What’s The Secret To Perfect Slow Cooker Ham?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a ham that’s tender, flavorful, and practically melts in your mouth, a slow cooker might just be your new best friend. This easy recipe will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe, too)!

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (5-6 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• Optional: Fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham

• Place the ham in your slow cooker. If it’s too large to fit, you can trim the edges slightly or cut the ham in half.

2. Mix the Glaze

• In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until smooth.

3. Coat the Ham

• Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. If using fresh pineapple slices or cherries, arrange them on top and secure with toothpicks.

4. Cook the Ham

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Baste the ham every 1-2 hours with the juices in the slow cooker to ensure maximum flavor.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker (it will be very tender). Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the extra glaze drizzled on top or on the side.

Servings

This recipe serves about 8-10 people, depending on portion sizes.

Helpful Notes

• Choosing a ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham works best for this recipe as it retains moisture and flavor. Spiral-cut hams are also a great option.
• Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make it festive: Garnish with sprigs of rosemary or slices of citrus for an extra pop of color during the holidays.
• Thicker glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove some of the cooking liquid, heat it in a saucepan, and simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

This Slow Cooker Ham recipe is a must-try for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you want a show-stopping main dish with minimal effort. Your slow cooker does all the work while you sit back and enjoy the compliments!