Save to Pinterest The kitchen was warm and smelled like cloves when I realized I had six hours until everyone arrived. Slow cooking a ham felt risky at first, but watching it turn glossy and bronze in the cooker became my favorite kind of patience. By the time I brushed on that final coat of glaze, I knew this would be the centerpiece people remembered.
I made this for a winter dinner when the house was full of voices and cold air kept sneaking in. The ham sat in the center of the table, shining under the lights, and people kept going back for seconds. Someone said it tasted like the holidays should, and I tucked that compliment away for years.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in ham (about 2.5 to 3 kg): Look for one with a good layer of fat on top because that keeps everything moist and helps the glaze stick beautifully.
- Honey: Use the real stuff, not the squeeze bottle kind, because it makes all the difference in flavor and shine.
- Brown sugar: Pack it tight when you measure so the glaze has that deep molasses sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: This adds a sharp bite that balances out all the sugar without overpowering anything.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acid brightens the whole glaze and cuts through the richness of the ham.
- Whole-grain mustard: Those little seeds add texture and a rustic look to the glaze.
- Ground cinnamon and cloves: Just enough spice to make it smell like a celebration without tasting like dessert.
- Orange slices: They release a subtle citrus perfume into the slow cooker and look gorgeous tucked around the ham.
- Whole cloves: Studding the ham with these makes it look impressive and adds tiny pockets of warm spice.
Instructions
- Prep the ham:
- Set the ham flat side down in your slow cooker and score the top in a diamond pattern, then press whole cloves into the intersections. It feels a little fancy, but it only takes a minute.
- Make the glaze:
- Whisk together honey, brown sugar, both mustards, vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves until smooth and glossy. The smell alone will make you hungry.
- Glaze and arrange:
- Pour the mixture over the ham, letting it drip into all those scored lines, then tuck orange slices around the sides. Cover it up and walk away.
- Slow cook:
- Set it on low for six hours and baste it with the pooled glaze every hour or so if you remember. The ham will turn a deep amber and smell incredible.
- Rest and thicken:
- Move the ham to a cutting board and pour the glaze into a saucepan, simmering it until it coats the back of a spoon. This takes about five to seven minutes.
- Slice and serve:
- Carve the ham into thick slices and brush each piece with that thickened glaze. Serve it warm and watch it disappear.
Save to Pinterest One year I forgot to simmer the glaze and just poured it straight over the sliced ham. It was fine, but not magic. The next time I reduced it properly and people asked what I did differently. Sometimes five extra minutes changes everything.
Storing and Reheating
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil and keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat slices gently in a skillet with a spoonful of glaze or use them cold in sandwiches with sharp mustard and pickles.
Flavor Variations
A splash of bourbon in the glaze gives it a smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the honey. You can also swap the orange slices for pineapple rings if you want a sweeter, more tropical vibe.
Serving Suggestions
This ham loves roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple arugula salad with lemon. Pour a crisp Riesling or sparkling cider and let the meal feel easy and abundant.
- Serve it with dinner rolls so people can make little sandwiches at the table.
- Drizzle extra glaze over roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a cohesive menu.
- Save the bone for soup because it adds incredible depth to beans or split peas.
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a whole ham out of the slow cooker, glossy and perfect, knowing you barely lifted a finger. This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a hero without breaking a sweat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the ham stays tender during cooking?
Slow cooking at low heat preserves moisture and breaks down connective tissues, resulting in a tender ham.
- → What spices enhance the honey glaze’s flavor?
Cinnamon, ground cloves, and both Dijon and whole-grain mustard add warmth and depth to the honey glaze.
- → Can I add alcohol to the glaze for more flavor?
Yes, a splash of bourbon enriches the glaze with subtle smoky notes without overpowering sweetness.
- → How should the ham be scored before cooking?
Score the surface in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze and cloves to penetrate and infuse flavor thoroughly.
- → What sides complement this honey glazed ham best?
Roasted root vegetables and a crisp white wine such as Riesling pair excellently with the sweet and savory notes.
- → Is the dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is gluten-free as long as mustard and vinegar labels are checked for hidden gluten.