Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham: An Effortless Holiday Centerpiece
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Transform your holiday dinner into an unforgettable feast with this incredibly simple yet stunning slow cooker spiral cut ham, featuring a rich brown sugar rub and a tangy honey mustard glaze. It’s not just easy; it’s practically mess-free, making it the perfect centerpiece for any festive occasion or a delightful Sunday family dinner. Prepare for juicy, flavorful ham with minimal effort, freeing you up to enjoy your guests and the celebrations.
The other day, I was navigating the bustling aisles of Walmart, deliberating over various ham options, when an enchanting encounter unfolded. A delightful elderly lady, sporting a glittery newsboy cap adorned with a charming bow, approached me. With a twinkle in her eye and a decisive tap on the foil wrap of a Hormel Cure 81 Cherrywood Bone-in Ham, she declared, “This one. This is the best ham I’ve ever eaten in my whole life!” She went on to recount how her son had prepared it for Thanksgiving just last week, and how they had made a special trip from their hometown, where these exquisite hams weren’t available, just to procure several while they were still in stock. As she artfully rearranged more hams in her overflowing cart, checking price tags with practiced ease, she playfully asked her husband, “Just one more?” He simply laughed and shook his head, a clear sign of their shared, passionate devotion to this particular ham.
That moment, right there, embodied true “ham love.” It’s when a product is so exceptionally good that people feel compelled to stop strangers in a grocery store to sing its praises, and then back it up by buying a cart full! It’s a testament to the quality and deliciousness of a truly exceptional ham. I only wish I had thought to capture a picture of her with her impressive haul; her enthusiasm was genuinely infectious. While her preferred preparation involved apricot preserves and cola, my palate has always gravitated towards the vibrant tang of mustard. Any time I enjoy ham, I instinctively reach for a generous dollop of mustard. There’s just something about that piquant acidity that perfectly cuts through and complements the rich, savory flavors of the meat.
The Unbeatable Ease of Slow Cooker Ham for Holiday Dinners
If you’ve never ventured into making a bone-in spiral cut ham in a slow cooker, you have been missing out on one of the easiest, most impressive, and wonderfully aromatic main dishes imaginable. This method transforms what can sometimes be a daunting task into a hands-off, stress-free experience, perfect for busy hosts.
I confess, I tend to create a considerable amount of chaos in the kitchen, especially when preparing a large dinner. My aspiration for every dish to be “just perfect” invariably leads to a kitchen that resembles a disaster zone by the time everything is ready to serve. Every pot, pan, and burner has been put through its paces. Recognizing this characteristic, I actively seek out recipes that can either be prepared entirely ahead of time or, even better, dishes that require minimal active attention during the main event. This slow-cooked honey mustard ham is precisely that kind of recipe. By utilizing the crock-pot, it keeps a major component of your meal off the stove and out of the oven, freeing up invaluable space for other holiday favorites like casseroles, roasted vegetables, or a delightful dessert. It’s a game-changer for maintaining sanity and order during festive cooking.
Crafting the Irresistible Brown Sugar Rub and Honey Mustard Glaze
The exceptional flavor profile of this slow cooker ham is built upon a dynamic duo: a robust brown sugar rub and a delectable honey mustard glaze. The brown sugar rub is more than just a sweet coating; it’s a crucial first layer that transforms into a wonderfully sticky, caramelized crust during cooking. This rich, sweet foundation provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory ham and acts as a magnificent adhesive for the subsequent glaze. When applying the rub, I highly recommend using the back of a spoon or even gloved hands to ensure a thick, even layer over the entire surface of the ham. This generous coating is essential for achieving that deeply flavorful, slightly crisp exterior.
Following the rub, the ham is then coated with a vibrant honey and stone ground mustard glaze. The magic of this combination lies in the balance it strikes: the natural sweetness of honey perfectly tames the sharp, pungent notes of stone-ground mustard, creating a harmonious blend that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the natural flavors of the ham. Stone-ground mustard, with its distinct texture and bolder, spicier kick compared to milder varieties, adds a rustic depth and complexity that truly elevates the glaze. The beauty of a spiral-cut ham is particularly evident here, as its pre-sliced nature allows both the brown sugar rub and the honey mustard glaze to seep deeply into every crack and crevice. This ensures that each slice is thoroughly infused with the sweet and tangy goodness, resulting in an incredibly moist, juicy, and flavorful slow cooked ham.
