Delicious Slow Cooker Glazed Ham: An Easy Holiday Favorite

There’s nothing quite like the centerpiece of a perfectly cooked ham, especially when it’s infused with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes to a beautiful finish. This Delicious Slow Cooker Glazed Ham recipe takes all the guesswork and oven space out of preparing a show-stopping main course, leaving you with a tender, flavorful, and incredibly moist ham with minimal effort. Imagine a succulent ham, slow-cooked to perfection, coated in a glistening brown sugar and pineapple glaze that’s both sweet and savory – truly a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Whether you’re planning a festive holiday feast, a special Sunday dinner, or simply looking for an easy yet impressive meal, this slow cooker ham is your answer. The slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting, ensuring your ham stays incredibly juicy while the rich glaze slowly infuses every slice with irresistible flavor. Say goodbye to dry, bland ham and hello to your new favorite holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Glazed Ham Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Your slow cooker does almost all the work, freeing up your oven and your time for other dishes or simply enjoying your guests.
• Incredibly Moist: The slow cooking method ensures the ham retains its juices, resulting in a perfectly tender and succulent texture every time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, pineapple, and Dijon creates a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze that’s truly addictive.
• Holiday Perfect: It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that makes a beautiful centerpiece for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a few common pantry staples to create this delicious glaze.
• Great for Leftovers: Leftover ham is fantastic for sandwiches, quiches, soups, or even breakfast scrambles.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

For the Ham:

• 1 (6-8 pound / 2.7-3.6 kg) pre-cooked, bone-in or spiral-cut ham

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 (20 ounce / 567 g) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or carton)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Pre-Cooked Ham: Using a pre-cooked ham is essential for this recipe, as the slow cooker’s primary job is to heat the ham through and infuse it with flavor, not to cook it from raw. A spiral-cut ham is ideal as the glaze can seep between the slices, but a bone-in ham also works beautifully.
• Crushed Pineapple: The crushed pineapple adds texture and intense pineapple flavor to the glaze. You’ll use the juice from the can as well, or supplement with extra pineapple juice if needed.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides the classic sweetness and caramelization. You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: This isn’t just for tang; Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the glaze and provides a subtle savory note that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cloves: While optional, ground cloves are a traditional pairing with ham and add a wonderful aromatic depth to the glaze.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Basting brush (optional, but helpful)

How to Make Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Get ready to create an unforgettable meal with minimal effort!

1. Prepare the Ham: If your ham is not spiral-cut, you can score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and gives it a beautiful appearance. Place the ham cut-side down (if applicable) into your 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, undrained crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves (if using). Whisk until well combined and the brown sugar has largely dissolved.
3. Glaze the Ham: Pour about two-thirds of the glaze mixture evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Reserve the remaining one-third for basting later.
4. Cook the Ham: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Cooking times can vary based on the size of your ham and the specific slow cooker.
5. Baste and Finish: During the last hour of cooking, use a basting brush to generously coat the ham with the reserved glaze. This will build up the delicious caramelized crust.
6. Optional Browning (for extra caramelization): If you desire a more caramelized crust, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it in a large roasting pan. Brush with any remaining glaze from the slow cooker and broil for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the glaze is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist ham.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcook: Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re primarily heating it through. Overcooking can lead to dryness. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Choose the Right Size: Ensure your ham fits comfortably in your slow cooker with enough room for the lid to close securely. If it’s too snug, the heat won’t circulate properly.
• Score for Flavor: If using a non-spiral cut ham, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and creates beautiful pockets for caramelization.
• Reserve Some Glaze: Holding back a portion of the glaze for basting in the final hour ensures a fresh, vibrant layer of flavor and a lovely shine.
• Utilize the Juices: The liquid at the bottom of the slow cooker is packed with flavor. You can thicken it slightly on the stovetop to create an extra sauce to serve alongside the ham.
• Broil for Perfection: For that truly caramelized, crispy glaze, don’t skip the optional broiling step at the end. Just be sure to watch it closely, as brown sugar can burn quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a Raw Ham: This recipe is designed for pre-cooked ham. A raw ham requires much longer cooking times and different temperatures, which a slow cooker may not achieve safely or effectively.
• Not Heating Through: While pre-cooked, the ham still needs to reach a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to confirm.
• Forgetting to Baste: Basting with the reserved glaze is crucial for building layers of flavor and achieving that beautiful, sticky outer crust.
• Lifting the Lid Too Often: Every time you lift the slow cooker lid, heat escapes, adding significant time to the cooking process. Resist the urge to peek frequently!
• Ignoring Glaze Consistency: If your glaze seems too thin, you can simmer it gently on the stovetop to reduce it slightly before pouring it over the ham or for serving.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a subtle heat.
• Different Fruit: Instead of pineapple, you could try apricot jam, orange marmalade, or even peach preserves for a different fruity note in the glaze.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs into the slow cooker around the ham for an earthy aroma and flavor.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor.
• Mustard Variety: Experiment with spicy brown mustard or whole-grain mustard in place of Dijon for different flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

