Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

Enjoy the delightful experience of preparing a Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham. This dish stands out for its tender, juicy meat and a sweet yet tangy glaze that enhances the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just wanting to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is perfect for various occasions. The slow cooker makes it easy to achieve that impressive centerpiece with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and mustard creates a unique sweet and tangy glaze that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep for the week.
• Tender Texture: Slow cooking ensures your ham will be incredibly tender and juicy.
• Impressive Presentation: A beautifully glazed ham is sure to wow your guests at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, resulting in tender meat infused with flavor.
• Mixing Bowl: A must-have for combining your glaze ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are well blended for a uniform glaze consistency.
• Knife: Useful for scoring the ham and slicing it after cooking.

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)

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How to Make Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Score the surface of your ham if it has a thick layer of fat. Create a diamond pattern without cutting too deep into the meat. This technique allows the glaze to 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 to create a smooth glaze.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Place your prepared ham into the slow cooker and pour half of the glaze over it, ensuring an even coat.

Step 4: Cook the Ham

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4–6 hours. The ham should be heated through and tender when done. Remember to baste with remaining glaze every hour for extra flavor!

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker. Allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle any leftover glaze over slices before serving warm.

With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy hosting with this Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham as your centerpiece!

How to Serve Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

Serving your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham can elevate any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious dish.

Traditional Platter

• Arrange slices of ham on a large serving platter, drizzling the remaining glaze over the top for an attractive finish.

Sandwiches

• Serve thinly sliced ham on fresh bread with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese for a scrumptious sandwich option.

Salad Topping

• Use leftover ham slices as a topping on mixed greens or spinach salads. The sweet and tangy flavor complements the freshness of the greens.

Breakfast Hash

• Chop up leftover ham and mix it into a breakfast hash with potatoes and eggs for a hearty morning meal.

Charcuterie Board

• Include slices of honey mustard glazed ham on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, and fruits for an impressive appetizer spread.

Holiday Centerpiece

• Garnish the platter with seasonal fruits like oranges or cranberries to enhance the visual appeal for holiday gatherings.

How to Perfect Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

To ensure you achieve the best results with your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose the Right Ham: Opt for bone-in or boneless ham depending on your preference. Bone-in offers more flavor but requires carving.
• Score the Fat: Scoring the fat in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor and moisture.
• Baste Regularly: Basting the ham with glaze during cooking keeps it moist and flavorful. Aim to baste every hour.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aroma and taste. If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for better flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the ham to rest after cooking helps maintain its juices. This step is crucial for tender slices.
• Adjust for Size: Cooking times can vary based on the size of your ham. Always check internal temperature; it should reach at least 140°F.

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Best Side Dishes for Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

Pairing your Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham with delicious sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes in olive oil and roast until tender.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair beautifully with sweet glazed ham, creating a comforting side.
3. Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds add crunch and freshness to your plate.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors of the ham while adding texture to your meal.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of glazed ham.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers indulgence and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of honey mustard glaze.
7. Potato Salad: A classic potato salad adds creaminess and is perfect served cold alongside warm ham slices.
8. Stuffing: A savory stuffing filled with herbs adds a delightful element that works well during holiday meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the scoring: Failing to score the ham can prevent the glaze from fully penetrating and flavoring the meat. Make sure to score a diamond pattern on the fat for better results.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality honey or mustard can lead to a bland glaze. Invest in good-quality ingredients for a more flavorful outcome.
• Not basting frequently: If you forget to baste your ham, it may not get an even coating of glaze. Baste every hour to enhance flavor and moisture.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times can vary based on ham size and slow cooker settings. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s heated through without drying out.
• Neglecting resting time: Cutting into the ham right away can cause juices to escape. Always let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for optimal tenderness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover ham in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

• Wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil or place them in freezer-safe bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham

• Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham in a covered dish with a bit of broth or water to keep it moist while reheating for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Slice the ham and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of glaze or broth to keep them moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham?

Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham is a delicious dish where ham is cooked slowly with a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey and mustard.

How long does it take to cook Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham?

Cooking time typically ranges from 4-6 hours on low heat, depending on the size of your ham.

Can I use different types of mustard?

Yes, you can experiment with various mustards like whole grain or spicy brown for added flavor!

What should I serve with Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham?

This dish pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salads for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slowcooker Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Its sweet and savory flavors cater to diverse palates, making it perfect for holidays or family dinners. Feel free to customize the glaze by adding your favorite spices or herbs!