Slow-Cooked Honey Heaven Ham

Introducing Slow-Cooked Honey Heaven Ham, a mouthwatering recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This succulent bone-in spiral sliced ham is coated with a heavenly blend of honey, spices, and brown sugar, then slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot.

As it simmers away, the flavors meld together, infusing the ham with irresistible sweetness and warmth. Just when you think it can’t get any better, a quick trip under the broiler transforms it into a caramelized masterpiece, ready to steal the show at any gathering.

With its easy preparation and sensational taste, this slow-cooked ham is sure to become a favorite for special occasions or cozy family dinners. Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss with this Slow-Cooked Honey Heaven Ham recipe!

Slow-Cooked Honey Heaven Ham

Ingredients:

1 bone-in spiral sliced ham (6 to 8 pounds)

2 tbsp butter, melted

1/4 c honey

1 c light brown sugar

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Trim the ham if needed and place it in the slow cooker.

Mix melted butter and honey, then rub it all over the ham. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Near the end of cooking, preheat your broiler to high and prepare a roasting pan with foil.

Combine brown sugar, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, and salt. Press half of this mixture onto the ham’s top.

Broil the ham until it’s bubbly and caramelized, about 3 minutes.

For the glaze, take the remaining sugar mixture and mix it with 3 tablespoons of ham liquid (or water) in a saucepan. Heat until boiling, then brush this glaze over the ham.

Broil again for 1-2 minutes.

Let the ham rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Ham Selection: Choose a bone-in spiral sliced ham weighing between 6 to 8 pounds. This cut works well for slow cooking and absorbs flavors beautifully.

Preparation: Before cooking, trim the ham if necessary to fit in the slow cooker.

Butter and Honey Mixture: The combination of melted butter and honey forms a luscious glaze for the ham, imparting sweetness and moisture.

Slow Cooking: Cooking the ham on low for 4-5 hours allows it to become tender and juicy. Ensure the slow cooker is covered during this process to retain moisture.

Broiling: Finishing the ham under the broiler caramelizes the sugars in the glaze, creating a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This step adds depth of flavor and visual appeal.

Glaze Preparation: The remaining sugar mixture combined with ham liquid (or water) creates a flavorful glaze. Boiling this mixture before brushing it over the ham ensures it adheres well and adds a final layer of sweetness.

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Resting Period: Allowing the ham to rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Flavor Profile: The combination of spices, including garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, and salt, adds warmth and complexity to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.

Versatility: This recipe is versatile and can be served for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to weeknight dinners.

Enjoyment: Indulge in the rich flavors and tender texture of this Slow-Cooked Honey Heaven Ham, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for bone-in spiral sliced ham, you can use other types of ham as well.

Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it necessary to trim the ham before placing it in the slow cooker?

Trimming the ham is optional but recommended for better flavor absorption of the honey and spices.

Can I cook the ham on high heat instead of low for a shorter time?

It’s best to cook the ham on low heat for 4-5 hours to ensure it’s tender and juicy.

High heat may cause the ham to dry out.

What’s the purpose of broiling the ham at the end?

Broiling caramelizes the sugars and creates a delicious crust on the ham’s surface, enhancing its flavor and appearance.

Do I need to prepare the roasting pan with foil before broiling?

Yes, using foil helps with easy cleanup and prevents the sugars from sticking to the pan.

Can I skip the broiling step if I’m short on time?

Broiling adds a desirable caramelized finish to the ham, but you can skip it if necessary.

However, it may affect the overall flavor and texture slightly.

Is the glaze necessary for the ham?

The glaze adds extra flavor and moisture to the ham, but you can omit it if you prefer a simpler dish.

Can I adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness to your taste by reducing or increasing the amount of honey or brown sugar used.

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when fully cooked.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve moisture.