Get ready to bring the taste of your favorite holiday ham right to your dinner table with this Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe. With its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors, tender spiral-sliced ham, and mouthwatering glaze, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this easy-to-make ham is guaranteed to impress. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating this delectable dish, along with cooking tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Ingredients:
- 8-pound ham, bone-in and spiral sliced
- 1.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 3 tablespoons of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika, ground ginger, and ground cloves
- A small amount of allspice, just a pinch
Instructions:
- Prepare Ham: Place the spiral-sliced ham in the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably. If necessary, trim any excess fat from the ham.
- Create Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, melted butter, honey, seasoned salt, onion powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, paprika, ground ginger, ground cloves, and a pinch of allspice. Stir until well combined.
- Apply Glaze: Pour the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it coats the entire surface. Use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the ham on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Baste (Optional): If desired, baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker every hour to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
- Serve: Once the ham is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving platter and spoon any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Choosing the Right Ham: Look for a bone-in, spiral-sliced ham for the best results. The spiral slicing allows the glaze to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Customize the Glaze: Adjust the sweetness and spice level of the glaze to suit your taste preferences. Add more honey for extra sweetness or increase the amount of spices for a bolder flavor.
- Enhance Flavor: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or orange juice to the glaze mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter for a keto-friendly fat source.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your keto macros, or omit it altogether and rely on low-carb sweeteners for sweetness.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of granulated sugar used in the glaze or substitute with a low-carb sweetener to lower the carb content.
- Choose a ham with minimal added sugars to further reduce the overall carb count of the dish.
- Use a combination of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the glaze without relying on added sugars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe? A: Yes, a pre-cooked ham works well for this recipe. Simply follow the instructions for applying the glaze and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the ham is heated through.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat besides ham? A: While this recipe is specifically designed for ham, you can experiment with other types of meat such as pork loin or turkey breast. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly based on the cut of meat used.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the slow cooker? A: Yes, this recipe can be adapted for oven cooking. Simply place the ham in a baking dish, apply the glaze, and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until heated through and caramelized.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply apply the glaze to the ham and cook according to the recipe instructions.
Elevate your dinner table with the irresistible flavors of Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham. With its tender, juicy meat and sweet, sticky glaze, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for special occasions and everyday meals alike. Whether served as the centerpiece of a holiday feast or enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner, this ham is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Experience the joy of homemade honey baked ham with this easy-to-follow recipe. From its simple preparation to its mouthwatering results, every bite is a taste of pure indulgence. So fire up your slow cooker and get ready to savor the flavors of this classic dish!
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the ultimate comfort food experience with this delicious slow cooker honey baked ham. Your taste buds will thank you!
