Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar: A Holiday Favorite Made Effortless
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, a perfectly cooked ham often takes center stage. Its sweet and savory flavors, tender texture, and undeniable elegance make it a must-have dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and festive dinners. But preparing a ham can sometimes feel daunting—how do you achieve that juicy interior while infusing it with delicious, caramelized glaze? Enter the Crock Pot Ham with Brown Sugar, an easy yet impressive recipe that combines simplicity and flavor in the best way possible. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks like it took hours of meticulous preparation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Spiral-Cut Ham (8 lbs): The star of the show. Pre-sliced for convenience, a spiral ham ensures even distribution of glaze and is easy to serve.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds a caramel-like sweetness and depth to the glaze, helping it cling beautifully to the ham.
- Pure Maple Syrup (1 cup): Provides a rich, natural sweetness that complements the saltiness of the ham. Be sure to use real maple syrup for the best results.
- Pineapple Juice (1 cup): A touch of acidity brightens the glaze and enhances the ham’s natural flavors.
- Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and an elegant touch to the final presentation.
Instructions
Preparing the Ham
- Start by coating your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent the ham from sticking. A 7-8 quart crock pot works perfectly for an 8-pound ham.
- Place the spiral-cut ham in the crock pot, cut side down. This positioning ensures the juices stay within the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Creating the Glaze
- Generously rub the brown sugar over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the nooks and crannies of the spiral cuts. The sugar will melt into the meat as it cooks, creating a caramelized crust.
- Pour the maple syrup and pineapple juice over the ham. These liquids will infuse the meat with their sweet and tangy notes while forming the base of the glaze.
Slow Cooking
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the ham is heating evenly.
- The ham is ready when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 140°F. This ensures the meat is fully heated without becoming overcooked.
Enhancing the Glaze
Once the ham is cooked, the magic isn’t over yet. The liquid at the bottom of the crock pot is a treasure trove of flavor, perfect for creating a luscious glaze to pour over the finished dish.
- Transfer the liquid to a medium-sized saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the liquid for 6-8 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce.
The Final Touch
To serve, place the ham on a platter and drizzle it generously with the prepared glaze. For added flair, garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, along with slices of fresh fruit such as apples or oranges. The vibrant colors and aromatic herbs make for a stunning presentation.
Notes
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a spiral-cut ham that’s fully cooked, as the crock pot is best for reheating and enhancing flavors rather than cooking raw meat.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid drying out the ham. A thermometer is your best friend here.
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors like Dijon mustard, ground cloves, or orange zest for a unique twist.
- Plan Ahead: This recipe can be prepped the night before and cooked the day of, saving you time during busy holidays.