Imagine a glorious holiday spread – a beautifully glazed ham taking center stage, its glistening surface promising sweet, savory, and tender bites that melt in your mouth. The secret to this masterpiece isn’t as elusive as you might think, and we’re here to unveil the recipe that will make your gatherings unforgettable. Say goodbye to store-bought mediocrity and embrace the warmth, sweetness, and comfort of homemade Honey Glazed Ham.
The Honey Glazed Ham we’re about to create isn’t just a dish; it’s a work of art. An 8- to 10-pound bone-in spiral sliced ham, slow-cooked to perfection, and adorned with a glaze that’s a harmonious blend of honey, sugar, and spices. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that harmonize to deliver an unparalleled feast of comfort.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 pounds Bone-in spiral sliced Ham
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
- A Pinch of Allspice
Step-by-Step Guide to Honey Glazed Ham:
In a small bowl, create the delectable honey butter glaze by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the two together.
Prepare your crockpot and set it to the high setting, ensuring it’s well preheated and ready to work its magic in heating up the ham.
Gently separate the slices of the ham, giving them a bit of space by running your fingers through them. Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the ham slices with the honey butter mixture. Ensure the glaze gets between the slices to maximize the flavor infusion. Now, place the ham into the preheated crockpot and set it to cook on high for 2 hours. This will ensure the ham is heated thoroughly.
In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar with seasoned salt, onion powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and paprika.
After the crockpot has worked its magic, it’s time for the ham to receive a sugar coating. Transfer it to an oven-safe dish, and generously coat it with some of the sugar and spice mixture, saving about half for later. Switch your oven to the broiler setting, keeping a close watch. As the sugar on the ham begins to caramelize (which takes about 3-5 minutes), promptly remove the ham from the oven.
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining sugar mixture with 3 tablespoons of either water or the flavorful juices collected from the bottom of the slow cooker. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for approximately one minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat source.
To ensure the ham reaches its full glory, brush or drizzle the freshly prepared glaze over it. Return it to the broiler for another minute or two, being vigilant to prevent burning. Once done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for a comforting 5-10 minutes.
Whether you prefer it warm or cold, serve your Honey Glazed Ham, and indulge in the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tender flavors that await you.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Maintain an eagle eye during the broiling phase to avoid over-caramelization.
- This ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Variations:
- Experiment with different spices or even a touch of citrus for a unique twist on your glaze.
What to Serve With:
- Your Honey Glazed Ham is a versatile centerpiece that complements a wide range of sides. Try it with roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp and fresh garden salad.
Storage Tips:
- If there are any remnants (which is a rarity), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for a taste of comfort that’s as delicious as ever.
Recipe Card
Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until well combined.
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Preheat your crockpot on the high setting. This will be used to heat up the ham.
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Separate the slices of the ham slightly by running your fingers through them. Using a brush or spoon, generously brush the honey butter mixture over the ham slices. Make sure to get it between the slices for maximum flavor. Place the ham into the preheated crockpot. Cook the ham in the crockpot on high for 2 hours. This will heat it thoroughly.
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In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar with the seasoned salt, onion powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and paprika.
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After cooking in the crockpot, transfer the ham to an oven safe dish. Coat ham with some of the sugar and spice mixture (save about half of the sugar mixture). with the broiler setting turned on. Keep a close eye on it. As the sugar on the ham begins to caramelize (in about 3-5 minutes), remove the ham from the oven.
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In a small saucepan, combine the remaining sugar mixture with 3 tablespoons of either water or the juices collected from the bottom of the slow cooker. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for approximately one minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat source.
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Brush or drizzle the glaze over the ham, then broil it once more for a minute or two, ensuring it doesn’t burn. Take the ham out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve it either warm or cold and savor the deliciousness!