This Delicious Slow Cooker Glazed Ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes, making it perfect for any holiday or family meal. Here are some favorites:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic herb roasted potatoes
• Steamed green beans with almonds or a fresh green salad
• Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows
• Roasted asparagus or glazed carrots
• Fluffy dinner rolls to soak up any extra glaze
• A side of homemade applesauce or cranberry sauce

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator Storage: Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer Suitability: Yes, cooked ham freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Method: To reheat, slice the ham and gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, covered, until heated through. You can also reheat larger pieces, wrapped in foil, in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warm. Avoid high heat or prolonged reheating, which can dry out the ham.

FAQ

Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with both bone-in and spiral-cut pre-cooked hams. Just ensure it fits in your slow cooker.

Do I need to score the ham?

If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, scoring isn’t necessary as the cuts already allow the glaze to penetrate. For a non-spiral-cut ham, scoring helps the glaze adhere better and creates a beautiful presentation.

What if my ham is too large for my slow cooker?

If your ham is slightly too large, you might be able to trim a bit from the bottom to make it fit, or consider cutting it in half if possible. Otherwise, you’ll need a larger slow cooker or an alternative cooking method.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze mixture a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Whisk it well before using.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Since most hams are pre-cooked, you are essentially heating it through. It’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.

My glaze seems too thin; how can I thicken it?

After removing the ham, you can pour the remaining liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. You can also make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the simmering glaze until thickened.

This Delicious Slow Cooker Glazed Ham is a testament to how simple and convenient cooking can be, especially when you have a slow cooker on your side. Enjoy the tender, flavorful results and the ease it brings to your kitchen!

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Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Delicious Slow Cooker Glazed Ham

Short Description: A tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful glazed ham made effortlessly in your slow cooker, featuring a sweet and tangy brown sugar and pineapple glaze. Perfect for holidays and family dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3-4 hours (on low)

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 10-16 servings (based on a 6-8 lb ham)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Cooking Method: Slow Cooking

Ingredients:

• 1 (6-8 pound / 2.7-3.6 kg) pre-cooked, bone-in or spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 (20 ounce / 567 g) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or carton)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. If your ham is not spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. Place the ham cut-side down (if applicable) into your 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, undrained crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves (if using). Whisk until well combined.
3. Pour about two-thirds of the glaze mixture evenly over the ham in the slow cooker. Reserve the remaining one-third for basting.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
5. During the last hour of cooking, use a basting brush to generously coat the ham with the reserved glaze.
6. Optional Browning: For a more caramelized crust, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and place it in a large roasting pan. Brush with any remaining glaze from the slow cooker and broil for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning, until the glaze is bubbly and lightly browned.
7. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes:

For an extra thick glaze, remove the ham from the slow cooker and carefully pour the remaining liquid from the bottom into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened.

Storage:

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cooked ham can be frozen for 2-3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition:

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.