Your Simple Guide to Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Ham Perfection
Achieving this perfectly succulent honey mustard ham is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a stunning, flavorful centerpiece with minimal effort:
- Prepare Your Foil Wrapping: Begin by cutting two generous pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. They need to be long enough to completely wrap your ham securely. This foil acts as a protective cocoon, ensuring that the precious brown sugar rub and honey mustard glaze stay nestled tightly against the ham, preventing them from dripping to the bottom of the slow cooker and instead locking in maximum flavor and moisture.
- Whisk the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the honey and stone-ground mustard. Whisk them together until they are well blended and form a smooth, appetizing glaze.
- Create the Brown Sugar Paste: In a separate small bowl, mix the light brown sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of your newly prepared honey mustard mixture. Stir vigorously until you achieve a thick, spreadable paste. This small addition of liquid from the glaze helps the brown sugar adhere beautifully to the ham.
- Apply the Brown Sugar Rub: Place your spiral cut ham squarely in the center of your prepared foil. Now, take that rich brown sugar paste and generously rub it all over the ham. Don’t be shy; a thick, even layer is key to developing that incredible caramelized crust. Using the back of a spoon or your hands (gloves are handy here) works best for full coverage.
- First Glaze Application: Next, take about half of your honey mustard mixture and baste it over the ham. The sticky brown sugar layer will help the glaze cling to every surface and spiral cut. Remember to reserve the remaining half of the glaze for later.
- Wrap and Load the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of the aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking. Tightly wrap the ham, ensuring it’s sealed well within its foil layers. Carefully place the wrapped ham into your 7-quart (or appropriately sized) slow cooker.
- Set it and Forget it (Mostly): Place the lid securely on your slow cooker. Cook on the HIGH setting for the first hour. After that initial hour, reduce the heat to LOW and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process ensures deep flavor penetration and a wonderfully tender, juicy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Once the cooking time is nearing its end, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker (still in its foil, if possible) and check its internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful to avoid touching the bone, as the bone can give a falsely high reading. Your ham is perfectly cooked when it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Final Glaze and Serve: Carefully unwrap your beautifully cooked ham. The spiral cuts will have expanded, making it even easier to get into every nook and cranny. Generously brush the remaining honey mustard glaze over every bit of that ham. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to ensure maximum juiciness, then slice and serve this magnificent slow cooked honey mustard ham.
A wonderful advantage of using a fully cooked, spiral-cut ham is that you typically don’t need to add any liquid to the bottom of the slow cooker. The ham itself contains ample moisture, which will release during the slow cooking process, keeping it incredibly moist and juicy. As your ham finishes cooking, it will fill your home with an absolutely intoxicating aroma, signaling that a truly delicious meal is nearly at hand.
The Grand Finale: Final Glaze and Serving Your Perfect Ham
Once your slow-cooked ham has reached the ideal internal temperature, the moment you’ve been waiting for arrives: the careful unwrapping and final glazing. As you unwrap the ham from its foil cocoon, you’ll immediately notice how beautifully the spiral cuts have separated, creating perfect channels that are now primed to absorb every last drop of that delectable honey mustard glaze. This is the critical step for achieving a uniformly flavored and visually stunning holiday ham.
Take the reserved half of your honey mustard mixture and generously brush it over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to work the glaze down into every single crack and crevice of those spiral cuts. This final basting not only adds another layer of vibrant sweet and tangy flavor but also creates a gorgeous, glossy finish that makes the ham truly irresistible. Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every single slice is incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. Then, with a proud flourish, carve and serve this magnificent slow cooker honey mustard ham – a centerpiece that promises to impress your guests and satisfy every palate.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ham Every Time
- Selecting Your Ham: For optimal results, always choose a fully cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham. The spiral cuts are pre-sliced, which allows the rub and glaze to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring flavor in every bite. Bone-in hams tend to offer more flavor and retain moisture better than boneless varieties.
