If you’re looking for the easiest, most crowd-pleasing ham recipe that packs a punch of flavor, this Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Ham is it! It’s juicy, tender, and perfectly balanced with sweet honey, brown sugar, and a hint of heat from chili flakes. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a potluck, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe)! The best part? The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7-8 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening glaze, optional)
Pro Tips
- Taste Your Glaze: Before pouring the glaze over the ham, taste it! Adjust sweetness or spiciness to your family’s preference.
- Don’t Skip Basting: Every hour or so, baste the ham with the juices in the crockpot to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: While the ham is pre-cooked, aim for 140°F when warmed through for the perfect texture and safety.
- Go Easy on the Spice: If you’re making this for kids, reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder flavor.
- Line the Crockpot: Use a slow cooker liner or spray it with nonstick spray to make cleanup a breeze.
Tools Needed
- Crockpot (large enough to fit a 7-8 lb ham)
- Basting brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer (optional)
- Foil (for resting the ham)
Substitutions and Variations
- No Apple Cider Vinegar? Use white vinegar or even pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
- Swap Orange Juice: Use pineapple juice or apple juice if that’s what you have on hand.
- More Spice: Add cayenne or hot sauce if you want extra heat.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly for a more savory glaze.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the glaze ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge.
- The ham can be glazed and warmed through in the crockpot 1-2 hours before serving. Just keep it on the “warm” setting.
Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
Remove the ham from packaging and place it flat-side down in your crockpot. If needed, trim slightly to fit.
2. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, chili flakes, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth.
3. Pour the Glaze
Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it drips down into all the crevices.
4. Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every hour.
5. Thicken the Glaze (Optional)
For a thicker glaze, transfer some of the cooking liquid to a saucepan, whisk in cornstarch, and simmer until thickened. Brush it back onto the ham.
6. Serve
Once heated through, remove the ham from the crockpot, let it rest for 10-15 minutes covered with foil, then slice and serve!
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced ham for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
- Ideas for Leftovers: Make ham sandwiches, add to omelets, or toss into soups!
Conclusion
This Sweet and Spicy Crockpot Ham is perfect for bringing everyone together around the table. It’s simple, delicious, and totally foolproof—plus, your house will smell amazing while it cooks! Give it a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments. I’d love to hear your tips, tweaks, and feedback!
