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One of the key components of a delicious slow cooker brown sugar ham is the glaze. To ensure that the sweet and savory flavors penetrate the meat, it’s essential to apply the glaze correctly. After scoring the surface of the ham, generously brush the glaze over the top and into the scored cuts. This technique allows the sweet brown sugar and the savory elements of the glaze to seep into the meat, creating a flavorful crust that enhances each bite.

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham

Discover the magic of Sweet & Savory Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Ham, a dish perfect for any gathering. This recipe combines the delicious aromas of slow-cooked ham with a rich glaze made from brown sugar and honey, resulting in a tender, flavorful centerpiece. Ideal for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe simplifies preparation, allowing you to savor the moment with loved ones while enjoying melt-in-your-mouth slices of ham.
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Ingredients
  

1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds, bone-in)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra moisture)

Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This allows for better caramelization of the glaze.

    Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

      Place in Slow Cooker: Put the scored ham in your slow cooker. If using, pour pineapple juice around the ham to keep it moist.

        Apply the Glaze: Carefully brush or pour the glaze over the surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts for enhanced flavor.

          Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 6-8 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours, but low and slow yields the best results.

            Baste: About halfway through the cooking time, carefully baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker to help develop a rich, caramelized crust.

              Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, carefully remove the ham from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.

                Garnish and Serve: Slice the ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top and garnish with fresh herbs for presentation.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 6-8 hours | 10-12 servings