There’s just something magical about a honey-glazed ham, right? It’s sweet, savory, and tender—and the best part is that it makes the whole house smell like the holidays! But instead of shelling out the big bucks for a Honey Baked Ham, you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker. This recipe is so easy, it practically makes itself. Whether it’s for a big family gathering or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham is going to be a huge hit. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 7-8 lb fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Tools:
- Slow cooker (large enough for an 8-lb ham)
- Small bowl for mixing glaze
- Basting brush or spoon
- Aluminum foil
Pro Tips
- Use a fully cooked ham: This recipe just heats and glazes the ham, so make sure it’s pre-cooked!
- Don’t skip the foil tent: Covering the ham with foil keeps it moist and prevents the edges from drying out.
- Keep the glaze warm: If your glaze thickens while sitting, warm it slightly before brushing it on the ham.
- Double the glaze for extra flavor: If your family loves lots of glaze, double the recipe and brush extra on when serving.
- Add garnishes for presentation: Fresh parsley and orange slices make the dish look extra fancy with no extra effort!
Tools Required
- Slow cooker
- Basting brush or spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Small bowl for mixing glaze
Substitutions and Variations
- No orange juice? Use apple juice or pineapple juice instead.
- Out of brown sugar? Mix white sugar with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor.
- Want extra spice? Add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of cayenne for a sweet-heat combo.
- Gluten-free option: Make sure your spices and juice are gluten-free (most are!).
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep the glaze the day before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm it slightly before using.
- You can also cook the ham a few hours ahead, then leave it on the “keep warm” setting in your slow cooker until ready to serve.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
Place your spiral-cut ham in the slow cooker, flat side down.
2. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Glaze the Ham
Pour half of the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it gets between the slices. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
4. Cook the Ham
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-5 hours, basting the ham with the remaining glaze every hour.
5. Caramelize the Glaze (Optional)
For that signature Honey Baked Ham caramelized crust, transfer the ham to a baking sheet, brush it with the remaining glaze, and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the ham to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley and orange slices, and serve warm.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Use leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes like ham and eggs!
- Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it—a super easy, homemade version of the famous Honey Baked Ham! This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you want to treat your loved ones to something special. It’s so simple, and the flavor is out of this world! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment below to share your experience or ask any questions. Happy cooking!
