Imagine a ham so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with a tantalizing blend of sweet brown sugar and zesty orange glaze that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor revolution that will have your family and friends asking, "How did you make THIS?" Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a show-stopping main course, this foolproof recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigeration 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Carefully inspect the ham to ensure it is fully thawed if previously frozen. Pat the ham dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Trim any excess fat from the ham's surface, leaving a thin layer for additional flavor and moisture.
- Place the ham in the slow cooker, positioning it with the fat side facing up to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and ground cloves until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour approximately half of the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting during cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the ham for 5-6 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 1-2 hours to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for optimal serving temperature.
- Once done, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Optional: For a caramelized finish, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the meat.
Tips
- • Room temperature matters: Always let your ham sit out for 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.• Moisture is key: Basting every 1-2 hours keeps the ham incredibly juicy and helps develop a rich, caramelized exterior.• Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your ham reaches the perfect 140°F, ensuring it's both safe and succulent.• Glaze magic: Save some glaze for the final drizzle—it adds an extra punch of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.• Optional wow factor: The quick broil at the end creates a gorgeous caramelized crust that takes this ham from delicious to absolutely stunning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 666kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 0mg
