Imagine a ham so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with a tantalizing blend of sweet orange and golden honey that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. This Slow Cooker Orange Honey Ham is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is your secret weapon for creating a show-stopping main dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5 lbs)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Carefully place the fully cooked ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without being compressed.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to coat all exposed surfaces of the meat.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook the ham for 5-6 hours, basting with the glaze every 2 hours to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 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 the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Strain the remaining cooking liquid and use as an additional glaze or sauce when serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heating and helps prevent dry, tough meat.
- Glaze Distribution is Key: When pouring your orange-honey glaze, use a basting brush to ensure every inch of the ham gets coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Basting Frequency: Don't skip the basting step! Every two hours, spoon the cooking liquid over the ham to keep it moist and develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches at least 140°F (60°C). This guarantees both safety and optimal serving temperature.
- Resting Period: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and flavorful.
- Bonus Tip: Save the strained cooking liquid as a delicious sauce or glaze to serve alongside the ham for an extra flavor punch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 359kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
