon in the glaze adds warmth and depth, especially if you are serving this for a crowd that likes a little edge. I have also swapped the orange for pineapple slices, which gives it a retro sweetness that pairs perfectly with the mustard. If you want heat, a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of hot honey will wake everything up.
Storing and Reusing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. I chop it up for omelets, toss it into pasta, or layer it on sourdough with sharp cheddar. The bone makes incredible soup stock, just simmer it with beans and vegetables for a meal that stretches the value even further.
Serving Suggestions
This ham is rich and sweet, so I like to serve it with something sharp and crunchy on the side. Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic, a tart cranberry relish, or a simple arugula salad all cut through the glaze beautifully. For drinks, a crisp Riesling or a sparkling apple cider echoes the fruity notes without competing.
- Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the glaze.
- Serve alongside roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes.
- Offer a tangy mustard or horseradish sauce on the side for guests who want extra bite.
Pin this This ham has become my go-to whenever I need something impressive that does not tie me to the stove. It is the kind of dish that makes people feel cared for, and honestly, that is the best compliment a recipe can get.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prepare the ham before cooking?
Score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud it with whole cloves to allow flavors to penetrate deeply during cooking.
- → What ingredients make up the glaze?
The glaze combines honey, brown sugar, Dijon and whole-grain mustards, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves for a sweet and spiced finish.
- → How long should the ham cook for best results?
Cook the ham on low heat for about 6 hours, occasionally basting with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the glaze?
Yes, a splash of bourbon added to the glaze brightens and deepens the overall taste.
- → What side dishes pair well with this ham?
Roasted root vegetables and a crisp white wine like Riesling complement the ham nicely.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as mustard and vinegar labels are checked for hidden gluten.