Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare a honey ham? Look no further than your crock pot! Cooking a honey ham in a crock pot is not only convenient, but it also results in a flavorful and tender dish that your whole family will love.

Using a crock pot to cook a honey ham allows the meat to slowly cook and soak up all the delicious flavors. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the ham stays moist and juicy, while also allowing the honey glaze to caramelize and create a sweet and sticky coating.

To prepare your honey ham in a crock pot, start by selecting a bone-in, spiral-cut ham. These hams are already pre-cooked, so you just need to warm them up and infuse them with the flavors of the honey glaze. The spiral-cut allows the glaze to penetrate the meat, resulting in a perfectly flavored ham.

Next, mix together a glaze using honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cinnamon. This combination of ingredients creates a balance of sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory flavors of the ham. Pour the glaze over the ham in the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until heated through.

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The result is a beautifully glazed honey ham that is sure to impress your guests and make your taste buds dance with delight. Serve it as the centerpiece of a holiday feast or enjoy it as a comforting and indulgent meal any time of year. Cooking a honey ham in a crock pot is a foolproof way to achieve a flavorful and succulent dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Gathering the ingredients

Before you begin cooking your honey ham in a crock pot, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 honey ham
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

Make sure you have all these ingredients at hand before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and successful cooking process. Once you have everything ready, you can move on to the next step – preparing the honey ham for cooking.

Preparing the ham:

Before cooking the honey ham in a crockpot, there are a few steps you need to follow to prepare the ham:

Step 1:

Remove the honey ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture and allow the flavors to penetrate the ham better.

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Step 2:

Score the surface of the ham using a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will not only create an attractive presentation, but it will also help the glaze to penetrate the meat.

Step 3:

Place the ham in the crockpot. If the ham is too big to fit comfortably, you may need to trim it down to fit. Make sure to leave enough space around the ham for the air to circulate.

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Once you have finished preparing the honey ham, you can move on to the next steps of cooking it in the crockpot.

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Preparing the crock pot

Before you begin cooking your honey ham in the crock pot, it’s important to prepare the pot properly. Following these steps will help ensure that your ham cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

Step 1: Clean the crock pot

Start by thoroughly cleaning the crock pot with warm, soapy water. Rinse it well to remove any soap residue. This will help prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your honey ham.

Step 2: Grease the crock pot

After cleaning, lightly grease the crock pot with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will help prevent the ham from sticking to the pot during cooking.

Step 3: Line the crock pot

For easy cleanup and to avoid any potential cross-contamination, consider lining the crock pot with aluminum foil or a slow cooker liner. This will make it easier to remove the ham and any juices that accumulate during cooking.

Step 4: Set the crock pot temperature

Depending on your specific crock pot model, set the temperature to low or high, as recommended by your recipe. The low setting will result in a slower cook time, while the high setting will cook the ham faster.

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Step 5: Preheat the crock pot

Preheat the crock pot for about 10-15 minutes before adding the honey ham. This will help ensure that the ham starts cooking evenly from the beginning.

Step 6: Place the ham in the crock pot

Once the crock pot is preheated, carefully place the honey ham into the pot, making sure it fits comfortably. If necessary, trim the ham to fit. Secure the lid tightly to trap in the heat and moisture.

A properly prepared crock pot is essential for cooking a tender and delicious honey ham. By following these steps, you will be on your way to a mouthwatering meal!

Cooking the honey ham

Once you have prepared your honey ham and placed it in the crock pot, it’s time to start cooking.

Step 1: Set the crock pot to the low heat setting. This will allow the ham to cook slowly and become tender.

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Step 2: Cover the crock pot with a lid to help trap in the heat and moisture. This will help to ensure that the ham stays moist and flavorful.

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Step 3: Allow the honey ham to cook in the crock pot for 4-6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your ham and the heat settings of your crock pot.

Step 4: After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the lid from the crock pot. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 140°F (60°C).

Step 5: If the ham has reached the desired temperature, it is ready to be served. If not, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the desired temperature is reached.

Note: Cooking times may vary, so it is important to always check the temperature to ensure that the ham is fully cooked.

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Step 6: Once the honey ham is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the crock pot using tongs or a large fork. Place it on a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Glazing the ham

To add a beautiful caramelized glaze to your honey ham, follow these easy steps:

  1. Remove the ham from the crock pot and place it on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves.
  4. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
  5. Using a basting brush, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with the glaze.
  6. Place the glazed ham in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and turned golden brown.
  7. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
  8. Serve the glazed honey ham with its delicious caramelized coating, and enjoy!

Note: You can also broil the ham for a few minutes at the end to achieve an even more caramelized and crispy glaze, but be careful not to burn it.

Serving the honey ham

Once the honey ham is fully cooked and tender, it’s time to serve it to your guests. Here are some tips on how to present and enjoy your delicious honey ham:

1. Slicing the ham

Place the cooked honey ham on a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the ham, making it moist and flavorful. Using a sharp carving knife, slice the ham into thin, even slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter.

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2. Making the glaze

If desired, you can make a glaze to drizzle over the sliced honey ham. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cloves. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Serving the ham

Place the sliced honey ham on a serving platter and drizzle the glaze over the top. The warm glaze will enhance the sweetness and add a glossy finish to the ham. You can also serve the glaze on the side, allowing your guests to add it to their own taste.

Side dishes Wine pairing
Roasted vegetables Chardonnay
Scalloped potatoes Pinot Noir
Green bean casserole Riesling

4. Serving suggestions

The honey ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes and wines. Consider serving roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes, or green bean casserole alongside the ham. For wine pairing, a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Riesling would complement the flavors of the honey ham nicely.

5. Enjoying the honey ham

Serve the honey ham hot or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It can be enjoyed as the main course of a holiday meal or as part of a buffet spread. Leftover ham can also be used to make sandwiches or added to soups and salads for added flavor.

Q&A

What is a honey ham?

A honey ham is a type of ham that has been cured and then coated with a glaze made of honey, giving it a sweet and sticky flavor.

Can I cook a honey ham in a crock pot?

Yes, you can cook a honey ham in a crock pot. It is a great option if you want a hands-off cooking method that will result in a tender and flavorful ham.

What ingredients do I need to cook a honey ham in a crock pot?

To cook a honey ham in a crock pot, you will need a bone-in ham, honey, brown sugar, mustard, and optional spices like cloves or cinnamon.

How long does it take to cook a honey ham in a crock pot?

The cooking time for a honey ham in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the ham, but it usually takes around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.

Can I use a spiral-cut ham in a crock pot?

Yes, you can use a spiral-cut ham in a crock pot. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure that the ham is heated through.

Can I cook a honey ham in a crock pot?

Yes, you can definitely cook a honey ham in a crock pot. It’s a great way to cook a ham because it allows the meat to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors.