Step into the world of culinary sophistication with our Crockpot Bourbon & Honey Ham, a tantalizing blend of sweet honey and the rich depth of bourbon, slow-cooked to perfection. Elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with this show-stopping centerpiece that marries elegance and simplicity. Join us on a culinary journey as we guide you through the art of creating this delectable masterpiece, complete with cook notes, variations, and adaptations for both keto and low-carb lifestyles.
Ingredients:
For the Ham:
- 1 spiral-cut ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Glaze (Optional):
- Reserved liquid from the crockpot
- Additional honey and bourbon to taste
Instructions:
Step 1 – Prep the Crockpot:
- Place the spiral-cut ham in the crockpot, ensuring it fits comfortably.
Step 2 – Mix the Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and black pepper.
Step 3 – Glaze the Ham:
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the crevices of the spiral cuts. Save the remaining glaze for later use.
Step 4 – Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the ham for 4-6 hours. Baste the ham with the juices every hour to enhance flavor and moisture.
Step 5 – Create a Glaze Reduction (Optional):
- For an intensified glaze, transfer the remaining liquid from the crockpot to a saucepan. Simmer and reduce until the glaze reaches your desired thickness.
Step 6 – Glaze Again:
- In the last hour of cooking, brush the reduced glaze over the ham, ensuring a glossy finish.
Step 7 – Serve and Impress:
- Once cooked, transfer the ham to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze for that extra touch of indulgence.
Cook Notes:
- Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot and ham size. Larger hams may require a longer cooking duration.
- To prevent the ham from drying out, baste regularly and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Additional Tips:
- Experiment with different bourbon varieties to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
- Use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes for versatile meal options.
Variations:
Maple Glaze Magic: Swap honey for maple syrup and witness the transformation of your ham into a Maple Bourbon delight.
Pineapple Paradise: Introduce tropical notes by adding pineapple juice and chunks to the glaze for a Hawaiian-inspired twist.
Orange Zest Elegance: Elevate the citrus profile by incorporating fresh orange zest and juice into the glaze.
Keto Version:
Keto Sweetener Swap: Replace honey and brown sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit.
Keto-Friendly Bourbon: Ensure the bourbon used is low in carbs, and consider reducing the quantity if strict keto guidelines are followed.
Keto Glaze Thickness: Adjust the glaze thickness using xanthan gum or a keto-friendly thickener to maintain a low-carb profile.
Low-Carb Version:
Reduced-Sugar Glory: Cut down on honey and brown sugar quantities to align with low-carb preferences.
Alternative Sweeteners: Opt for low-carb sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to achieve the desired sweetness without the carb content.
Vegetable Medley Addition: Accompany the ham with a low-carb vegetable medley to create a balanced meal.
As you present the Crockpot Bourbon & Honey Ham to your guests, let the enchanting aroma and exquisite flavors speak volumes about your culinary prowess. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into tantalizing variations, or tailor it to specific dietary needs, this ham is a testament to the magic of slow cooking and the artistry of flavor infusion.
May the Crockpot Bourbon & Honey Ham become a signature dish in your repertoire, a go-to masterpiece for festive gatherings, or a delightful Sunday dinner. Revel in the simplicity of the preparation, relish the depth of flavors, and appreciate the adaptability that allows this recipe to cater to diverse tastes. It’s not just a ham; it’s a culinary masterpiece—a slow-cooked symphony that transforms a humble cut into a centerpiece of elegance and indulgence.
