Introduction
Have you ever wanted a meal that combines convenience with incredible flavor? Imagine biting into a slice of ham that’s tender, juicy, and infused with the sweetness of honey. This Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that fills your home with an inviting aroma and warms your heart. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, this dish promises to be a showstopper.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Just toss the ingredients into your crock pot and let it work its magic while you focus on other preparations. The result is a succulent ham that pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy potatoes. Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham
Effortless Preparation: With only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply place the ham in your slow cooker, pour on the glaze, and let it slowly cook throughout the day.
Rich Flavors: The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of the ham. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a casual Sunday family gathering, this Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham fits seamlessly into any occasion. It’s impressive enough to serve at festive events yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Leftover Potential: One of the best parts about making this dish is how well it keeps. Leftovers can be transformed into sandwiches, salads, or even added to omelets for delicious meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bone-In Ham: A 6-8 pound bone-in ham works best for even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Honey: Use pure honey for the best flavor; avoid blends or artificial syrups.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds richness and depth to the glaze.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the honey.
- Cinnamon: A pinch enhances the flavor profile with warm undertones.
For additional flavor:
- Cloves: Whole cloves can be studded into the ham for extra aromatic depth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Start by greasing your crock pot lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will help keep your ham intact during cooking.
Create Your Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined. This mixture will create a sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
Add the Ham: Place your bone-in ham in the crock pot cut side down. Pour the prepared glaze over it evenly, ensuring every part is coated.
Cook on Low Temperature: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for approximately 6-8 hours. Cooking low and slow allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meat tender.
Glaze During Cooking: Every couple of hours (if possible), baste the ham with its juices using a spoon or brush. This adds moisture and enhances flavor throughout cooking.
Serve with Style: Once done cooking, transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining glaze from the crock pot before slicing. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Selecting Your Ham: Choose a high-quality bone-in ham; look for ones labeled “fully cooked” which require less cooking time while still being full of flavor.
Basting Is Key: Basting every few hours helps keep your ham moist while intensifying its flavors. If you can’t do it frequently, don’t worry; just do it when you can!
Rest Before Slicing: Letting your ham rest for about 15 minutes after removing it from heat allows juices to redistribute throughout meat for moist slices every time.
Experiment With Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or even fruits like pineapple chunks into your glaze mix for new flavor adventures!
By following these guidelines and tips above, you’ll create an unforgettable Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!
Mistakes to avoid
Not Prepping the Ham Properly
One common mistake when making Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham is neglecting to prep the ham adequately. Always trim excess fat before cooking to prevent it from becoming overly greasy. Additionally, consider scoring the surface of the ham. This allows the honey glaze to penetrate better, enhancing flavor and caramelization. Remember to pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear if you choose to brown it beforehand. Taking these steps will result in a more flavorful and appealing dish.
Ignoring Cooking Times
Another mistake is not adhering to proper cooking times. Every slow cooker is different, so it’s essential to monitor your Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham closely. Generally, cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the ham. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture, while undercooking can leave it unsafe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for optimal safety and taste.
Skipping the Glaze
Failing to add a glaze can result in a bland dish. The honey glaze is what makes this recipe shine! Be sure to mix honey with mustard and any other spices before drizzling it over the ham. Apply some of the glaze during cooking, but reserve some for basting and serving later. This layering of flavors enhances both the taste and appearance of your Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham, making it far more enjoyable.
Choosing the Wrong Cut of Ham
Selecting an inappropriate cut of ham can ruin your dish entirely. For an Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham, opt for a bone-in or boneless ham that’s fully cooked and labeled “ready-to-eat.” Avoid using deli-style hams or those that are too lean because they won’t provide enough flavor or moisture during slow cooking. A well-marbled cut will ensure that every bite is juicy and succulent, giving you a superior end result.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham is versatile and pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery texture and rich flavor of the potatoes complement the sweetness of the ham. To prepare, boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Serve alongside slices of honey ham for a comforting meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine adds a delightful crunch and freshness to your meal. Simply blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then sauté them in a pan with butter and sliced almonds for an additional 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and lemon juice for a bright finish that balances the richness of the ham.
Sweet Potato Casserole
For a sweet twist, serve your Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham with sweet potato casserole. Bake mashed sweet potatoes mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows in a casserole dish at 350°F for about 30 minutes. The sweetness of the dish complements the savory ham beautifully, creating a harmonious plate that’s perfect for family gatherings.
Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast to your honey ham. Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a bowl. Toss with a dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. This bright side dish will elevate your meal while adding texture.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham?
To prepare Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham, you will need a fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless), honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. These ingredients create a delicious glaze that enhances the flavor of the ham as it cooks slowly in the crock pot.
How long should I cook the ham in the crock pot?
Cook your Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham on low for approximately 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F to ensure it’s warmed through properly while maintaining its moist texture.
Can I make Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare your Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham ahead of time by cooking it as usual and then refrigerating leftovers. When ready to serve again, reheat it gently in the microwave or oven at low temperatures to maintain moisture without drying out the meat.
What are some good sides for Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham?
Many sides pair well with Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham including roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, or cornbread. Each side offers unique flavors that complement the sweet glaze of the ham while providing variety on your dinner table.
Conclusion
In summary, this Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham recipe is not only simple but also incredibly flavorful. Cooked low and slow in your crock pot allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully while ensuring that each slice remains moist and tender. Pair it with delicious sides like creamy mashed potatoes or vibrant green beans almondine to create a fulfilling meal perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort required during preparation and cooking, you’ll find this dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Easy Crock Pot Honey Ham is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that brings together tender, juicy ham with a mouthwatering honey glaze. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is an aromatic centerpiece that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or enjoying a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 6–8 lb bone-in ham
- 1 cup pure honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the crock pot with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
- Place the ham cut side down in the crock pot and pour the glaze evenly over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until heated through.
- Baste the ham with its juices every couple of hours if possible.
- Once done, transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining glaze before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
