Enjoy a beautifully tender and flavorful Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham, perfect for any occasion. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a delicious combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will impress your family and guests. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this slow cooker recipe makes for an unforgettable centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Simply place the ham in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Flavor Packed – The honey and mustard glaze infuses the ham with a delightful sweet and tangy taste.
- Versatile Dish – Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any family dinner.
- Tender Texture – Slow cooking ensures the ham remains juicy and tender throughout.
- Impressive Presentation – A beautifully glazed ham makes for an eye-catching centerpiece on your table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker – This tool allows for even cooking while keeping the ham moist and flavorful over several hours.
- Whisk – Perfect for mixing the glaze ingredients thoroughly to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Knife – A sharp knife is essential for scoring the ham effectively, allowing the glaze to penetrate.
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in or boneless ham
For the Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup dijon mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
How to Make Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Score the thick layer of fat on your ham in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat. This scoring helps the glaze penetrate better during cooking.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Honey
2. Dijon mustard
3. Brown sugar
4. Apple cider vinegar
5. Ground black pepper
6. Garlic powder
7. Onion powder
8. Fresh rosemary (if using)
Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Glaze the Ham
Place the prepared ham into your slow cooker. Pour half of your glaze over it, making sure to coat it evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 4: Cook the Ham
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Check periodically to ensure it’s heating through properly. Every hour, baste the ham with the remaining glaze to enhance its flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Drizzle any leftover glaze over slices when serving warm. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
Serving your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham can elevate any meal, making it feel special. Here are some delicious serving ideas to complement this sweet and tangy dish.
Pair with Fresh Sides
- Roasted Vegetables: Combine seasonal veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts for a colorful, tasty side.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for the flavorful glaze.
Create a Festive Platter
- Charcuterie Board: Arrange slices of ham, cheese, and fruits for a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Sandwiches: Use leftover ham in sandwiches with fresh greens and mustard for a quick lunch option.
Add Unique Sauces
- Mustard Sauce: Offer different types of mustard on the side for guests to choose from.
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey enhances the sweet notes of the ham beautifully.
How to Perfect Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
To ensure your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Flavoring: Score the fat in a diamond pattern to allow flavors from the glaze to penetrate better.
- Temperature Control: Cook on low heat to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Basting: Baste the ham regularly with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
- Resting Time: Let the ham rest after cooking; this allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy.
- Slicing Technique: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts; this helps presentation and makes serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
Pairing your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham with side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Below are some fantastic options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the ham.
- Green Beans Almondine: Tender green beans sautéed with almonds bring a nutty flavor that pairs well.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory ham’s taste.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish provides sweetness that matches well with honey-glazed flavors.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is always a favorite, adding comfort alongside your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and acidity, cutting through richness beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking a Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not scoring the ham: Failing to score a thick layer of fat means the glaze won’t penetrate well. Always make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface.
- Ignoring glaze balance: Using too much mustard or honey can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe proportions for a balanced flavor.
- Overcooking the ham: Cooking too long can dry out your ham. Monitor the cooking time closely; it’s better to check early than to risk overcooking.
- Skipping the basting step: Not basting can lead to uneven flavor and dryness. Baste every hour for a more flavorful and juicy result.
- Serving immediately: Slicing right away makes it less tender. Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for optimal juiciness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
- Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ham is best for Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham?
Bone-in hams are ideal because they have more flavor. However, boneless hams also work well if you prefer easier slicing.
Can I customize the glaze for my Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cayenne pepper for heat or orange zest for a citrus twist.
How do I know when my Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham is done?
The ham should be heated through and tender. A meat thermometer should read at least 140°F (60°C) when done.
Can I use other types of mustard?
Yes! Whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can give your ham a different flavor profile while still tasting great.
Final Thoughts
The Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for holidays or family dinners, this dish allows room for customization based on personal tastes. Try adding your favorite herbs or adjusting the sweetness level—it’s bound to impress!
Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham, a sensational dish perfect for gatherings and family dinners. This recipe combines the rich sweetness of honey with the tangy zest of Dijon mustard, creating a glaze that seeps into the ham while it slowly cooks to tenderness in your slow cooker. With minimal preparation, you can present an impressive centerpiece that will captivate your guests and leave them craving more. Ideal for holiday celebrations or cozy meals at home, this dish promises to be a standout on your table.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in or boneless ham
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ham by scoring the fat in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary until well combined.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker and pour half of the glaze over it.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, basting with remaining glaze every hour.
- Once cooked, remove from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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