Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham: A Culinary Masterpiece Unveiled

Step into the world of culinary indulgence with our Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham – a recipe that brings the iconic flavors of a honey-glazed ham to the convenience of your slow cooker. Imagine the succulence of perfectly cooked ham, infused with the sweetness of honey, brown sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe not only captures the essence of the beloved Honey Baked Ham but elevates it to new heights by allowing you to effortlessly create this masterpiece in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a gourmet delight, this slow-cooked ham is sure to steal the show. Join us as we unveil the secrets to achieving a tender, flavorful ham that rivals the famous original.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 bone-in ham (7-9 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Prepare the Ham:

1. Select the Ham:
   • Choose a bone-in ham weighing between 7-9 pounds for optimal flavor and tenderness.
2. Score the Ham:
   • Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat.

Make the Glaze:

3. Mix Glaze Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice to create the glaze.

Slow Cooker Magic:

4. Place Ham in Slow Cooker:
   • Put the scored ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.
5. Brush with Glaze:
   • Generously brush the ham with the prepared glaze, covering it evenly.
6. Slow Cook on Low:
   • Set the slow cooker to low and cook the ham for 4-6 hours. Baste with the glaze every hour for a delightful infusion of flavors.

Glaze for the Finishing Touch:

7. Prepare Finishing Glaze:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and melted butter for the finishing glaze.
8. Apply Finishing Glaze:
   • As the ham nears completion, apply the finishing glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Rest and Slice:
   • Once the ham is cooked to perfection, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This ensures that the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender ham.
10. Slice and Serve Warm:
    • Slice the Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham, serve it warm, and bask in the admiration of your culinary masterpiece.

Cook Notes

• Selecting the Right Ham: Choose a bone-in ham for enhanced flavor, and ensure it fits comfortably in your slow cooker.
• Scoring for Flavor: Scoring the ham allows the glaze to seep into the meat, infusing it with a perfect balance of sweetness and spices.
• Basting Importance: Regular basting ensures that the ham remains moist and absorbs the delicious flavors of the glaze.
• Resting Time: Allowing the ham to rest before slicing is crucial for a juicy and succulent outcome.

Variations

Pineapple Paradise:

• Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a tropical twist that complements the ham’s natural sweetness.

Mustard Maple Symphony:

• Replace honey in the glaze with maple syrup and experiment with different mustard varieties for a unique flavor profile.

Citrus Infusion:

• Incorporate orange or pineapple juice into the glaze for a bright and citrusy dimension.

Keto Versions

Low-Carb Sweeteners:

• Substitute honey and brown sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit in both the ham and glaze.

Sugar-Free Maple Swap:

• Use sugar-free maple syrup as a replacement for honey to achieve a low-carb alternative.

Almond Flour Thickening:

• If a thicker glaze is desired, add a small amount of almond flour or xanthan gum as a keto-friendly thickening agent.

Low-Carb Versions

Vegetable Bed:

• Serve the ham over roasted or grilled low-carb vegetables instead of traditional sides like potatoes.

Cauliflower Mash Base:

• Replace mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a low-carb alternative.

Zucchini Noodles:

• Serve the ham alongside zucchini noodles for a carb-conscious option.

A Homage to Gourmet Elegance

In conclusion, our Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham isn’t just ham; it’s a culinary homage to gourmet elegance, combining the convenience of a slow cooker with the irresistible allure of honey-glazed perfection. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with variations, explore keto adaptations, or savor the low-carb alternatives, this ham promises to be the centerpiece of your table.

As you slice into each succulent portion, envision the joy that comes from creating a dish that captures the essence of a beloved classic. The Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham is not just a meal; it’s a promise of shared moments, holiday gatherings, and the creation of delicious memories. So, set your slow cooker aglow, let the aroma fill your kitchen, and relish in the anticipation of savoring a ham that brings the gourmet elegance of a Honey Baked Ham to your home. Cheers to the Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham – where every bite is a celebration of flavor, warmth, and the simple joy of a well-prepared dish!