Best Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Spiral Ham

Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Crispy Caramelized Crust: A Holiday Showstopper

This slow cooker honey glazed spiral ham with crispy caramelized crust delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Imagine tender, juicy ham infused with sweet honey and warm spices, finished with a sticky glaze that caramelizes to perfection. Meanwhile, the slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you to focus on other dishes.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners, this recipe transforms an ordinary spiral ham into something extraordinary. The honey glaze creates a beautiful sheen while the slow cooking process ensures every bite stays moist. Best of all, you get that coveted crispy crust without babysitting the oven.

Quick Recipe Highlights

• Flavor Profile: Sweet honey balances perfectly with savory ham, while warm spices add depth
• Texture: Juicy interior contrasts with a crisp, caramelized exterior
• Aroma: Warm notes of honey, cloves, and brown sugar fill your kitchen
• Visual Appeal: Glossy amber glaze with caramelized edges makes a stunning centerpiece
• Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with foolproof slow cooker method
• Special Equipment: Just a standard slow cooker and basic kitchen tools

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ham

First, the taste combination will win over even picky eaters. The honey glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Additionally, the slow cooking process keeps the ham incredibly moist while developing deep flavor.

Second, the convenience factor can’t be beat. Unlike oven methods that require frequent basting, this recipe lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Furthermore, you free up valuable oven space for side dishes during busy holidays.

Nutritionally, ham provides high-quality protein while the honey glaze offers a natural sweetness. Comparatively, this version uses less sugar than traditional glazes. Importantly, you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives found in pre-glazed hams.

Entertaining becomes stress-free with this showstopping centerpiece. Guests always rave about the presentation and flavor. Similarly, leftovers make excellent sandwiches or breakfast hash the next day.

Cost-wise, spiral hams often go on sale during holidays. Consequently, this recipe delivers premium taste without breaking the bank. Moreover, the leftovers stretch your food budget further.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Spiral-cut ham forms the foundation of this dish. Look for a bone-in variety for maximum flavor. Typically, these come pre-cooked, making them ideal for slow cooker preparation. Most importantly, the spiral cuts allow the glaze to penetrate deeply.

Raw honey creates the base of our glaze. Unlike processed honey, raw varieties retain more nutrients and complex flavors. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Either way, the natural sweetness balances the ham’s saltiness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking can dry out even a slow cooker ham. Stick to the recommended time based on weight.
• Using too much liquid in the slow cooker prevents proper caramelization. A small amount suffices.
• Skipping the broiler step misses the chance for that perfect crispy crust.
• Not scoring the fat cap limits glaze absorption and caramelization.

Essential Techniques

Proper scoring makes all the difference. Using a sharp knife, create shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the fat cap. This technique allows the glaze to penetrate while helping the fat render. Additionally, it creates more surface area for caramelization during the final broiling step.

Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Ham

• Let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for even heating
• Line your slow cooker with foil for easier cleanup of sticky glaze
• Reserve some glaze for brushing during the last hour of cooking
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking

Frequently Asked Questions