This slow cooker balsamic honey ham is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The ham slowly simmers in a glaze of balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and aromatic spices, resulting in a juicy, flavorful dish. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or meal prep, this effortless recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing main course.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in or boneless ham both work well, but bone-in ham tends to be more flavorful.
- Score the Ham: Lightly scoring the ham allows the glaze to seep in and infuse the meat.
- Use a Liner: Slow cooker liners make cleanup much easier.
- Baste for Extra Flavor: Occasionally baste the ham with the glaze for even more depth of flavor.
- Finish in the Oven (Optional): For a caramelized crust, place the ham under the broiler for 5 minutes after slow cooking.
- Save the Drippings: Use the leftover glaze as a sauce or drizzle over mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed ham recipe, this balsamic honey ham is perfect. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the ham with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The balsamic vinegar adds depth, honey provides a subtle sweetness, and Dijon mustard balances the flavors with a slight kick.
This ham is not just for holidays; it’s an excellent choice for meal prep, sandwiches, and quick family dinners. The leftovers make amazing ham and cheese sliders, breakfast omelets, or even a delicious addition to soups. Plus, with minimal prep time and a foolproof cooking method, it’s a guaranteed success for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Balsamic Honey Ham
This slow cooker balsamic honey ham is tender, juicy, and packed with sweet and tangy flavors—perfect for holidays or family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Remove any packaging from the ham and place it on a cutting board. If it has a thick rind, score it lightly in a crisscross pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat for extra flavor.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent the ham from drying out. Place the ham inside, cut side down.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush or pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your ham. If using a smaller ham (5-6 lbs), reduce cooking time to 3-4 hours.
- Baste for Extra Flavor: Every hour, spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker over the ham to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Final Glaze and Broil (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, pour the remaining glaze over the ham. If you prefer a caramelized crust, transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top.
Notes
- This recipe works well for both bone-in and boneless hams.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing.
- If using a larger ham, increase the glaze ingredients proportionally.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 154Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 18mgSodium 273mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 0gSugar 26gProtein 4g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham (8-10 pounds) is ideal for this recipe. The bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. If using a smaller ham, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. It adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
- Honey: Natural honey provides a deep, floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with the balsamic vinegar. If you prefer, maple syrup can be substituted.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a mild spiciness that enhances the glaze and cuts through the sweetness.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: These add a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cinnamon and Cloves: A small pinch of these spices brings a warm, slightly festive flavor to the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: Caramelizes beautifully and enhances the overall sweetness of the ham.
- Butter: Helps create a rich, silky glaze.
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Version: Ensure your balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard are gluten-free.
- Honey Substitute: Maple syrup, agave syrup, or brown sugar can be used in place of honey.
- Spicier Version: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a kick.
- Pineapple Twist: Add a can of crushed pineapple or pineapple juice for a tropical sweetness.
- Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the honey and brown sugar, and use a sugar-free balsamic glaze.
- Oven Method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, bake the ham in a covered roasting pan at 325°F for 2-3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
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