- Avoid Overcooking: While slow cookers are generally forgiving, it’s still possible to overcook ham, leading to dryness. Always aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and use a reliable meat thermometer to verify. Checking the temperature in multiple spots, away from the bone, ensures accuracy.
- The Importance of Resting: After cooking, resist the urge to carve immediately. Letting the ham rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10-15 minutes before carving is crucial. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the ham, resulting in a significantly more tender and juicy final product.
- Creative Leftover Ideas: Don’t let a single morsel of your delicious honey mustard ham go to waste! Leftovers are fantastic for a myriad of dishes. Think hearty ham sandwiches, savory ham and cheese quesadillas, diced into fluffy omelets or frittatas, mixed into a creamy ham salad, or added to soups, stews, and casseroles for a boost of flavor. The taste often deepens and improves overnight!
- Customizing Your Glaze: While this honey mustard glaze is perfection, feel free to experiment. For a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika. A splash of orange juice or apple cider can also brighten the flavor profile and add another layer of fruity sweetness.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Glazed Ham
A glorious centerpiece like this slow cooker honey mustard ham deserves equally delicious companions. This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making it perfect for any holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or special gathering. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Easy Homemade Hawaiian Rolls: The slightly sweet, incredibly soft, and fluffy texture of these 4-ingredient Hawaiian rolls (get the recipe here) provides a delightful contrast to the savory ham. They’re perfect for sopping up any extra glaze or for making miniature ham sliders with your leftovers.
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, dreamy, and utterly indulgent, these mashed potatoes infused with sharp cheddar cheese (recipe available) are an absolute classic pairing. The richness of the potatoes beautifully balances the ham’s sweetness and tang.
- Roasted Asparagus with Garlic: Simple roasted green vegetables, such as asparagus spears or green beans, tossed with a little olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, add a fresh, vibrant, and healthy element to the plate.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel: For an extra layer of sweetness and texture, a classic sweet potato casserole, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, is always a crowd-pleaser and complements ham wonderfully.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A rich, bubbling, and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese offers ultimate comfort food indulgence that pairs incredibly well with the savory notes of the ham.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whether you prefer homemade or a good quality store-bought variety, a dollop of tart cranberry sauce provides a bright, fruity counterpoint that cuts through the richness and enhances the entire meal.
Slow Cooked Honey Mustard Ham
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Ingredients
- 1 7-9 lb Hormel Bone-in Spiral Cut ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2/3 cup stone ground mustard
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
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Cut 2 pieces of aluminum foil long enough to completely wrap your ham.
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In a small bowl, mix together the honey and mustard.
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In another small bowl, combine the brown sugar with 2-3 Tablespoons of the honey mustard mixture, just enough to make your brown sugar into a thick paste.
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Rub the brown sugar all over the ham in a thick layer.
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Next, baste the ham with the honey mustard mixture, reserving half of the honey mustard for later use.
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Spray the foil with nonstick spray and tightly wrap the ham. Place in a 7qt slow cooker.
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Cook on high for 1 hour, then turn to low for another 5-6 hours.
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Carefully remove the ham and check the temp to ensure that the ham has reached a minimum of 140 degrees.
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Baste with remaining honey mustard and serve.
Nutrition
More Recipes for a Perfect Holiday Feast
Complement your show-stopping slow cooker ham with these delightful side dishes, designed to create a truly memorable holiday dinner. Each recipe is tried and true, ensuring a harmonious and delicious meal for your family and guests.
Embrace the joy of effortless entertaining this holiday season with this incredible slow cooker honey mustard ham. It’s a recipe meticulously designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal stress, leaving you more time to savor precious moments with loved ones and less time tethered to the kitchen. Indulge in the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors that make this ham an unforgettable and much-anticipated addition to any festive gathering. Happy cooking!